How Much Is Maternity Statutory Pay Currently?

You’ll get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks when you become eligible. SMP is designed to support you financially during your maternity leave. Understanding how much maternity statutory pay is currently can help you plan your finances effectively.

The first 6 weeks pay you 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. After that, you’ll receive a fixed weekly rate of £145.18 or 90% of your weekly earnings—whichever is lower—for the remaining 33 weeks.

SMP is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.

Keep going to find out how SMP is calculated and other important details about maternity pay. This information ensures you know exactly what to expect during your maternity leave.

Key Takeaways

• SMP pays 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks before tax deductions.
• For the next 33 weeks, SMP is £172.48 per week or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower (rate as of April 2024).
• Average weekly earnings are calculated over an 8-week period ending before the qualifying week.
• SMP is subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions like normal earnings.
• Total SMP entitlement lasts up to 39 weeks, with payments made weekly or monthly via payroll.

What Is Statutory Maternity Pay And Who Qualifies?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a government-mandated benefit your employer pays you during maternity leave if you qualify. To be eligible for SMP, you need at least 26 weeks of continuous employment by the end of the qualifying week, which is usually 15 weeks before your due date. Your weekly earnings must also meet a minimum threshold set by the government.

If you meet these criteria, you’ll receive SMP for up to 39 weeks. During the first 6 weeks, you get paid 90% of your average weekly earnings. After that, SMP is paid at a standard weekly rate or 90% of your weekly earnings—whichever is lower.

Knowing your eligibility helps guarantee you get the financial support you deserve during maternity leave.

When Does SMP Start And How Long Does It Last?

Once you know you qualify for SMP, the next step is understanding when your payments will start and how long they’ll last. Statutory Maternity Pay usually begins when your maternity leave starts, which can be up to 11 weeks before your expected week of childbirth. If you go into labor early, SMP starts automatically.

The total payment period lasts up to 39 weeks, divided into Ordinary and Additional Maternity Pay.

Here are key points to remember:

• SMP can start no earlier than 11 weeks before your due date
• You must notify your employer at least 15 weeks before the qualifying week
• SMP covers 39 weeks in total
• The first 6 weeks pay 90% of your average weekly earnings
• The remaining 33 weeks pay at a capped or lower rate

How Much SMP Will You Receive? (Overview)

You’ll receive Statutory Maternity Pay over a total of up to 39 weeks, with different rates during that time. For the first 6 weeks, you get 90% of your average weekly earnings, then a set standard rate or 90% of earnings—whichever is lower—for up to 33 more weeks.

Let’s break down how these payments work and what to expect during your maternity leave.

SMP Payment Breakdown

How much maternity pay you’ll get depends on your average weekly earnings and how long you’ve been eligible. The SMP rate is split into two parts: the first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your weekly earnings before tax.

For the remaining 33 weeks, you’ll receive either the standard statutory pay rate or 90% of your weekly earnings—whichever is lower.

• The first 6 weeks pay 90% of your average weekly earnings
• The next 33 weeks pay £145.18 or 90% of earnings, whichever’s less
• SMP is paid automatically into your bank account
• Tax and National Insurance are deducted from statutory pay
• SMP can last up to 39 weeks in total during maternity leave

This breakdown helps you understand what to expect from your SMP payments.

Payment Duration Details

Understanding the duration of your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) helps you plan your finances during maternity leave. SMP lasts for up to 39 weeks and is paid in two stages. For the first 6 weeks, you’ll receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax.

After that, for the remaining 33 weeks, payments drop to the statutory rate or 90% of your weekly earnings—whichever is lower. As of April 2018, the statutory rate stands at £145.18 per week. These payments are made automatically through payroll, with tax and National Insurance deductions applied.

Knowing this payment duration and how your weekly earnings affect your SMP ensures you can budget effectively throughout your maternity leave.

How Is SMP Calculated For The First 6 Weeks?

Because the first 6 weeks of maternity leave are essential, SMP is calculated at 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. This Statutory Maternity Pay ensures you receive fair support early on. The SMP calculation uses your average weekly earnings from the relevant 8-week period ending with the qualifying week.

Here’s what you should know:

• The 8-week period includes your pay immediately before maternity leave starts.
• SMP at 90% applies even if your earnings vary or exceed the SMP rate.
• Tax and National Insurance are deducted from SMP during these 6 weeks.

This method guarantees consistent pay reflecting your usual income. Understanding weekly earnings is key for accurate SMP calculation. This approach helps maintain your financial stability during those critical first weeks.

What Are SMP Rates For The Remaining 33 Weeks?

For the remaining 33 weeks of your maternity leave, SMP is paid at either £145.18 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings—whichever is lower. This SMP rate is reviewed annually and may increase, but as of April 2018, £145.18 is the capped amount. Your statutory pay during these weeks will be subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions.

If your weekly earnings are less than the SMP rate, you’ll receive 90% of those earnings instead. Employers must make sure the SMP calculations don’t exceed the capped rate or the 90% threshold. Understanding how this SMP rate applies helps you know what to expect in your maternity pay over the bulk of your statutory pay period.

How Your Average Weekly Earnings Determine SMP Pay

Since your average weekly earnings directly impact the amount of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) you receive, it’s important to know how this figure is calculated. Your average weekly earnings are based on the 8-week period ending with the last payday before the qualifying week. This calculation includes all taxable earnings like wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and statutory sick pay.

If your pay varies, weeks with unusually low earnings due to illness or absence may be excluded to give a fair average. For monthly-paid employees, monthly pay is converted to weekly pay by multiplying by 12 and dividing by 52. This average weekly earnings figure then determines your SMP amount.

• Covers taxable earnings over 8 weeks
• Includes bonuses and commissions
• Adjusts for low-earning weeks
• Converts monthly pay to weekly pay
• SMP paid based on this average weekly earnings

How SMP Is Paid And What Deductions Apply

You’ll receive Statutory Maternity Pay automatically in your bank account over 39 weeks, starting with 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks.

After that, you’ll get a standard rate or 90% of your earnings if it’s lower.

Keep in mind, tax and National Insurance contributions will be deducted before the money reaches you.

SMP Payment Schedule

Although Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) covers up to 39 weeks, the payment schedule varies depending on the stage of your maternity leave. For the first 6 weeks, you’ll receive 90% of your average weekly wages before tax.

After that, statutory pay switches to either the standard rate or 90% of your weekly wages—whichever is lower—for the remaining 33 weeks. Your employer typically pays SMP through payroll, depositing the money directly into your bank account, usually weekly or monthly.

• First 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly wages
• Next 33 weeks at standard statutory pay or 90% of weekly wages
• Payments align with your employer’s payroll schedule
• SMP is paid directly into your bank account
• Employers reclaim SMP from HMRC via payroll system

This SMP payment schedule guarantees you receive consistent support during maternity leave.

Tax And NI Deductions

When you receive Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), you’ll notice that income tax and National Insurance contributions are deducted just like with your regular wages. For the first six weeks, SMP is paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax, so your tax and National Insurance deductions are based on that amount.

For the following 33 weeks, SMP is either the standard rate (currently £145.18 per week) or 90% of your weekly earnings, whichever is lower, and deductions apply accordingly. Your employer automatically handles these tax and National Insurance deductions before you get paid, ensuring your SMP is treated the same as normal income.

This means your take-home SMP reflects these standard deductions, just like your regular salary payments.

Automatic Payment Process

Understanding how Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid and what deductions apply helps clarify what you can expect in your paycheck. SMP is provided through automatic payments, ensuring you receive your maternity pay smoothly and on time. These payments are made directly via bank transfer, usually weekly or monthly, depending on your employer’s payroll schedule.

From each SMP payment, tax and National Insurance contributions are automatically deducted, just like your regular wages. Employers then reclaim the SMP costs through the PAYE system by offsetting it against their National Insurance contributions.

Key points about the automatic payment process include:

• SMP paid for up to 39 weeks, with varying rates
• First 6 weeks at 90% of earnings before tax
• Remaining weeks capped at £187.18 or 90% of earnings
• Payments made by bank transfer automatically
• Tax and NI deducted automatically from SMP payments

How To Claim SMP And Notify Your Employer

Before you can start receiving Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), you need to notify your employer at least 15 weeks before your baby’s expected due date and provide a MATB1 certificate. You should inform your employer about your pregnancy, the expected week of childbirth, and when you plan to begin your maternity leave. This notification is essential to claim SMP.

After you notify your employer, they must respond within 28 days to confirm your eligibility and payment details. SMP payments are then made automatically to your bank account, with necessary tax and National Insurance deductions.

If you notice any issues or delays with your SMP, contact your employer or HR department promptly to resolve the matter.

What Happens If You Return To Work Early During SMP?

If you return to work before your SMP period ends, your payments will stop immediately from that date. While your entitlement to SMP remains intact, the amount you receive adjusts based on when you return.

It’s best to notify your employer at least 8 weeks ahead to help with planning.

Early Return Impact

Although returning to work early during your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) period might seem straightforward, it immediately stops any further SMP payments for the remaining leave. An early return means your SMP entitlement ends, and no payments will be made for the weeks you don’t actually take off. This leave termination applies even if you’ve been receiving payments up to that point.

To avoid surprises, you should give at least 8 weeks’ notice before returning early. Remember, working Keeping in Touch (KIT) days won’t affect your SMP, but fully returning early will.

• Early return ends SMP payments immediately
• No SMP for leave after you return to work
• Leave termination occurs regardless of prior payments
• KIT days don’t stop SMP entitlement
• At least 8 weeks’ notice advised before early return

SMP Payment Adjustments

Returning to work early during your SMP period means your payments will stop right away from your return date. When you make an early return, SMP payments don’t continue beyond that day, and they won’t resume if you leave or resign afterward.

Employers usually require at least 8 weeks’ notice of your early return so they can make the necessary SMP pay adjustments and plan payroll properly.

While you can work part-time or reduce your schedule during SMP, payments are only made for full leave periods unless otherwise specified. Understanding these rules helps you manage your finances and communicate with your employer effectively if you’re considering returning to work before your SMP period officially ends.

Can Employers Offer More Than The Statutory SMP?

Employers can offer more than the statutory maternity pay (SMP) to support you during your maternity leave. This often comes in the form of contractual maternity pay (CMP) or enhanced maternity pay, which goes beyond the statutory SMP rates. These additional benefits are designed to help you financially and make your changeover smoother.

Here’s what you should know:

• Contractual maternity pay may provide full or top-up payments for a set period.
• Enhanced maternity pay complements, not replaces, statutory SMP.
• Details of extra pay must be clearly outlined in your employment contract.
• Employers use these benefits to attract and retain valuable staff.
• Additional maternity pay arrangements are optional and vary by employer.

Knowing your rights helps you plan better for maternity leave.

Steps To Take If You Disagree With Your SMP Payment

If you think your SMP payment is wrong, the first step is to talk to your employer and ask for a clear explanation or correction. Review your pay records carefully to check if your earnings and deductions match the calculation period.

If disputes continue, contact the Statutory Payment Disputes Team for help. Keep all correspondence, payslips, and documents to support your case. You can also seek advice from a payroll or employment rights advisor.

Step	Action
1. Contact employer	Request explanation or correction
2. Review pay records	Verify earnings and deductions
3. Escalate disputes	Contact Statutory Payment Disputes Team
4. Seek advice	Consult payroll or employment rights advisor

How Does SMP Affect Your Other Benefits?

Although SMP provides essential financial support during maternity leave, it can influence your eligibility and payments for other benefits. Since SMP is based on your earnings and subject to tax and National Insurance, it affects your total income, which benefits assessments consider. To avoid issues, you must report your SMP income accurately when applying for or receiving benefits.

Keep in mind:

• SMP counts as income and may reduce Universal Credit or Income Support.
• Your SMP payments are capped, impacting benefit calculations.
• Tax and National Insurance deductions lower your net SMP.
• Failure to declare SMP can lead to overpayments or penalties.
• Benefit agencies assess your combined earnings, including SMP, to determine entitlement.

Understanding this helps you manage finances and benefits effectively during maternity leave.

SMP Vs. Maternity Allowance And Leave Abroad: Key Differences

While Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) offers financial support through your employer for up to 39 weeks, Maternity Allowance serves as an alternative for those who don’t qualify for SMP, based on National Insurance contributions rather than employment status. SMP pays the first 6 weeks at 90% of your earnings, then up to 33 weeks at a capped rate, while Maternity Allowance provides payments for up to 39 weeks from the Jobcentre, unrelated to your current employer.

When considering maternity leave abroad, you’ll find varied rules—some countries offer fully paid leave for several months, others provide unpaid leave, reflecting diverse national laws. Unlike SMP, which is UK-specific, maternity leave benefits abroad can include additional social supports, so your entitlements may differ markedly if you’re living or working outside the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do You Get a Month on Statutory Maternity Pay?

You’d get around £625 a month during the first 6 weeks, as SMP is 90% of your average weekly earnings, then about £630 monthly for the next 33 weeks if you qualify for the standard rate (£145.18 per week).

This can vary depending on your actual earnings since SMP pays 90% of your average weekly pay or the standard rate, whichever is lower.

How Do They Calculate Your Maternity Leave Pay?

They calculate your maternity pay based on your average weekly earnings over an 8-week period ending with the qualifying week. For the first 6 weeks, you get 90% of your average weekly pay before tax.

After that, you receive either a fixed standard rate or 90% of your earnings, whichever’s lower, for the next 33 weeks. Keep in mind, these payments are subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.

How Much Maternity Amount Will I Get?

You’ll get a sum split smartly: for the first six weeks, you’ll receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax.

After that, for up to 33 weeks, you’ll get either £145.18 per week or 90% of your weekly earnings—whichever’s less.

Is Maternity Allowance Every 2 or 4 Weeks?

Maternity Allowance is usually paid every two weeks, but sometimes you might get it once a month depending on your payment setup.

You’ll choose your payment schedule when you apply through the Jobcentre, which decides if you get paid biweekly or monthly. Either way, the total amount you receive won’t change, it’s just how often you get paid that differs.

Conclusion

Understanding statutory maternity pay (SMP) is essential as it provides financial support during a vital time. Did you know you can receive 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, followed by a fixed rate for up to 33 weeks? Knowing this helps you plan better.

If you think your pay isn’t right, don’t hesitate to raise it with your employer. Remember, SMP is just one part of your maternity benefits journey. Staying informed about how much maternity statutory pay currently is will empower you to make the best decisions for your family.