A short practical guide to Statutory Maternity Pay, maternity leave, the qualifying week, and when Maternity Allowance may be the right next check instead.
This page is designed to support a calculator or comparison page, not replace personalised advice on disputed facts.
GOV.UK says Statutory Maternity Leave is 52 weeks in total: 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave. A worker does not have to take all 52 weeks, but must take at least 2 weeks after the baby is born, or 4 weeks if they work in a factory.
GOV.UK says SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are 90% of average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at the statutory weekly rate or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
GOV.UK says a worker usually needs to have worked continuously for the employer for at least 26 weeks continuing into the qualifying week, which is the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. There are also earnings, notice, and proof requirements.
GOV.UK says Maternity Allowance may be available if someone has been employed or self-employed in the 66 weeks before the baby is due and does not qualify for SMP. That makes it the most useful next check when the calculator suggests SMP may not fit.
Used for continuity into the qualifying week, earnings threshold, and notice/proof requirements.
Used for the SMP structure and the 39-week payment period.
Used for the 52-week leave structure and minimum post-birth leave requirement.
Used for the practical next-step route if SMP is not available.
