Short answer: Statutory Maternity Pay is 90% of your average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week (or 90% if lower) for 33 weeks. Tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date.
Statutory Maternity Pay (2026/27)
| Weeks | What you get |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 6 | 90% of your average weekly earnings |
| Weeks 7 to 39 | £194.32 a week, or 90% of earnings if lower |
| Weeks 40 to 52 | Unpaid (unless your employer pays more) |
To get SMP you usually need to have worked for your employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due week and earn at least £129 a week on average. If you don't qualify, you may get Maternity Allowance instead, up to £194.32 a week.
Key dates
- 15 weeks before your due date: tell your employer you're pregnant, your due date and when you want leave to start.
- 28 days before you want SMP to start: give notice and proof of pregnancy (your MATB1 form from your midwife or GP).
- 11 weeks before your due week: the earliest your leave can start.
- After the birth: you must take at least 2 weeks off (4 if you work in a factory).
- 52 weeks: the most maternity leave you can take.
Your partner may be able to share some of the leave and pay through Shared Parental Leave.
Ready to go?
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Sources: GOV.UK: maternity pay, GOV.UK: maternity leave, GOV.UK: Maternity Allowance. Checked 28 October 2026.