Calculate Your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Enter the details below to determine your eligibility and estimated Maternity Statutory Pay.
Your Estimated Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Rates are based on current UK statutory guidelines and are subject to change.
| Week | Date Range (Approx.) | Weekly Pay (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Enter details and click 'Calculate SMP' to see your schedule. | ||
Weekly Statutory Maternity Pay Distribution
What is Maternity Statutory Pay (SMP)?
Maternity Statutory Pay (SMP) is the legal minimum amount of money an employer must pay to an employee who is taking time off work due to pregnancy and childbirth. It's a vital form of financial support designed to help new mothers during their maternity leave period in the UK. This maternity statutory pay calculator helps you understand your potential entitlement.
Who should use it? Any employed woman in the UK who is expecting a baby and meets specific eligibility criteria should use this calculator to estimate their SMP. It's crucial for financial planning during pregnancy and beyond.
Common Misunderstandings:
- SMP vs. Maternity Allowance: SMP is paid by your employer, while Maternity Allowance is a benefit paid by the government if you don't qualify for SMP (e.g., self-employed or not meeting SMP employment rules).
- Full Salary: SMP is usually less than your full salary. For the first 6 weeks, it's 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE), and then it drops to a lower flat rate or 90% AWE if that's lower.
- Duration: SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks, not the full 52 weeks of maternity leave you might be entitled to take.
Maternity Statutory Pay Calculator Formula and Explanation
The calculation for Statutory Maternity Pay involves several steps to determine eligibility and the amount payable. Our maternity statutory pay calculator automates these complex steps for you.
The core formula for SMP is:
Total SMP = (90% of AWE × 6 weeks) + (Statutory Flat Rate or 90% AWE, whichever is lower × 33 weeks)
However, this is only applicable if all eligibility criteria are met. The key variables are explained below:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| EWC | Expected Week of Confinement (your due date) | Date | Future date (typically 3-9 months from calculation) |
| Leave Start Date | The date you choose to begin your maternity leave | Date | Between 11 weeks before EWC and the EWC itself (or day after birth) |
| AWE | Average Weekly Earnings (gross, before tax) | £ (GBP) | £123.00 (LEL) to several thousands |
| Qualifying Week | The 15th week before the EWC | Date | Calculated from EWC |
| Relevant Period | The 8 weeks leading up to the Qualifying Week, used to calculate AWE | Date range | Specific 8-week period |
| Employment Duration | Continuous employment with the same employer | Weeks/Months | At least 26 weeks by the end of the Qualifying Week |
| Statutory Flat Rate | The standard weekly rate for SMP (reviewed annually) | £ (GBP) | £172.48 (2023/24) |
Practical Examples of Maternity Statutory Pay Calculation
To illustrate how the maternity statutory pay calculator works, let's look at a couple of realistic scenarios:
Example 1: Standard Eligibility with Good Earnings
Inputs:
- EWC: 15th March 2025
- Maternity Leave Start Date: 1st February 2025
- Average Weekly Earnings (AWE): £450.00
- Employment Start Date: 1st January 2023 (meets 26-week rule)
- Notice Given: Yes
Calculation:
- Qualifying Week ends: 30th November 2024 (15 weeks before EWC)
- Eligibility: Met (employed >26 weeks, AWE > LEL, notice given)
- First 6 weeks rate: 90% of £450 = £405.00 per week
- Remaining 33 weeks rate: £172.48 (statutory rate, as it's lower than 90% AWE)
Results:
- Total SMP: (£405.00 × 6) + (£172.48 × 33) = £2,430.00 + £5,691.84 = £8,121.84
- Weeks at Higher Rate: 6 weeks
- Weeks at Standard Rate: 33 weeks
Example 2: Meeting LEL, Lower Earnings
Inputs:
- EWC: 10th April 2025
- Maternity Leave Start Date: 1st March 2025
- Average Weekly Earnings (AWE): £150.00
- Employment Start Date: 1st July 2023 (meets 26-week rule)
- Notice Given: Yes
Calculation:
- Qualifying Week ends: 26th December 2024
- Eligibility: Met (employed >26 weeks, AWE > LEL, notice given)
- First 6 weeks rate: 90% of £150 = £135.00 per week
- Remaining 33 weeks rate: £135.00 (as 90% AWE is lower than the statutory rate of £172.48)
Results:
- Total SMP: (£135.00 × 6) + (£135.00 × 33) = £810.00 + £4,455.00 = £5,265.00
- Weeks at Higher Rate: 6 weeks
- Weeks at Standard Rate: 33 weeks (at 90% AWE)
How to Use This Maternity Statutory Pay Calculator
Our maternity statutory pay calculator is designed for ease of use, but understanding each input helps ensure accuracy:
- Expected Week of Confinement (EWC): Input your baby's due date. This is critical for determining your "Qualifying Week" and thus your eligibility and the relevant period for AWE calculation.
- Maternity Leave Start Date: Select the date you plan to start your maternity leave. Remember, this can be no earlier than 11 weeks before your EWC, or the day after the birth if earlier.
- Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) before tax: This is your gross average weekly pay over an 8-week period. Your employer should be able to provide this, or you can calculate it from your payslips for the 8 weeks leading up to the end of your Qualifying Week. Ensure this figure is accurate for a correct SMP estimate.
- Date you started employment with your current employer: This helps verify if you meet the continuous employment rule (at least 26 weeks by the end of the Qualifying Week). For more details on this, refer to our guide on maternity leave eligibility.
- Notice Given: Confirm you have given your employer at least 28 days' notice for your maternity leave. This is a mandatory requirement for SMP.
Once all details are entered, click 'Calculate SMP'. The results section will display your total estimated SMP, weekly breakdown, and an eligibility assessment. The chart and table provide a visual and detailed payment schedule.
Key Factors That Affect Maternity Statutory Pay
Several factors can influence your eligibility for and the amount of Statutory Maternity Pay you receive. Understanding these helps ensure you use the maternity statutory pay calculator effectively:
- Continuous Employment: You must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks continuously into the "Qualifying Week" (the 15th week before your EWC). If you don't meet this, you may not qualify for SMP.
- Average Weekly Earnings (AWE): Your AWE in the relevant 8-week period must be at or above the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) for National Insurance contributions. For 2023/24, this is £123 per week. If your AWE is below this, you won't qualify for SMP, but might be eligible for Maternity Allowance. Learn more about average weekly earnings calculation.
- Notice to Employer: You must inform your employer at least 28 days before you want your SMP to start. Failure to do so can delay payments or affect your eligibility.
- Employment Status: SMP is only for employed individuals. If you are self-employed or recently stopped working, you might be eligible for Maternity Allowance instead.
- Timing of Leave: While you can start maternity leave up to 11 weeks before your EWC, starting it later or earlier (e.g., if the baby comes prematurely) can impact the exact dates of your SMP period.
- Statutory Rates Changes: The flat rate for SMP is reviewed annually by the government. Our calculator uses current rates, but be aware that future rates may differ. Stay updated on statutory maternity pay rates.
- Working During Leave: If you work for your employer during your SMP period (excluding up to 10 'Keeping in Touch' days), your SMP payments may stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Maternity Statutory Pay
Q1: What is the "Qualifying Week"?
A1: The Qualifying Week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due (your Expected Week of Confinement, EWC). Your eligibility for SMP is assessed based on your employment status and earnings in this week.
Q2: What if my Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) are below the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL)?
A2: If your AWE is below the LEL, you will not qualify for SMP. However, you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance, which is a government benefit. You can explore our Maternity Allowance calculator for more information.
Q3: How is my Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) calculated?
A3: Your AWE is usually calculated based on your gross earnings (before tax and National Insurance) over an 8-week period ending with the last payday before the end of your Qualifying Week. Your employer performs this calculation.
Q4: Can I get SMP if I'm self-employed?
A4: No, SMP is only for employed individuals paid by an employer. If you are self-employed, you might be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the government.
Q5: How long is Statutory Maternity Pay paid for?
A5: SMP is paid for a maximum of 39 weeks. This is typically the first 39 weeks of your maternity leave.
Q6: What happens if my baby is born early or late?
A6: If your baby is born early, your SMP usually starts the day after the birth. If born late, your SMP period still starts on your chosen leave start date or the day after the birth, whichever is earlier, but the EWC date remains important for eligibility. This maternity statutory pay calculator assumes your baby is born on or after your chosen leave start date.
Q7: Can I share my maternity pay with my partner?
A7: Yes, some of your maternity leave and pay can be converted into Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and Shared Parental Pay (ShPP). This allows parents to share leave after the first two weeks of compulsory maternity leave. You can find more information on shared parental leave.
Q8: Are the SMP rates used in this calculator current?
A8: Yes, this maternity statutory pay calculator uses the latest available UK statutory rates (e.g., for 2023/24). However, these rates are reviewed annually by the government and may change in future tax years. Always confirm with official government sources or your employer for the most up-to-date information.