Maternity Pay on Minimum Wage: What You'll Get in 2026/27

Maternity Pay on Minimum Wage — What You'll Receive

If you're earning the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, you're probably wondering whether you'll qualify for maternity pay and how much you'll get. The good news is that most minimum wage workers do qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, and there are additional benefits to help top up your income.

National Living Wage Rates for 2026/27

From April 2026, the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21+) is £12.71 per hour. If you work full-time (37.5 hours/week), your weekly earnings are approximately £476.63, which is well above the Lower Earnings Limit of £129 per week required for SMP.

For part-time workers, the key question is whether your average weekly earnings reach the £129 threshold. If you work at least approximately 10.2 hours per week at the National Living Wage, you should qualify.

SMP on Minimum Wage — The Numbers

If you earn the National Living Wage full-time (approximately £24,785/year):

•Weeks 1-6: 90% of £476.63 = £428.96 per week

•Weeks 7-39: £194.32 per week (the flat rate)

•Total gross SMP: Approximately £8,986 over 39 weeks

For your personalised calculation, use our Maternity Pay Calculator.

After Tax

Because your maternity pay is relatively low, the tax impact is minimal:

•During weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week, your annualised earnings are about £10,105 — below the Personal Allowance of £12,570

•This means zero Income Tax during the flat-rate period

•National Insurance is also nil during flat-rate weeks (below the Primary Threshold of £242/week)

Use our Take-Home Pay Calculator for your exact after-tax figures.

Part-Time Workers on Minimum Wage

If you work part-time, your SMP depends on your average weekly earnings:

•20 hours/week at £12.71: £254.20/week → Qualifies for SMP. Weeks 1-6 at £228.78/week, then £194.32/week

•16 hours/week at £12.71: £203.36/week → Qualifies for SMP. Weeks 1-6 at £183.02/week, then £183.02/week (90% is less than flat rate)

•12 hours/week at £12.71: £152.52/week → Qualifies for SMP. Weeks 1-6 at £137.27/week, then £137.27/week

•10 hours/week at £12.71: £127.10/week → Does not qualify (below £129 threshold)

If you don't reach the £129 threshold, you should check your eligibility for Maternity Allowance instead.

Additional Benefits for Low-Income Families

As a minimum wage earner, you may qualify for several additional benefits that significantly boost your income during maternity leave:

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is available to all parents regardless of income. You'll receive £27.05/week for your first child and £17.90/week for additional children. The High Income Child Benefit Charge doesn't apply until income reaches £60,000.

Universal Credit

If your household income drops during maternity leave, you may become eligible for Universal Credit. This can include:

•A child element of approximately £3,455/year per child

•Help with housing costs

•A childcare element covering up to 85% of childcare costs

Sure Start Maternity Grant

If you're on certain benefits and expecting your first child, you can claim a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby.

Healthy Start Vouchers

If you're on benefits and pregnant or have children under 4, you can get vouchers worth £4.25/week (£8.50 while pregnant) to spend on milk, fruit, vegetables, and infant formula.

Council Tax Reduction

If your income drops during maternity leave, check with your local council about Council Tax reduction — many councils offer significant discounts for low-income households.

Zero-Hours Contracts and Maternity Pay

If you work on a zero-hours contract, you may still qualify for SMP if:

•You've been continuously employed for 26 weeks by the qualifying week

•Your average weekly earnings over the 8-week reference period are at least £129

The challenge with zero-hours contracts is the fluctuation in hours. If your hours have been reduced in the reference period, your AWE may fall below £129. If you don't qualify for SMP, apply for Maternity Allowance.

Financial Planning on a Low Income

When money is tight, planning ahead is even more important. Here's what we recommend:

1.Apply for benefits early — don't wait until your baby is born to check your entitlement

2.Claim Child Benefit immediately after the birth — it can be backdated only 3 months

3.Budget for the flat-rate drop — the transition from your first 6 weeks to the flat rate is significant

4.Use KIT days — you can work up to 10 Keeping In Touch days during maternity leave for extra income

5.Check for local support — many local authorities offer additional grants and support for new families

Read our complete financial planning for maternity guide for more strategies.

Your Rights Are the Same

Regardless of your income level, your maternity leave rights are identical to higher earners. You're entitled to 52 weeks of leave, protection from dismissal, paid antenatal appointments, and the right to return to your job. Don't let anyone suggest otherwise.

Next Steps

•Calculate your exact SMP with our free calculator

•Check your Maternity Allowance eligibility

•Plan your maternity leave dates

•Calculate your Child Benefit