What maternity pay am I entitled to?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks of maternity leave. To qualify you must have been employed by the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth (known as the qualifying week), and your average weekly earnings must be at least £123 (the lower earnings limit). If you qualify, SMP is paid as follows: for the first six weeks, 90% of your average weekly earnings with no upper cap; for the remaining 33 weeks, the lower of 90% of your average weekly earnings or the flat weekly rate of £184.03 (from April 2025). SMP is a taxable benefit and subject to National Insurance. You can take up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave in total (Ordinary Maternity Leave plus Additional Maternity Leave), but SMP only covers the first 39 weeks. During any remaining weeks you receive no SMP, though you remain employed with protected rights. You must tell your employer you are pregnant at least 15 weeks before your due date and give notice of when you intend to start leave. Your employer cannot dismiss you or subject you to detriment for taking maternity leave. Some employers offer enhanced contractual maternity pay above the statutory minimum, so check your employment contract.