What is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27?

For the first 6 weeks, SMP is 90% of average weekly earnings. For the remaining weeks it is the lower of £194.32 or 90% of AWE. The SMP weekly rate applies from 5 April 2026 (GOV.UK employers rates table).

How long can SMP last?

Statutory Maternity Pay can be paid for up to 39 weeks if you qualify. Leave rules are separate — check GOV.UK maternity pay and leave.

Is this personalised tax advice?

No. This page restates published GOV.UK statutory rates only. Use the official maternity planner and employer calculators on GOV.UK for your dates.

Updated October 2026

Reviewed by Experts

2026/27 · GOV.UK rates · Not advice

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) UK 2026/27

Name: Statutory Maternity Pay UK 2026/27 | £194.32 Rates
Author: UKMinimumWage.co.uk

SMP rates: Weeks 1–6 = 90% of average weekly earnings. Remaining weeks = lower of £194.32 or 90% AWE. SMP weekly rate applies from 5 April 2026 (GOV.UK).

Official guides: Maternity pay and leave · Employer rates 2026–27

SMP at a glance

First 6 weeks	90% of AWE
Remaining weeks (statutory cap)	£194.32 / week (or 90% AWE if lower)
Related: Shared Parental / Adoption remaining weeks	Same £194.32 / 90% AWE rule

Source: GOV.UK rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027. Eligibility and leave length: gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave.

Related on this site

Statutory paternity pay →
Statutory sick pay (SSP) →
Holiday pay calculator →
Take-home calculator →

About this guide

This calculator is maintained by UKMinimumWage.co.uk using published GOV.UK rates for 2026/27. Last updated October 2026. This site is not HMRC-endorsed.