Statutory Maternity Pay
(SMP)
The minimum pay an employer must provide to eligible employees during maternity leave. Paid for up to 39 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03 per week or 90% of earnings (whichever is lower) for the remaining 33 weeks.
Related terms
Related guides
Maternity, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave
New parents in the UK have important statutory rights to take time off work and receive pay during leave. Understanding maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave helps you plan your family and protect your employment.
9 min
Maternity Benefits Overview
If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, there are several financial benefits available to support you. The main forms of support include Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) paid by your employer, Maternity Allowance (MA) for those who do not qualify for SMP, the Sure Start Maternity Grant for families on low incomes, and the Best Start Grant in Scotland. Understanding which payments you qualify for — and when to claim — can make a significant difference to your finances during this period.
10 min