Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay

Maternity Pay, first 6 weeks

90%

Of average weekly earnings before tax, with no upper limit.

GOV.UK · checked 30 Sep 2026

Maternity Pay, weeks 7 to 39 (weekly)

£194.32

Or 90% of average weekly earnings if that is lower.

GOV.UK · checked 30 Sep 2026

Maternity Pay length

39 weeks

GOV.UK · checked 30 Sep 2026

Paternity Pay (weekly)

£194.32

Or 90% of average weekly earnings if that is lower, for one or two weeks.

GOV.UK · checked 30 Sep 2026

Lower Earnings Limit (weekly)

£129

Employees usually need average earnings of at least this much a week to qualify for Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay.

GOV.UK — HMRC · checked 30 Sep 2026

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