Pro Rata Maternity Pay Calculator
Calculate maternity pay for part-time employees
About This Tool
The Maternity Pay Calculator helps expectant mothers in the UK calculate their Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) entitlement. SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks and consists of two rates: 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then a flat rate for the remaining 33 weeks.
This calculator shows you exactly what you'll receive each week and the total amount over your maternity leave period.
How It Works
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your average weekly earnings - Your gross weekly pay before tax, averaged over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week.
- Enter your expected due date - Or the date your baby was born.
- Enter your maternity leave start date - When you plan to start (or started) maternity leave.
- Click Calculate - See your weekly SMP breakdown and total entitlement.
The calculator shows the 6-week higher rate period and 33-week standard rate period.
Formula
SMP Calculation
Statutory Maternity Pay is calculated as:
Weeks 1-6: 90% of average weekly earnings (no cap)
Weeks 7-39: Lower of 90% of average weekly earnings OR £184.03 per week (2024/25 rate)
To qualify, you must earn at least £123/week (Lower Earnings Limit) and have worked for your employer for 26 weeks by the qualifying week.
Examples
Examples
Example 1: Average Earner
- Weekly earnings: £500
- Weeks 1-6: £500 x 90% = £450/week = £2,700
- Weeks 7-39: £184.03/week = £6,072.99
- Total SMP: £8,772.99
Example 2: Higher Earner
- Weekly earnings: £800
- Weeks 1-6: £800 x 90% = £720/week = £4,320
- Weeks 7-39: £184.03/week = £6,072.99
- Total SMP: £10,392.99
Example 3: Lower Earner
- Weekly earnings: £180
- Weeks 1-6: £180 x 90% = £162/week = £972
- Weeks 7-39: £162/week (90% is lower) = £5,346
- Total SMP: £6,318
Frequently Asked Questions
How is pro rata maternity pay calculated?
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) in the UK: first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings, then 33 weeks at the lower of 90% AWE or the flat rate (£172.48/week in 2023/24). Pro rata applies if you work part-time.
Does maternity leave affect my holiday entitlement?
No. You continue to accrue holiday during maternity leave. If your annual entitlement is 28 days, you accrue the full 28 days even while on maternity leave. This accrued holiday can be taken before or after your return.
How is average weekly earnings calculated for SMP?
AWE is calculated over the 8-week period ending with the qualifying week (15th week before the expected week of childbirth). Total gross earnings in those 8 weeks divided by 8 gives your AWE.
Can I work during maternity leave?
In the UK, you can work up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days without ending your maternity leave or losing SMP. These are optional and must be agreed with your employer. Payment for KIT days is negotiable.
How does part-time work affect maternity pay?
SMP is based on your actual average weekly earnings, so part-time workers receive proportionally less. If a full-time worker earns £500/week and a part-time worker earns £300/week, the part-time SMP is based on £300.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on the information you enter and is intended for general guidance only. It does not constitute professional employment or financial advice. For specific queries about your maternity pay entitlement, please consult your employer, HR department, or contact ACAS for free, impartial advice. SMP rates and eligibility criteria may change; always verify current rates with official sources such as GOV.UK.
💡 Tips
Tips
- Qualifying week - The 15th week before your due date is crucial for eligibility
- Enhanced pay - Check if your employer offers enhanced maternity pay
- Maternity Allowance - If you don't qualify for SMP, you may get MA instead
- Tax - SMP is taxable income
- Holiday accrual - You continue to accrue holiday during maternity leave