Statutory Family Pay Calculator UK 2026/27
Calculate Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared Parental, or Parental Bereavement Pay using the 2026/27 statutory rates.
From 6 April 2026, the standard weekly rate across all statutory family pay types is £194.32. Maternity and Adoption Pay also include an enhanced first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings with no cap, before dropping to the standard rate (or 90% of earnings if that is lower) for the remainder.
- Maternity & Adoption Pay: up to 39 weeks — first 6 weeks at 90% of earnings (uncapped), then the lower of £194.32 or 90% of earnings for the remaining 33 weeks
- Paternity & Shared Parental Pay: paid throughout at the lower of £194.32 or 90% of earnings — no enhanced phase
- Parental Bereavement Pay: up to 2 weeks, paid the same way as Paternity Pay
To qualify for most of these payments you generally need at least 26 weeks' continuous employment and average weekly earnings of at least the Lower Earnings Limit — £129 per week. Parental Bereavement Leave is a day-one right, but Parental Bereavement Pay requires the same 26 weeks' service and Lower Earnings Limit earnings as the others.
Your Details
Before tax. Use your average over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week.
Maximum 39 weeks for this pay type
How statutory family pay works
The weekly rate for 2026/27
From 6th April 2026, the standard weekly rate of statutory family pay is £194.32, or 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings if that is lower.
- Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay: up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings, with no upper limit. The other 33 weeks are paid at £194.32 or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower
- Statutory Paternity Pay: up to 2 weeks, which can be taken together or as two separate weeks within 52 weeks of the birth or adoption placement
- Statutory Shared Parental Pay: up to 37 weeks, shared between the parents
- Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay: up to 2 weeks
- Statutory Neonatal Care Pay: up to 12 weeks
Who qualifies for the pay
For most statutory family pay, the employee needs at least 26 weeks' continuous employment by a set point (for maternity pay, the 15th week before the baby is due), and average weekly earnings of at least £129, the lower earnings limit. Each type of pay has its own qualifying week, and Statutory Shared Parental Pay also depends on the other parent meeting their own work and earnings test.
The leave and the pay have different rules. Maternity leave, adoption leave and parental bereavement leave are rights from the first day of a job, and since 6th April 2026 so are paternity leave and unpaid parental leave. The pay still needs the 26 weeks' service and the earnings test.
How to use the calculator
- Choose the type of statutory pay
- Enter the employee's average gross weekly earnings, usually over the 8 weeks up to the qualifying week
- Enter the number of weeks to work out
The calculator shows the weekly amounts and the total, using the 90% rate for the first 6 weeks of maternity or adoption pay.
Reclaiming statutory family pay
Employers can usually reclaim 92% of statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, parental bereavement and neonatal care pay from HMRC through payroll. Small employers can reclaim 109% for 2026/27 if their total Class 1 National Insurance (employer and employee contributions together, before any Employment Allowance) was £45,000 or less in the last complete tax year. Statutory Sick Pay cannot be reclaimed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the statutory family pay rate for 2026/27?
£194.32 a week from 6th April 2026, or 90% of average weekly earnings if that is lower. The first 6 weeks of maternity and adoption pay are paid at 90% of earnings, with no upper limit.
How long is Statutory Maternity Pay paid for?
Up to 39 weeks: 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings, then 33 weeks at £194.32 or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower. Maternity leave itself can last up to 52 weeks, so the last 13 weeks are usually unpaid unless the employer pays more.
Who qualifies for statutory family pay?
For most types, employees with at least 26 weeks' continuous employment by the qualifying week and average weekly earnings of at least £129 (the lower earnings limit). Each type of pay has its own qualifying week, and shared parental pay also depends on the other parent meeting a separate work and earnings test. The lower earnings limit was removed for Statutory Sick Pay only, not for family pay.
Is paternity leave now a day-one right?
Yes. Since 6th April 2026, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave can be taken from the first day of employment. Statutory Paternity Pay still needs 26 weeks' service and earnings of at least the lower earnings limit.
What if an employee does not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay?
The employer should give them form SMP1 explaining why. They may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions instead.
When can Statutory Maternity Pay start?
From 11 weeks before the week the baby is due at the earliest. The employee should give at least 28 days' notice of when they want it to start. If they are off sick with a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before the week the baby is due, it starts automatically.
Can employers reclaim statutory family pay?
Yes. Employers can usually reclaim 92% through payroll. Small employers can reclaim 109% for 2026/27 if their total Class 1 National Insurance, employer and employee contributions together, was £45,000 or less in the last complete tax year.
Can employers pay more than the statutory rate?
Yes. Many employers offer enhanced maternity, paternity or adoption pay, for example full pay for a period before dropping to the statutory rate. The statutory amount is the minimum.
Is statutory family pay taxable?
Yes. It is paid through payroll like normal wages, with Income Tax and National Insurance deducted.
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