In many departments you need 1 year's Civil Service service by your expected week of childbirth to get occupational maternity pay, and you must return for a period afterwards (often 1 month) or repay the pay above SMP. Check your department's policy.
Most Civil Service departments pay 26 weeks of full pay (including Statutory Maternity Pay), followed by 13 weeks of SMP. Some departments pay more and the qualifying rules vary, so check your department's maternity policy.
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is available to most employees as long as they earn on average at least £129 per week. It is paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 per week, or 90% of your earnings if that is lower, for 33 weeks. Check if you qualify on GOV.UK.
From Monday 6 April 2026, Statutory Maternity Pay increases from £187.18 to £194.32 per week.
This calculator is guidance only, based on information made publicly available by the UK government and the Civil Service scheme. Check your contract or ask HR to confirm what you'll get. For more on maternity pay visit GOV.UK.