Updated October 2026
2026/27 · GOV.UK rates · Not advice
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) UK 2026/27
SMP rates: Weeks 1–6 = 90% of average weekly earnings. Remaining weeks = lower of £194.32 or 90% AWE. SMP weekly rate applies from 5 April 2026 (GOV.UK).
Official guides: Maternity pay and leave · Employer rates 2026–27
SMP at a glance
| First 6 weeks | 90% of AWE |
| Remaining weeks (statutory cap) | £194.32 / week (or 90% AWE if lower) |
| Related: Shared Parental / Adoption remaining weeks | Same £194.32 / 90% AWE rule |
Source: GOV.UK rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027. Eligibility and leave length: gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the first 6 weeks, SMP is 90% of average weekly earnings. For the remaining weeks it is the lower of £194.32 or 90% of AWE. The SMP weekly rate applies from 5 April 2026 (GOV.UK employers rates table).
Statutory Maternity Pay can be paid for up to 39 weeks if you qualify. Leave rules are separate — check GOV.UK maternity pay and leave.
No. This page restates published GOV.UK statutory rates only. Use the official maternity planner and employer calculators on GOV.UK for your dates.
About this guide
This calculator is maintained by UKMinimumWage.co.uk using published GOV.UK rates for 2026/27. Last updated October 2026. This site is not HMRC-endorsed.