Becoming a parent is an exciting time, but it can also bring financial concerns. Many expectant mothers wonder what financial support they are entitled to while taking time away from work to care for their new baby.
Understanding what Statutory Maternity Pay is can help you plan your finances, know your employment rights and avoid common mistakes when preparing for maternity leave.
This guide explains everything you need to know in simple language, including who qualifies, how much you could receive, how payments are made, eligibility rules, how to apply, and what happens if your circumstances change.
Whether you work full time, part time, on a temporary contract or through an agency, this guide will help you understand how Statutory Maternity Pay works in the United Kingdom.
Statutory Maternity Pay, often called SMP, is a legal payment that eligible employees receive from their employer when they take maternity leave after becoming pregnant or giving birth. It is normally paid for up to 39 weeks, provided you meet the qualifying conditions relating to employment length and earnings. Your employer pays the money through their payroll in the same way as your normal wages.
Statutory Maternity Pay is money paid by employers to eligible employees during maternity leave.
Although the payments come from your employer, most employers reclaim much or all of the money from the Government through the tax system.
The purpose of Statutory Maternity Pay is to provide financial support while you take time away from work to recover from childbirth and care for your baby.
It is different from maternity leave.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who pays it | Your employer |
| Maximum payment period | 39 weeks |
| Maximum maternity leave | 52 weeks |
| Taxable | Yes |
| National Insurance payable | Yes, where applicable |
| Application | Through your employer |
You may qualify if you are employed and meet certain employment and earnings conditions.
You generally need to:
Many people incorrectly believe only full time workers qualify.
In reality, you may qualify if you work:
You usually qualify if you:
The qualifying week is normally the fifteenth week before your baby is due.
| Requirement | Must Be Met |
| Employee status | Yes |
| Continuous employment | Yes |
| Minimum earnings | Yes |
| Pregnancy notification | Yes |
| MATB1 certificate | Usually required |
| Maternity leave | Yes |
Your average weekly earnings must normally be at least equal to the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance.
Your employer calculates your average earnings over a specified period before your qualifying week.
Income considered may include:
If your earnings fall below the required level, you may not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay but could instead qualify for Maternity Allowance.
No.
Your savings do not affect your entitlement.
Unlike many means tested benefits, Statutory Maternity Pay is based on your employment history and earnings rather than your household income or savings.
Whether you have:
your savings alone do not prevent you receiving Statutory Maternity Pay if you otherwise qualify.
Statutory Maternity Pay is paid in two stages.
You receive:
90 percent of your average weekly earnings before tax.
There is no fixed maximum during this period because it is based on your own wages.
You receive:
whichever amount is lower.
Government rates can change each tax year, so always check the latest official figures before planning your finances.
| Period | Payment |
| Weeks 1 to 6 | 90 percent of average weekly earnings |
| Weeks 7 to 39 | Standard SMP rate or 90 percent of earnings, whichever is lower |
Payments are made in the same way as your normal wages.
Yes.
Your Statutory Maternity Pay can usually begin any time from the eleventh week before your baby is due.
However, it may start earlier if:
Unlike many benefits, you do not normally apply directly to the Government.
Instead, you claim through your employer.
The process is usually straightforward.
Tell your employer you are pregnant.
Inform them when you want your maternity leave to begin.
Provide your MATB1 certificate issued by your midwife or doctor.
Your employer confirms your entitlement and arranges payment through payroll.
If your employer decides you are not eligible, they must explain why and provide the appropriate form so you can explore claiming Maternity Allowance if applicable.
Most employees will need:
Having these documents ready can help avoid delays.
You can carry out limited work using Keeping In Touch days.
These are commonly known as KIT days.
You may work up to ten KIT days during maternity leave without automatically ending your maternity leave or Statutory Maternity Pay.
Any arrangements should be agreed between you and your employer.
Sometimes.
Examples include:
| Change | Possible Outcome |
| Baby arrives early | Payments may begin sooner |
| Change employer | Eligibility may change |
| Return to work early | Payments may end earlier |
| Redundancy | Special rules may apply |
| Pregnancy related illness | Payments could start earlier |
Always inform your employer if your circumstances change.
Many payment delays happen because important information is submitted late.
Avoid these common mistakes.
Sarah has worked for the same supermarket for three years.
She earns above the qualifying earnings level.
She informs her employer, provides her MATB1 certificate and begins maternity leave six weeks before her due date.
She qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay.
Emma recently changed jobs and has only worked for her employer for twelve weeks before her qualifying week.
She does not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay because she has not worked for the employer long enough.
However, she may qualify for Maternity Allowance instead.
Rebecca works part time in a local pharmacy.
Although she only works sixteen hours each week, she has worked there continuously for several years and earns above the qualifying threshold.
She qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay.
Yes. Part time employees can qualify if they meet the employment and earnings rules.
Yes. It is subject to tax and National Insurance where applicable.
Possibly. Your overall entitlement depends on your household circumstances and income.
No. Self employed people generally cannot receive Statutory Maternity Pay but may qualify for Maternity Allowance.
Up to 39 weeks.
Your employer pays you directly through payroll and usually reclaims most or all of the cost from the Government.
Possibly. You may qualify separately for each employer if you meet the conditions with each one.
Your maternity pay may begin earlier than originally planned.
Only if you do not meet the qualifying conditions.
They must explain their decision.
You should check whether you are entitled to Maternity Allowance or other financial support.
Depending on your circumstances, you could also qualify for:
| Benefit | Main Purpose |
| Statutory Maternity Pay | Income during maternity leave |
| Maternity Allowance | Support if SMP is unavailable |
| Child Benefit | Financial support for raising children |
| Universal Credit | Help with living costs |
| Sure Start Maternity Grant | One off payment for eligible families |
The most reliable information is available through official Government guidance.
Useful resources include information on:
Always use official Government guidance when confirming payment rates, qualifying earnings limits and application requirements, as these may change.
This article has been reviewed against current United Kingdom Government guidance relating to:
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, benefit rules and payment rates can change. Individual circumstances may also affect entitlement.
Understanding what Statutory Maternity Pay is can give you greater confidence as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. Although the rules may seem complicated at first, the basic principles are straightforward. If you have worked for your employer for long enough, earn above the qualifying earnings level and provide the required notice and documentation, you may receive up to 39 weeks of financial support while on maternity leave.
Planning ahead, speaking with your employer early and keeping your paperwork organised can help ensure that payments start on time and that you receive everything you are entitled to.
Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.
Information on this site is based on official UK guidance.
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