How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?

For pregnant women who qualify for maternity leave.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks:

90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks.
£194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks.
It's paid like your wages, with tax and National Insurance deducted.
It usually starts when your maternity leave starts.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Up to 39 weeks
90% for first 6 weeks
Then £194.32 a week or 90%, whichever is lower

Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27

Weeks	What you get
First 6 weeks	90% of your average weekly earnings before tax
Next 33 weeks	£194.32 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower
Total	Up to 39 weeks

To qualify on earnings, you must earn at least £129 a week on average (the threshold in 2026/27). In 2025/26 the weekly rate was £187.18 and the threshold £125.

Worked example

If you earn £600 a week before tax:

weeks 1 to 6: 90% of £600 = £540 a week, so £3,240 in total
weeks 7 to 39: £194.32 a week (as 90% of £600 is more than this), so £6,412.56 in total
total over 39 weeks: about £9,652.56, before tax and National Insurance

Statutory Maternity Pay is paid by your employer in the same way as your wages, so tax and National Insurance are deducted.

Who can get it

You usually qualify if you:

are an employee (not self-employed)
have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before your due week
earn at least £129 a week on average
give your employer the right notice and proof of pregnancy (usually form MATB1 from your midwife or GP)

Your employer's own maternity scheme may pay more. Check your contract.

If you cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay

You may be able to get Maternity Allowance from the government instead, at up to £194.32 a week. This can apply if you are self-employed, recently changed jobs or earn less than the threshold. Your employer must give you form SMP1 within 7 days explaining why you do not qualify, which you use to claim.