UK Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator
Estimate the gross statutory maternity-pay schedule for an employee whose eligibility is already established. Separate the first six weeks from the later statutory phase.
Rule year: 2026/27 · GBP · Sources checked
Gross statutory maternity pay over entered weeks
Eligible employee, constant reviewed rate effective 5 April 2026, whole payable weeks. No eligibility prediction, maternity allowance, employer enhanced top-up, partial-week payroll rounding, tax/NI deductions, keeping-in-touch adjustments or annual rate change during leave. A zero-earnings example is arithmetic only, not an eligibility decision.
For informational purposes only. This estimate is not financial advice, a tax return, a payroll calculation or a lender decision. See the supported circumstances and exclusions below.
How this calculator works
Statutory Maternity Pay has two phases: the first six payable weeks use 90% of average weekly earnings; later weeks use the lower of that amount and the reviewed statutory weekly rate. This page totals a chosen number of payable weeks up to 39 and shows the phase amounts separately. The average earnings reference period, qualifying dates and employment eligibility must be established outside the calculator.
Formula and rules
First-phase total = min(weeks, 6) × 90% of average weekly earnings. Later total = max(0, weeks − 6) × min(90% of average earnings, £194.32). Gross total = both phases.
Assumptions and limitations
Eligible employee, constant reviewed rate effective 5 April 2026, whole payable weeks. No eligibility prediction, maternity allowance, employer enhanced top-up, partial-week payroll rounding, tax/NI deductions, keeping-in-touch adjustments or annual rate change during leave. A zero-earnings example is arithmetic only, not an eligibility decision.
Worked example
At £500 average weekly earnings, the first six weeks pay £450/week (£2,700). The next 33 pay £194.32/week (£6,412.56), giving £9,112.56 gross over 39 weeks.
- Gross statutory maternity pay over entered weeks
- £9,112.56
- Weekly pay for first six weeks
- £450.00
- Weekly pay after first six weeks
- £194.32
- First-phase total
- £2,700.00
Official sources and review
Reviewed against the sources below on 2026-10-07. Rates are held in versioned rule modules. Versioned rules, official source review and year-specific calculation tests.
- GOV.UK: Statutory Maternity Pay ↗
Six weeks at 90% earnings, up to 33 at lower of 90% or £194.32; eligibility established separately.
- HMRC: Rates and thresholds 2026 to 2027 ↗
Regional PAYE bands, Category A NI, student-loan plans and current minimum wage.
Common questions
Does everyone qualify for this payment?
No. Employment continuity, qualifying dates and average-earnings requirements apply. Establish eligibility with the employer or official guidance first.
Is the total take-home pay?
No. It is gross statutory pay before actual payroll tax and NI, and excludes contractual enhancement.
Can rates change during maternity leave?
Yes. This model holds the reviewed rate constant. A schedule crossing a future rate change needs a separate rate review.