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Maternity Pay UK: Complete Guide

Understanding maternity pay in the UK can feel overwhelming when you are already dealing with the physical and emotional demands of early pregnancy. This guide breaks down what you are entitled to, how to claim it, and what extra support may be available to you.

Table of Contents

  1. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
  2. Maternity Allowance
  3. When to Claim
  4. Additional Financial Support
  5. Frequently Asked Questions

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

SMP is paid by your employer if you meet the eligibility criteria. The current structure is:
  • Weeks 1 to 6: 90% of your average weekly earnings (no cap)
  • Weeks 7 to 39: £184.03 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings — whichever is lower

This gives you up to 39 weeks of paid leave in total. You can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, but the final 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers an enhanced policy.

To qualify for SMP you must:

  • Have worked for the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your due date (this is called the "qualifying week")
  • Earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (currently £123 per week on average) during the eight weeks before your qualifying week
  • Give your employer at least 28 days' notice of when you want your SMP to start
  • Provide your MATB1 certificate as proof of your due date

Your employer reclaims the cost of SMP from HMRC, so they cannot refuse to pay it if you qualify.

Maternity Allowance

If you do not qualify for SMP — for example, because you are self-employed, recently changed jobs, or work on a zero-hours contract — you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance instead. This is claimed directly from the government, not your employer.

Maternity Allowance pays up to £184.03 per week (or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower) for up to 39 weeks. To qualify, you generally need to have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date, and to have earned at least a minimum weekly amount during a set number of those weeks.

You claim Maternity Allowance through your local Jobcentre Plus or online via GOV.UK. You can start your claim from 26 weeks pregnant, and payments can begin from 11 weeks before your due date.

When to Claim

The timings differ depending on which payment you are claiming:
  • SMP: Notify your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date. Give them your MATB1 certificate, which your midwife will provide around 20 weeks.
  • Maternity Allowance: Claim as early as 26 weeks pregnant. Do not wait — there is no benefit to delaying, and some payments can only be backdated for a limited period.

It is worth having a conversation with your employer's HR department early in your second trimester, even just informally, so you understand what enhanced pay (if any) they offer on top of SMP.

Additional Financial Support

Depending on your income and circumstances, you may also be entitled to:
  • Healthy Start vouchers: If you are on certain benefits and are at least 10 weeks pregnant, you can get vouchers to spend on fruit, vegetables, pulses, and milk.
  • Sure Start Maternity Grant: A one-off tax-free payment of £500 if you are expecting your first child and are on qualifying benefits.
  • Universal Credit: If your household income drops significantly during maternity leave, you may qualify or qualify for more UC than you currently receive.
  • Free NHS prescriptions and dental care: All pregnant women in the UK are entitled to free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment throughout pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth. Ask your midwife for a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MATEX).
  • Child Benefit: Claimable once your baby is born. Start the claim promptly as it is not backdated beyond three months.
  • Tax-Free Childcare: When you return to work, this government scheme helps cover registered childcare costs.

If money is tight, speaking to your midwife or GP can also open doors to local support services, food banks, or charitable grants you may not be aware of.

Frequently Asked Questions

### How much is maternity pay in the UK?

SMP is 90% of your average earnings for the first six weeks, then £184.03 per week (or 90% of earnings if lower) for the next 33 weeks — 39 weeks total. Maternity Allowance follows similar rates if you do not qualify for SMP. Your employer may offer enhanced contractual pay on top of this, so check your employment contract or speak to HR.

When should I tell work about maternity leave?

You must notify your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date. Most people do this informally earlier and then confirm formally in writing. Give your employer your MATB1 certificate when you receive it from your midwife at around 20 weeks.

What if I am self-employed or a contractor?

You will not receive SMP, but you can claim Maternity Allowance through Jobcentre Plus. Self-employed women who pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions are eligible. Contractors working through a limited company may be able to pay themselves SMP through the company — an accountant can advise on this.

Always speak to your midwife or GP if you are unsure what support you are entitled to, or contact Citizens Advice for free, impartial guidance on your specific circumstances.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Benefit rates and eligibility rules can change; always check GOV.UK or Citizens Advice for the most current figures.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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