Maternity & Paternity Pay Calculator
Estimate your statutory maternity, paternity or shared parental pay.
First 6 weeks (90% of pay)
£3,240
Remaining 33 weeks (£187/wk)
£6,177
Total Statutory Pay
£9,417
How this was calculated
Maternity leave pays 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of £187/week (2026/27 statutory rate) or 90% of earnings for the rest. Paternity and Shared Parental Leave pay the same lower-of rate throughout. This assumes you meet statutory eligibility, check with your employer or gov.uk for your exact entitlement, as many employers offer enhanced schemes. Last verified: 2026.
Statutory Pay vs Enhanced Company Schemes
The figures this calculator produces are the statutory minimum that employers must pay by law. Many employers, especially larger companies, offer enhanced maternity or paternity pay, often full pay for a set period followed by statutory rates. Always check your specific contract or staff handbook, since enhanced schemes can significantly increase what you actually receive.
Eligibility Basics
Continuous Service
Usually at least 26 weeks with the same employer by the qualifying week.
Earnings Threshold
Average weekly earnings over the 8-week relevant period must be at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£129 a week for 2026/27).
Correct Notice
You must give your employer the required notice period ahead of your leave.
Shared Parental Leave: Splitting the Time
Shared Parental Leave lets eligible parents split up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay between them, offering more flexibility than traditional maternity/paternity leave alone. Both parents need to separately confirm eligibility with their own employers, and the leave can be taken in blocks rather than all at once, subject to employer agreement.
Worked Example: Statutory Maternity Pay
Statutory Maternity Pay lasts up to 39 weeks. For the first six weeks you receive 90% of your average weekly earnings, with no upper limit. Take someone with average weekly earnings of £600: that is £540 a week, or £3,240 over six weeks. For the remaining 33 weeks you receive the lower of the standard rate (£194.32 a week for 2026/27, up from £187.18) or 90% of your average earnings. At £600 a week, the standard rate is the lower figure, so you would receive £194.32 a week for 33 weeks, about £6,413. The weekly amount drops noticeably after week six. This is why many people plan their finances around the lower period, not the first six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is statutory paternity leave?
Eligible employees can take up to two weeks of paternity leave, paid at the lower of the flat weekly rate or 90% of average earnings.
What if I am not eligible for statutory pay?
You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead, depending on your work and earnings history. Check gov.uk.
Is statutory pay taxed?
Yes. It is treated as earnings, so income tax and National Insurance are taken as with normal pay.
Do I need to tell my employer in advance?
Yes. You normally need to tell your employer about the pregnancy and your planned leave by the end of the 15th week before the baby is due. Your employer can confirm the exact dates.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This calculator estimates statutory pay only, using 2026/27 rates, and assumes standard eligibility. It does not account for any enhanced employer scheme. This is not legal or financial advice, check gov.uk or ACAS for your exact entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?
You get 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of £187.18/week or 90% of your average weekly earnings for up to a further 33 weeks (39 weeks total).
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay?
Statutory Paternity Pay is the lower of £187.18/week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, paid for up to 2 weeks.
Do I qualify for statutory pay?
You generally need to have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week and earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit on average. Check gov.uk for your exact eligibility.
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Not Financial Advice: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and do not constitute financial advice, recommendations, or regulated advice. We are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always consult a qualified financial adviser for personalised advice. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change. Tax laws and rates may change. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
