Maternity Leave and Pay Chart

Other Maternity Allowance

Regulations came into effect on 1st April 2014 that allows women who work in an unpaid capacity in the business of a self-employed spouse/civil partner, and who give birth on or after 27th July 2014, to receive a weekly allowance.

• Payable through your local JobCentre Plus for 39 weeks at the rate of 90% of your average weekly earnings up to a maximum of £172.48 per week, increasing to £184.03 from 7th April 2024.
  
• The earliest MA can start is 11 weeks before your EWC (expected week of childbirth).  The latest time you can get MA is 1 day after the birth of your baby.
• If you are eligible for MA then your last Employer must give you form SMP1 so you can claim this from the JobCentre.
  

The allowance is £27 per week payable for up to 14 weeks.

• Payable via your Employer for 39 weeks. The earliest SMP can start is 11 weeks  before your EWC (expected week of confinement).
  
• If you meet the 26/15 week qualifying periods (opposite) but your contract/employment ends before the start of the 11th week before your baby is due, your SMP willl still be paid by your Employer and will still start at the 11th week before your baby is due.
• SMP is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks then paid at the flat rate of £172.48 per week, increasing to £184.03 from 7th April 2024.
  
• Your Employer may offer more generous payments during these 39 weeks, and may offer some payment through the remaining 13 weeks (of Additional Maternity Leave).
• If your Employer pays into a Pension Scheme for you they must continue making their contributions during the 39 weeks SMP or for any time you receive any enhanced ‘contractual’ Maternity Pay.
• Normal tax and national insurance contributions will be deducted from SMP.
• If you are eligible for SMP you must give your Employer proof of the date your baby is due by giving them your MatB1 form.  You must give them this form as soon as you can, but no later than 3 weeks after the date your SMP is due to start as your Employer cannot pay you SMP without this form.
• You must give your Employer at least 28 days notice of the date you want your SMP to start.  You can change your mind about the start date but must give them 28 days notice of any new date.