🏥 NHS Maternity Pay Calculator

Calculate your NHS maternity pay entitlement

📋 Employment Status:
📅 Length of NHS Service (by qualifying week - 15th week before due date):
💰 Average Weekly Earnings (£):
£/week

Based on earnings from 8-week period before qualifying week

Total Maternity Pay
£0
📊 Pay Breakdown
Weeks 1-8 (8 weeks)
90% of earnings
£0
Weeks 9-39 (31 weeks)
£184.03 or 90%
£0
Weeks 40-52 (13 weeks - Unpaid)
£0
£0
🏆 NHS Occupational Maternity Pay
Less than 41 weeks service: Statutory Maternity Pay only
ℹ️ Important Information
• SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks
• You must give correct notice to receive SMP
• Occupational pay requires 12 months service by qualifying week
⚠️ Disclaimer
This is an estimate only. Actual pay depends on individual circumstances. Consult NHS HR or your midwife for accurate calculations.

💡 Based on 2025/2026 rates | SMP weekly rate: £184.03

NHS Maternity Pay Calculator 2026/27 | Estimate Your Occupational Maternity Pay & SMP
NHS Staff Financial Tool - 2026/27 Updated

NHS Maternity Pay Calculator: Estimate Your OMP & SMP

Calculate your Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) and Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) based on your length of NHS service, weekly earnings, and leave plans. Plan your maternity leave with confidence.

Used by 120k+ NHS Staff 4.9/5 Rating Free & Confidential 2026/27 Rates

What is NHS Maternity Pay?

Occupational Maternity Pay

The NHS provides enhanced maternity pay (OMP) for eligible staff under the Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions. This is significantly better than Statutory Maternity Pay alone and includes 8 weeks at full pay, 18 weeks at half pay plus SMP, followed by 13 weeks at SMP only.

Eligibility requires: 12 months continuous NHS service at the 11th week before the expected week of childbirth (EWC).

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

SMP is the legal minimum paid to eligible employees. For 2026/27, the weekly rate is 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) for the first 6 weeks, followed by either the flat rate or 90% of AWE (whichever is lower) for the remaining 33 weeks.

2026/27 SMP Flat Rate: £184.03 per week (estimated, awaiting final DWP confirmation)

2026/27 NHS Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) Summary

📅 Weeks 1-8: Full pay based on your average weekly earnings (100%)

📅 Weeks 9-26: Half pay + SMP (for eligible staff)

📅 Weeks 27-39: SMP only (flat rate or 90% of AWE, whichever lower)

📅 Weeks 40-52: Unpaid (additional maternity leave - optional)

💡 Estimated SMP Flat Rate 2026/27: £184.03 per week (DWP proposed)

How to Use the NHS Maternity Pay Calculator

Step 1: Enter Your NHS Start Date

Input the date you started continuous NHS employment. This determines if you meet the 12-month eligibility rule. The calculator will check your service length automatically.

Step 2: Add Your Average Weekly Earnings

Enter your gross average weekly earnings (AWE) from the 8-week period up to the 15th week before your due date. This includes basic pay, banding supplements, and regular overtime.

Step 3: Select Your Expected Leave Length

Choose how many weeks of paid maternity leave you plan to take (standard is 39 weeks of paid leave). The calculator shows payments for each phase.

Step 4: Review Your Estimated Payments

The calculator displays estimated weekly payments for each phase, plus total estimated maternity pay for the full 39-week period.

Step 5: Speak to Your HR Department

Use the results as a planning guide, then confirm exact figures with your NHS Trust's HR or payroll department, who can access your exact records.

Step 6: Plan Your Budget

Use the total estimated pay to plan your finances during maternity leave. Keep in mind tax and National Insurance will be deducted at standard rates.

NHS OMP + SMP Payment Structure (2026/27)

Maternity Leave WeekPayment TypeHow It's Calculated
Weeks 1 – 8Full pay (OMP)100% of average weekly earnings (AWE)
Weeks 9 – 18Half pay + SMP50% of AWE + SMP (subject to caps)
Weeks 19 – 26Half pay + SMP50% of AWE + SMP (subject to caps)
Weeks 27 – 39SMP only£184.03 or 90% of AWE (whichever lower)
Weeks 40 – 52UnpaidOptional additional maternity leave (unpaid)

Case Example: NHS Band 5 Nurse (2026/27)

Scenario: A Band 5 nurse with 3 years of NHS service. Average weekly earnings of £650.

  • Weeks 1-8: £650 per week = £5,200 total
  • Weeks 9-18 (10 weeks): £325 (half pay) + £184.03 (SMP) = £509.03 per week = £5,090.30 total
  • Weeks 19-26 (8 weeks): £325 (half pay) + £184.03 (SMP) = £509.03 per week = £4,072.24 total
  • Weeks 27-39 (13 weeks): £184.03 per week = £2,392.39 total
  • Total estimated pay for 39 weeks: £16,754.93

Note: This is a gross estimate before tax and National Insurance. Actual figures may vary based on exact AWE calculation and final SMP rate confirmation.

Keeping in Touch (KIT) Days & Shared Parental Leave

Keeping in Touch (KIT) Days

You can work up to 10 KIT days during your maternity leave without losing your SMP/OMP. For each KIT day, you are paid your normal daily rate plus any SMP/OMP for that week. This is a great way to stay connected to your team and manage finances.

Shared Parental Leave (ShPL)

NHS employees can opt for Shared Parental Leave, where the mother curtails her maternity leave and shares the remaining leave with her partner. Both parents may be eligible for Shared Parental Pay (ShPP). The ShPP rate is the same as SMP.

Important Service Conditions: To qualify for NHS OMP, you must have 12 months continuous NHS service at the 11th week before your Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC). If you have less than 12 months but more than 26 weeks, you may still qualify for SMP only. Always check your specific Trust’s maternity policy, as some legacy contracts (pre-Agenda for Change) may have different provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About NHS Maternity Pay

How many weeks of full pay do NHS staff get for maternity leave?
NHS employees eligible for Occupational Maternity Pay receive 8 weeks of full pay (weeks 1-8). This is followed by 18 weeks of half pay plus SMP (weeks 9-26), then 13 weeks of SMP only (weeks 27-39). The total paid period is 39 weeks, with additional unpaid leave possible up to 52 weeks.
What is the NHS maternity pay eligibility requirement?
To qualify for NHS Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP), you must have completed at least 12 months of continuous NHS service by the 11th week before your expected week of childbirth. If you have less than 12 months but more than 26 weeks, you may still qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).
Do I have to repay NHS maternity pay if I don't return to work?
Some NHS Trusts require you to return to work for a minimum period (typically 3 months) after maternity leave, otherwise you may be asked to repay some or all of the Occupational Maternity Pay. Check your Trust’s specific maternity policy or employment contract. SMP itself never has to be repaid.
Is NHS maternity pay taxable?
Yes. Both Occupational Maternity Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay are subject to Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). Your payslip will show deductions as usual. The rates in the calculator are gross amounts.
Does NHS overtime count towards average weekly earnings?
Regular and contractual overtime is included in your average weekly earnings for SMP and OMP calculations. Voluntary or occasional overtime may be included if it forms part of your normal earnings pattern. Consult your payroll department for exact treatment.
What is the Shared Parental Leave option for NHS staff?
Shared Parental Leave (ShPL) allows the mother to end her maternity leave early and share the remaining leave with her partner. Eligible parents may receive Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) at the same rate as SMP. You must give at least 8 weeks’ notice to your employer to switch to ShPL.
What happens if I have a premature birth?
Your maternity pay is based on your expected week of childbirth (EWC). If your baby is born prematurely, your maternity leave starts the day after the birth. The 12-month service requirement is still based on the original EWC. Contact your HR department immediately to adjust your leave dates.
How do I apply for maternity leave in the NHS?
Notify your line manager and HR department in writing by the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth (or as soon as possible). You will need to complete MATB1 form (provided by your midwife or GP after 20 weeks). Your Trust will confirm your maternity pay in writing.

Further Support & Financial Planning

Expert Advice & Union Support

  • 🔹 Speak to your NHS Trust HR / Payroll department
  • 🔹 Contact UNISON, RCN, or your trade union rep
  • 🔹 Visit NHS Employers Maternity pages
  • 🔹 Consult gov.uk for SMP regulations

Financial Planning Tips

  • 📊 Create a budget based on estimated payments (use our calculator to forecast)
  • 💰 Consider spreading KIT days across your leave to supplement income
  • 🏦 Review your pension contributions during leave (you may continue contributions)
  • 🧾 Check if you are eligible for additional Universal Credit or child benefit
Financial & HR Disclaimer: This NHS Maternity Pay Calculator provides estimates based on current Agenda for Change terms and projected 2026/27 rates. Final amounts are subject to your individual circumstances, your NHS Trust's interpretation of OMP rules, and final government confirmation of SMP rates. Always consult your NHS HR/payroll department for an exact calculation before making financial decisions. This tool does not constitute legal or financial advice.