Answers · UK 2025/26
How much is statutory maternity pay in the UK 2025/26?
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for 2025/26 is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of 90% AWE or £187.18/week for the next 33 weeks. Total SMP runs for 39 weeks; maternity leave is up to 52 weeks.
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UK Statutory Maternity Pay for 2025/26: first 6 weeks paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) with no cap. Weeks 7 to 39: the lower of 90% AWE or £187.18/week (statutory rate from 6 April 2025). Total SMP duration: 39 paid weeks. You can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave; the final 13 weeks are unpaid (unless your employer offers enhanced terms). Eligibility: continuously employed by the same employer for 26 weeks by the qualifying week (15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth), and average weekly earnings of at least £125 (Lower Earnings Limit). If you don't qualify for SMP, you may get Maternity Allowance instead (£187.18/week for 39 weeks). Tax and NI are deducted from SMP. Many employers offer enhanced contractual maternity pay — check your contract. Shared Parental Leave (ShPL) allows splitting up to 50 weeks of leave (37 paid) between partners.
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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.