Free · UK SMP 2025/26
UK Maternity Leave Calculator
Work out your Statutory Maternity Pay, the earliest date your leave can start, all key calendar dates across your 52-week leave, and your return-to-work date — based on current UK guidance.
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SMP vs Maternity Allowance
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid by your employer if you have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week (15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth) and earn above the Lower Earnings Limit (£123/week in 2025/26). Maternity Allowance is paid by the DWP if you don’t qualify for SMP but have worked and paid Class 2 NICs in the 66 weeks before your due date.
The qualifying week & MATB1 form
Your midwife issues a MATB1 certificate around week 20–21 confirming your estimated due date. You must give this to your employer, along with written notice of when you intend to start leave, by the end of the 15th week before your due date.
How SMP is paid
- Weeks 1–6: 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax).
- Weeks 7–39: the lower of £184.03/week (2025/26 rate) or 90% of your earnings.
- Weeks 40–52: unpaid — though you still accrue holiday and continue to be employed.
Keeping in Touch (KIT) days
You can work up to 10 KIT days during leave without it affecting your SMP, at a rate negotiated with your employer — useful for training days or big project hand-offs.
Shared Parental Leave & paternity
Partners are entitled to 1–2 weeks of statutory paternity leave. From week 6 of your maternity leave, you can curtail it and convert remaining weeks into Shared Parental Leave, splitting up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between both parents.
Frequently asked questions
When must I tell my employer I’m pregnant?
By the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth (i.e. the qualifying week). You must give written notice including your chosen leave start date.
Can I change my leave start date?
Yes, with 28 days’ written notice (unless your baby comes early, in which case leave starts the day after birth automatically).
What if I have twins?
SMP and maternity leave are the same as singleton — you don’t receive double pay. Consider budgeting accordingly.
Is SMP taxed?
Yes, SMP is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance like normal pay.
What if I’m self-employed?
You apply for Maternity Allowance through the DWP, not SMP. The calculator only covers SMP — see gov.uk for MA.
Related tools
Related reads
Calculations based on standard obstetric formulas and WHO guidance. For medical decisions, always consult your doctor or midwife.