Maternity & Paternity Pay Calculator

Calculate your UK statutory parental pay — updated for 2026 rates (£194.32/week flat rate)

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This is your average pay over the 8 weeks before your 'qualifying week'.

Common Questions

How does the "90% for 6 weeks" rule work?

For the first 6 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay, you receive 90% of your average weekly earnings with no upper limit. If you earn £1,000 a week, you'll get £900. After that, for 33 weeks, you get the lower of the flat rate (£194.32 in 2026) or 90% of your earnings.

What if I earn very little on zero-hours?

To qualify for SMP, you must earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL), which is usually around £123 per week. If you earn less than this, you may not get SMP but could be eligible for Maternity Allowance from the government instead. Our calculator helps you see what your SMP would be if you qualify.

What is the "qualifying week"?

The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week the baby is due. To get SMP, you must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks leading up to that qualifying week.

How long is Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) paid for?

Statutory Paternity Pay is paid for 1 or 2 consecutive weeks. The rate is the lower of £194.32 (2026) or 90% of your average weekly earnings.

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Enter your details to see your estimated statutory pay entitlement.

2026 Statutory Rates

  • SMP Flat Rate: £194.32
  • SPP Flat Rate: £194.32
  • Qualifying Earnings: £123/week
  • SMP Duration: 39 weeks
  • SPP Duration: 1 or 2 weeks

UK Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Rules for 2026

Understanding your maternity rights is crucial when planning for a new arrival. In 2026, the UK's Statutory Maternity Pay system continues to provide a vital safety net for working parents. SMP is paid for a total of 39 weeks, divided into two distinct periods.

For the first six weeks, employees receive 90% of their average weekly earnings with no upper cap. This is particularly important for higher earners or those in specialized professions like teaching or the NHS, though many such roles also offer enhanced occupational maternity pay. For the subsequent 33 weeks, the payment is either the statutory flat rate of £194.32 or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower.

Maternity Pay for Zero-Hours and Part-Time Workers

One of the most common questions is how maternity pay works for those on irregular or zero-hours contracts. As long as you meet the service requirement (26 weeks with the same employer) and earn above the Lower Earnings Limit during the 8-week assessment period, you are entitled to SMP. If your earnings vary, your 90% rate will be based on the average of what you actually earned in that period, ensuring that even variable-income workers receive support.

If you don't qualify for SMP, you might still be able to claim Maternity Allowance (MA) through Jobcentre Plus, which provides a similar level of support for those who are self-employed or haven't been with their employer long enough.