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Work & maternity

UK maternity pay in 2026: what you’re entitled to

Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance, shared parental leave and KIT days — your full UK rights, the current rates, and what to do if your employer isn’t paying correctly.

Reviewed by the Nursery Advice editorial teamLast updated 31 May 2026Next review 30 April 2027Editorial standards

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks: the first 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings (no cap), then 33 weeks at £187.18 per week or 90% of your earnings (whichever is lower)1.

On top of SMP you have the right to 52 weeks of maternity leave regardless of how long you’ve worked there — 26 weeks of "ordinary" leave and 26 of "additional".

Who qualifies for SMP

You qualify for SMP if, by the end of the 15th week before your due date (the "qualifying week"), you have:

  • Been continuously employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks.
  • Earned at least £125 a week on average (the "lower earnings limit", 2025–2026 rate).
  • Given your employer correct notice (at least 28 days before you want pay to start).
  • Provided proof of pregnancy (a MAT B1 form from your midwife or GP, available from 20 weeks).

Don’t qualify? You may still get Maternity Allowance

Self-employed, recently moved jobs, or earning under the threshold? You may qualify for Maternity Allowance:

  • Paid for up to 39 weeks at £187.18 a week or 90% of earnings.
  • Need to have worked at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date.
  • Apply via the DWP from 26 weeks pregnant.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL)

Birth parents can shorten their maternity leave and share the remaining time and pay with their partner — up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay. Either parent can take SPL in up to 3 separate blocks, including at the same time.

It needs careful planning and 8 weeks’ notice. ACAS has a free guide, and many HR departments will run the numbers for you.

KIT days and going back to work

  • You can do up to 10 KIT (Keeping in Touch) days during maternity leave without losing SMP — paid at your normal rate.
  • You give your employer at least 8 weeks’ notice to change the date you return.
  • You have the right to return to the same job after ordinary leave (first 26 weeks) — or a suitable equivalent after additional leave.
  • Pay rises that happen while you’re on leave still apply to you. Bonuses that depend on service usually accrue.

If something goes wrong

  • If your employer says you don’t qualify and you think you do, ask for it in writing and contact HMRC’s Statutory Payments Disputes Team.
  • If you’re made redundant during maternity leave, you have enhanced rights — your employer must offer any suitable alternative role ahead of other candidates.
  • For discrimination at work because of pregnancy or maternity, Maternity Action and ACAS both offer free advice.

Frequently asked questions

When does SMP start?
You can choose, but it must start no earlier than 11 weeks before your due date and no later than the day after the birth. Most parents start it the day they go on leave.
Do I pay tax on SMP?
Yes — SMP is treated like normal pay and is subject to tax and NI.
What’s "enhanced" maternity pay?
Many employers offer more generous maternity pay than the statutory minimum (e.g. full pay for 12 weeks, half pay for 12). It’s contractual, not statutory — check your employee handbook.
Can my partner get paid leave?
Yes — Statutory Paternity Pay is 2 weeks at £187.18 or 90% of earnings. Some employers enhance this too.

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About this guide & sources

Every numerical claim in this guide is sourced from UK government, NHS or recognised charity publications. We re-check each source on the article’s review date.

  1. GOV.UK — Maternity pay and leave — Pay (retrieved 2026-05-14)
  2. GOV.UK — Maternity Allowance — eligibility (retrieved 2026-05-14)

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