how much is statutory maternity pay
In the UK, Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks , and the amount depends on your average weekly earnings and the current government‑set rate.
Current SMP rate (2025/26 tax year)
For babies due before 6 April 2026 , the standard rate for the later 33 weeks is £187.18 per week (or 90% of your average weekly earnings , whichever is lower).
For the first 6 weeks , you get 90% of your average gross weekly earnings with no upper limit.
New rate from April 2026
From 6 April 2026 , the standard weekly cap for SMP (and several other family‑leave payments) will rise to £194.32 per week.
The structure stays the same:
- First 6 weeks : 90% of your average gross weekly earnings (no cap).
- Next 33 weeks : the lower of £194.32 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings.
Quick‑reference table (SMP structure)
| Period | How SMP is calculated | Rate example (2025/26) | Rate from 6 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 6 weeks | 90% of average gross weekly earnings (no upper limit) | 90% of your weekly pay | Same structure |
| Next 33 weeks | Lower of £187.18 or 90% of average weekly earnings | £187.18 (if that’s lower than 90% of your pay) | £194.32 cap (from 6 Apr 2026) |
Who qualifies?
To get SMP you generally need:
- To have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due.
- To earn at least the lower earnings limit (around £125–£129 per week on average, depending on the tax year).
If you don’t qualify for SMP you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead, which uses a similar weekly rate cap.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.