Answers · UK 2025/26
How much is maternity pay in the UK for 2026/27?
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) 2026/27 is 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32/week (or 90% of AWE if lower) for the next 33 weeks — 39 weeks total. Maternity Allowance is available for those who don't qualify for SMP.
Full answer
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) provides up to 39 weeks of pay when taking maternity leave in the UK, paid by the employer (who reclaims most of it from HMRC). The 2026/27 rates: Weeks 1–6: 90% of your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE). AWE is calculated from earnings in the 8 weeks before your Qualifying Week (the 15th week before your baby is due). Weeks 7–39: £194.32/week (the statutory weekly rate for 2026/27), or 90% of AWE if that is lower — so if your AWE-based 90% is under £194.32/week, you get 90% AWE; if above £194.32, you get the flat rate. SMP is subject to Income Tax and NI deductions in the same way as other employment income. To qualify for SMP you must: have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks up to your Qualifying Week; have average weekly earnings of at least £123/week (Lower Earnings Limit 2026/27); give your employer at least 28 days' notice; provide medical evidence (MATB1 certificate). If you don't qualify for SMP (self-employed, recently changed jobs, insufficient earnings), you may claim Maternity Allowance through DWP: £184.03/week for 39 weeks, or 90% of AWE if lower. Many employers offer enhanced maternity pay above SMP — often 100% of salary for a period (typically 12–26 weeks) as part of their contract terms. Shared Parental Leave allows parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave, with Statutory Shared Parental Pay at the same rate as SMP for eligible weeks.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.