Becoming a parent is an exciting time, but it can also bring financial concerns. Understanding how to apply for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) can help you prepare for maternity leave and ensure you receive the financial support you are entitled to while away from work.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Statutory Maternity Pay, including who qualifies, how much you could receive, how to apply, important deadlines, common mistakes to avoid and what other support may be available during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Whether you work full time, part time or on a flexible contract, this guide will help you understand the process in clear, straightforward language.
You do not normally submit an application to the Government for Statutory Maternity Pay. Instead, you tell your employer that you are pregnant, give the required notice, and provide a MAT B1 certificate from your midwife or doctor. If you meet the eligibility requirements, your employer pays Statutory Maternity Pay through their payroll in the same way as your wages.
Statutory Maternity Pay is a legal payment made by employers to eligible employees who take maternity leave following pregnancy.
It helps replace part of your income while you are away from work after having a baby.
Unlike many other benefits, SMP is paid by your employer rather than directly by the Government. Employers usually recover most or all of these payments from HM Revenue and Customs through the tax system.
Statutory Maternity Pay is available for up to 39 weeks if you meet the qualifying conditions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Paid by | Your employer |
| Maximum payment period | 39 weeks |
| Maternity leave available | Up to 52 weeks |
| Taxable | Yes |
| National Insurance deducted | Yes where applicable |
You may qualify if you:
Employees on permanent, temporary and many fixed term contracts can qualify provided the eligibility rules are met.
Agency workers and casual workers may qualify depending on their employment status.
To receive SMP you must normally satisfy all of the following conditions.
You must have worked continuously for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the qualifying week.
The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due.
Your average weekly earnings must be at least equal to the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance purposes during the relevant calculation period.
You must tell your employer:
You will normally provide a MAT B1 certificate issued by your:
The certificate is usually available from around 20 weeks into your pregnancy.
Yes.
Unlike means tested benefits, SMP is based on your employment earnings rather than your household income.
Your employer calculates your average weekly earnings over the relevant period before your qualifying week.
If your average earnings are below the Lower Earnings Limit, you may not qualify for SMP. However, you may instead qualify for Maternity Allowance.
| Earnings Situation | Possible Outcome |
| Earnings above qualifying limit | May qualify for SMP |
| Earnings below qualifying limit | May qualify for Maternity Allowance instead |
| Self employed | Usually claim Maternity Allowance rather than SMP |
No.
There are no savings limits for Statutory Maternity Pay.
Whether you have:
your savings do not affect your entitlement.
This is because SMP is based on employment and earnings rather than financial need.
Statutory Maternity Pay is usually paid in two stages.
You receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax.
You receive whichever is lower:
The Government reviews the standard SMP rate annually, so always check the latest figures before planning your finances.
| Payment Period | Amount |
| Weeks 1 to 6 | 90% of average weekly earnings |
| Weeks 7 to 39 | Standard SMP rate or 90% of earnings if lower |
Payments are normally made on your usual payday.
Income tax and National Insurance are deducted where applicable.
Applying is generally straightforward.
Tell your employer you are pregnant.
Inform them when you intend your maternity leave to begin.
Provide your MAT B1 certificate.
Your employer checks whether you qualify.
If eligible, your employer begins paying SMP through payroll.
If your employer decides you do not qualify, they should provide written confirmation explaining why. This allows you to explore other support, including Maternity Allowance if appropriate.
| Stage | Action |
| Pregnancy confirmed | Inform employer |
| Around 20 weeks | Receive MAT B1 certificate |
| At least 15 weeks before due week | Give employer required notice |
| Maternity leave starts | Employer begins SMP if eligible |
You will usually need:
Your employer may ask for additional information if necessary.
Avoid these common errors.
Tell your employer as early as possible.
Give the required notice within the correct timescales.
Without medical evidence, payment could be delayed.
Self employed people generally claim Maternity Allowance rather than SMP.
Review your maternity payments carefully to ensure they have been calculated correctly.
Sarah works full time in retail.
She has worked for her employer for three years and earns above the qualifying earnings threshold.
She tells her employer about her pregnancy, provides her MAT B1 certificate and begins maternity leave.
She receives:
Emily recently started a new job.
Although she is pregnant, she has not worked for her employer long enough to qualify for SMP.
Her employer confirms she does not qualify and provides the relevant paperwork.
Emily successfully applies for Maternity Allowance instead.
Aisha works part time.
Although she only works three days each week, she meets the continuous employment and earnings requirements.
She qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay in exactly the same way as a full time employee.
Yes. Part time employees can qualify if they meet the employment and earnings requirements.
No. Your employer usually handles the payment.
You may be able to complete Keeping in Touch days under maternity leave rules without ending your maternity leave. Normal work rules still apply.
Yes.
Income tax and National Insurance may be deducted.
Possibly.
Your entitlement depends on your household circumstances and income.
Ask them for a written explanation. If you believe the decision is incorrect, you can seek advice and request that the decision is reviewed.
Some agency workers qualify if they are employees and meet the employment rules.
No.
Receiving Statutory Maternity Pay does not prevent you claiming Child Benefit if you qualify.
Yes.
However, you should give your employer the required notice before returning earlier than planned.
Eligibility depends on your employment history during the qualifying period. Changing employers can affect whether you qualify for SMP.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for:
Many families receive more than one form of support at the same time.
The following Government services provide the latest guidance:
These sources provide up to date information on payment rates, qualifying earnings and employment rights.
This article has been prepared using current UK Government guidance relating to Statutory Maternity Pay, maternity leave and employment legislation.
Because payment rates, qualifying earnings thresholds and employment regulations can change each tax year, always check the latest official Government guidance before making financial decisions or submitting information to your employer.
Knowing how to apply for Statutory Maternity Pay can make planning for maternity leave much easier. In most cases, the process is handled directly between you and your employer rather than through a Government application.
The most important steps are to notify your employer on time, provide your MAT B1 certificate and ensure you meet the employment and earnings requirements. If you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you may still be entitled to Maternity Allowance or other financial support.
Planning ahead and understanding your rights can help you focus on preparing for the arrival of your baby with greater financial confidence.
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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