Skip to main content
GovMath.

Family & Benefits · April 2025 rate

Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator

SMP runs 39 weeks: the first 6 at 90% of your average weekly pay, then 33 weeks at the lower of £187.18/week or 90%. Total leave can be 52 weeks, but the final 13 are unpaid.

£

Calculated over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week (15 weeks before EWC).

39-week SMP total

£9,957

Across 39 paid weeks (then 13 weeks unpaid)

Breakdown

  • Weeks 1–6 @ £630.00/wk (90% AWE)
    £3,780
  • Weeks 7–39 @ £187.18/wk
    £6,177
  • Total over 39 weeks
    £9,957

How we calculated your result

AWE = total earnings over the 8 weeks ending with the qualifying week (15th week before expected childbirth), divided by 8. Weeks 1–6: 90% × AWE, no cap. Weeks 7–39: lesser of £187.18 or 90% × AWE. Final 13 weeks of leave: unpaid (or contractual maternity pay if your employer offers more).

Official UK rules in simple English

  • SMP rate £187.18/week from April 2025.
  • Eligibility: 26 weeks continuous service by qualifying week; AWE ≥ £125/wk Lower Earnings Limit.
  • Employer pays SMP, then reclaims 92% (or 103% for small employers).
  • Tax & NI deducted as normal income.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ AWE includes bonuses but timing matters

    If a bonus lands inside the 8-week reference period, AWE jumps. Outside it, it doesn’t count. Some women time conception to maximise this.

  • ⚠ Salary sacrifice can hurt AWE

    If you sacrifice salary for childcare vouchers or pension, AWE is calculated on the post-sacrifice figure — reducing SMP.

  • ⚠ Employer top-up rarely matches contractual

    Many employers offer enhanced maternity pay (e.g. full pay for 13 weeks). Check your contract — could mean thousands extra.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't qualify for SMP?
You may qualify for Maternity Allowance (£187.18/wk for 39 weeks) via DWP — slightly different eligibility, often for self-employed.
Can I take leave and return early?
Yes — must give 8 weeks’ notice of return date. You can claim Shared Parental Leave with your partner from week 2 onwards.

Statutory minimum only. Many employers offer enhanced maternity pay schemes.

Related calculators

More tools in Family & Benefits.