The legal minimum (statutory pay)
| Maternity pay, weeks 1–6 | 90% of your average weekly pay |
|---|---|
| Maternity pay, weeks 7–39 | £194.32 a week, or 90% if lower |
| Paternity pay, up to 2 weeks | £194.32 a week, or 90% if lower |
| Sick pay, up to 28 weeks | £123.25 a week, or 80% if lower |
For maternity and paternity pay you need to earn at least £129 a week on average and have worked for your employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due. Since April 2026, sick pay has no minimum earnings and is paid from your first day off sick.
Your employer may pay more. Many offer full pay for some weeks, then half pay. You always get at least the statutory amount.
Worked example
Priya’s average weekly pay is £673. Her employer only pays the legal minimum.
| Weeks 1–6 (90%) | £605.77 a week |
|---|---|
| Weeks 7–39 | £194.32 a week |
| Weeks 40–52 | Unpaid |
| Total maternity pay, before tax | £10,047 |
That’s about 29% of her normal pay for the year, so planning the drop in income early really helps.
Questions
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Sick Pay are paid through payroll, so income tax and National Insurance are taken off like normal pay.
I’m self-employed. What can I get?
You can’t get Statutory Maternity Pay, but you may get Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks. How much depends on the Class 2 National Insurance you’ve paid.
What about shared parental leave?
Parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them. Use the government’s planner to work out your options.
What does this calculator leave out?
Maternity Allowance amounts, shared parental pay, adoption pay, pay rises during your pregnancy, and pension contributions during leave. It’s a guide.