Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay
Rates effective: 6 April 2026SSCBA 1992 (as amended by ERA 2025)No sign-up required
ERA 2025 update: From 6 April 2026, paternity leave is a day-one right — you can take it from your first day of employment. Paternity pay (SPP) still requires 26 weeks of service. The two rights have different qualifying rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much is statutory maternity pay in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, statutory maternity pay (SMP) is paid over 39 weeks. Weeks 1–6: 90% of your average weekly earnings with no cap. Weeks 7–39: the lower of £194.32 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings. To qualify, you need 26 weeks of continuous employment by the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth and average weekly earnings of at least £129 per week (the 2026/27 Lower Earnings Limit). Source: SSCBA 1992, s.164–166; gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/pay.
Has the paternity leave rule changed under the Employment Rights Act 2025?
Yes. From 6 April 2026, paternity leave became a day-one right under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Previously, you needed 26 weeks of qualifying service to take paternity leave. You still need 26 weeks of qualifying service to receive statutory paternity pay (SPP). Leave and pay are separate rights with separate qualifying conditions. Source: Employment Rights Act 2025; gov.uk/paternity-pay-leave.
What is the Lower Earnings Limit for maternity pay?
The SMP Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) for 2026/27 is £129 per week. If your average weekly earnings are below £129, you do not qualify for SMP. You may instead qualify for Maternity Allowance, paid by HMRC, which has no earnings threshold. The LEL for SMP was NOT removed by the Employment Rights Act 2025 — only the SSP LEL was abolished. Source: gov.uk/guidance/rates-and-thresholds-for-employers-2026-to-2027; gov.uk/maternity-allowance.
What is statutory paternity pay?
Statutory paternity pay (SPP) is paid for up to 2 weeks when you take paternity leave. From 6 April 2026, the weekly rate is the lower of £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings. To qualify for SPP, you need 26 weeks of continuous employment by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. SPP is paid by your employer, who can reclaim most of it from HMRC.
What is statutory shared parental pay?
Statutory shared parental pay (ShPP) lets eligible parents share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them (using leave and pay from maternity entitlement). The weekly rate is the lower of £194.32 or 90% of the claimant's average weekly earnings. Both parents must meet separate qualifying conditions. The arrangement is agreed between both parents and their employers.
Can my employer offer more than the statutory flat rate?
Yes. Enhanced maternity, paternity, or shared parental pay packages that exceed the statutory minimums are common, particularly in professional and public sector roles. Statutory pay is the legal floor. Your employment contract or company policy may specify enhanced pay — for example, full salary for a period before dropping to the statutory rate. Check your employment contract and staff handbook.