There are lots of practical things to consider ahead of having a baby, with finances being one of the biggest issues of all. We’re lucky in the UK to have paid maternity leave in place, including statutory pay from the government, which can sometimes be supplemented with generous maternity packages from employers.
But when does maternity leave start and how much will you get paid? We’ve rounded up the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions…
How long do you have to be employed to get maternity pay?
To qualify for statutory maternity pay (SMP) you must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the ‘qualifying week’ – the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.
You must also earn on average at least £120 a week and give the correct notice and proof that you’re pregnant.
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How much do you get paid on maternity leave?
The amount you are paid on maternity leave depends on whether your employer offers additional benefits to statutory maternity pay and on your normal salary.
However, Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks. You get 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks, then £151.97 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks.
SMP is paid in the same way as your wages (for example monthly or weekly). Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.
The government’s maternity pay calculator can help you to work out how much you will be paid.
How do I apply for statutory maternity pay?
To claim statutory maternity pay you must inform your employer when your baby is due and when you want to start your maternity leave at least 15 weeks before.
You will need to give your employer proof of the pregnancy to get SMP, and within 21 days of your SMP start date (or as soon as possible if the baby’s born early) give your employer either:
- a letter from your doctor or midwife
- your MATB1 certificate – doctors and midwives will give you this no more than 20 weeks before the due date
In return, your must write to you within 28 days confirming your maternity leave start and end dates.
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Who pays maternity pay?
Your employer pays your SMP in the same way that your salary is paid, and will deduct any tax and National Insurance contributions. They can then claim back the money from HMRC.
When does maternity leave start?
You can choose when to start your maternity leave, and SMP usually starts at the same time.
Your maternity leave starts automatically if you’re off work for a pregnancy-related illness in the four weeks before the week (Sunday to Saturday) that your baby is due.
What are KIT days on maternity leave?
Employees can work up to ten days, called keeping in touch days, during their maternity leave. These are optional days that both the employee and employer need to agree to, and you should be paid your normal rate of pay for these days.
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What is Statutory Adoption Leave?
Statutory adoption leave is 52 weeks consisting of 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave. It can start up to 14 days before the date the child starts living with you for UK adoptions, when the child arrives in the UK or within 28 days of this date for overseas adoptions, and the day the child is born or the day after if you’ve used a surrogate to have a child.
How does self-employed maternity pay work?
If you are self-employed, you can get Maternity Allowance for 39 weeks if in the 66 weeks before your baby is due you have been employed or registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks, or you have been earning £30 a week or more in at least 13 weeks – which do not have to be together.
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