NHS Maternity Pay Calculator
Estimate your NHS maternity pay week by week — including Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) and Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).
Your Details
Key Dates
Pay by Phase
How NHS Maternity Pay Works
NHS maternity pay combines Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) from your employer with Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from the government. You're entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with the first 39 weeks paid.
Full Pay (OMP)
You receive your normal full salary. This is your Occupational Maternity Pay entitlement under NHS terms and conditions.
Half Pay + SMP
You receive half your normal salary plus Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). The combined total is capped so it doesn't exceed your full pay.
SMP Only
You receive Statutory Maternity Pay only — £187.18 per week (2025/26 rate) or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Unpaid Leave
You can take up to 13 additional weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Your job is protected and your continuous service is preserved.
NHS Maternity Eligibility Requirements
For OMP (full entitlement)
- 12 months continuous NHS service by the 11th week before EWC
- Intend to return to NHS for at least 3 months
- If you don't return, OMP (not SMP) must be repaid
For SMP only
- 26 weeks continuous employment by the 15th week before EWC
- Average weekly earnings of at least £125 (LEL)
- No return-to-work requirement for SMP
What is the NHS Maternity Pay Calculator?
The NHS Maternity Pay Calculator is an online tool used to estimate maternity pay entitlements for NHS employees. NHS Maternity Pay Calculator helps users determine their financial benefits during maternity leave by calculating both Occupational Maternity Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay based on personal employment details such as contract type, due date, and weekly earnings. NHS Maternity Pay is a contractual benefit providing financial support beyond standard statutory pay, including full pay, half pay, and statutory pay. Employees qualify if they have completed 12 months of continuous NHS employment by 11 weeks before their expected childbirth. The calculator's primary purpose is to help expectant NHS mothers plan their finances with confidence by providing a precise, personalized estimate of their maternity pay.
What are the benefits of using the NHS Maternity Pay Calculator?
The main benefits of using the NHS Maternity Pay Calculator are the following:
- Quickly Determine Maternity Leave Dates: The calculator allows users to input their due date and swiftly calculate the start and end dates of their maternity leave.
- Assess Eligibility for SMP and OMP: It helps employees understand their eligibility for government minimum SMP and NHS-enhanced OMP, which may include up to 8 weeks of full pay and 18 weeks of half pay plus SMP for those with 12 months of service.
- Financial Planning Support: By providing indicative results, the calculator aids in financial planning and supports discussions with managers, although it is not a substitute for official payroll advice.
- Preparation for Return-to-Work: It supports better preparation by considering service length and return-to-work commitments, allowing employees to plan accordingly.
What is the accuracy level of the NHS Maternity Pay Calculator?
The NHS Maternity Pay Calculator provides accurate estimates based on standard NHS pay scales and entitlements.
Who should use NHS Maternity Pay Calculator?
The NHS Maternity Pay Calculator is designed for pregnant NHS employees and expectant mothers aiming to understand their maternity pay entitlements. NHS Maternity Pay Calculator supports financial planning during maternity leave, as it calculates both occupational and statutory pay over the full 52-week entitlement period.
What is NHS Maternity Pay?
NHS Maternity Pay is a financial benefit provided to eligible NHS employees during maternity leave. To qualify, employees must have completed 12 months of continuous service with the NHS by the 11th week before the expected childbirth. The application process involves notifying the employer of the pregnancy by the 15th week before the due date and providing a MATB1 certificate. Upon fulfilling these criteria, the employee is entitled to receive maternity pay calculated based on their average weekly earnings.
Who qualifies for NHS Maternity Pay?
To qualify for NHS Maternity Pay, an employee must have 12 months of continuous service with one or more NHS employers by the 11th week before the expected week of childbirth. The employment must not have any breaks exceeding three months. The employee must notify them of their intention to return to work with the NHS and provide relevant pregnancy documentation by the end of the 15th week before the due date.
What are the eligibility criteria for NHS Maternity Pay?
Eligibility criteria for NHS Maternity Pay include defined employment and service conditions. Employees must have at least 12 months of continuous service with one or more NHS employers by the beginning of the 11th week before the expected week of childbirth.
How long is NHS Maternity Pay provided?
NHS Maternity Pay is provided for a total of 39 weeks.
What is the payment rate of NHS Maternity Pay?
The NHS Maternity Pay Calculator provides several advantages for expectant mothers and their families. Key benefits include:
- Accurate Estimation: Calculates expected maternity pay based on employment details.
- Financial Planning: Helps plan finances by providing a detailed breakdown of pay over the maternity period.
- Eligibility Check: Confirms eligibility for NHS Maternity Pay and related benefits.
- Time-Saving: Offers quick results, removing the need for complex manual calculations.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, making it accessible for all users.
How to apply for NHS Maternity Pay?
To apply for NHS Maternity Pay, notify your NHS employer of your pregnancy and intended leave dates at least 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. Provide a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or GP as proof of pregnancy. For those not qualifying for Statutory Maternity Pay, consider applying for Maternity Allowance through the government's benefits system.
How does NHS Maternity Pay compare to other maternity benefits?
The NHS Maternity Pay Calculator offers several advantages for expectant mothers and their partners. The main benefits are outlined below.
- Accurate Financial Planning: The calculator provides precise estimates of maternity pay, helping users plan their finances with confidence.
- Eligibility Assessment: It assists in determining eligibility for NHS Maternity Pay and other related benefits.
- User-Friendly Interface: The tool is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible even for those with limited technical skills.
- Time-Saving: By calculating potential pay at speed, it saves time compared to manual calculations or consultations.
- Confidentiality: Users can calculate their benefits in private, keeping personal financial information secure.
What is the difference between NHS Maternity Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay?
NHS Maternity Pay is an upgraded benefit for NHS employees, offering more generous terms compared to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), which is a baseline entitlement for eligible employees in the UK.
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