NHS Maternity Pay: How Statutory and Occupational Pay Fit Together
NHS maternity pay has two layers that overlap, and the overlap is where most confusion comes from. This guide separates them so the total makes sense.
What is the NHS Maternity Pay Calculator?
This estimator follows the structure of the NHS maternity scheme as modelled on the source tool: statutory maternity pay (SMP) for 39 weeks, plus the occupational top-up for eligible Agenda for Change staff. SMP pays 90% of average weekly pay for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of 90% of pay or the statutory flat rate for the next 33 weeks. The occupational scheme adds full pay for weeks 1-8 and half pay plus SMP (capped at full pay) for weeks 9-26, then SMP only for weeks 27-39, with unpaid leave possible up to 52 weeks. The total counts the occupational amount for weeks 1-26 rather than adding occupational pay on top of SMP for those weeks, plus SMP-only weeks 27-39. The flat rate is editable (source default £187.18) so you can update it when the statutory rate changes, and the total can be spread over 9 or 12 months for comparison only — spreading never changes the total. Scheme details vary by contract and trust, and eligibility depends on length of service and earnings, so check NHS guidance and your local trust policy before relying on the figure.
How to use it
- Enter your average weekly pay before maternity leave.
- Check the statutory flat weekly rate and update it if the rate has changed.
- Choose whether to spread the total over 9 or 12 months for comparison.
- Click Estimate Maternity Pay to see the breakdown and the monthly spread.
Worked example
On £600 average weekly pay with a £187.18 flat rate, the first 6 weeks at 90% are £540 per week, the next 33 weeks are capped at £187.18 per week, statutory pay totals £9,416.94, the occupational scheme for weeks 1-26 totals £13,569.24, SMP-only weeks 27-39 add £2,433.34, the estimated total is £16,002.58, or about £1,778.06 per month spread over 9 months.
What is the estimated total on £600 a week with a £187.18 flat rate?
Statutory pay totals £9,416.94 over 39 weeks, the occupational amount for weeks 1-26 totals £13,569.24, and SMP-only weeks 27-39 add £2,433.34, giving an estimated total of £16,002.58 — about £1,778.06 a month if spread over 9 months. Spreading changes only the monthly figure, never the total, and the result is an estimate: scheme details vary by contract and trust.
Frequently asked questions
What is statutory maternity pay?
SMP runs for up to 39 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of 90% of earnings or the statutory flat rate for the next 33 weeks.
What does the NHS occupational scheme add?
For eligible Agenda for Change staff it typically provides 8 weeks at full pay, 18 weeks at half pay plus SMP capped at full pay, then 13 weeks of SMP only, followed by unpaid leave up to 52 weeks.
Is this figure guaranteed?
No. Eligibility depends on length of service and earnings, and scheme details vary by contract and trust. Check NHS guidance and your trust policy.