NHS Maternity Pay Calculator
Calculate Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) + NHS Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP). Spread over 9 or 12 months. Updated for Agenda for Change 2026.
Your personalised maternity pay estimate
Some NHS trusts allow salary sacrifice or averaging – this shows equal monthly payments.
Your estimated maternity pay (2026/27)
How NHS Maternity Pay is calculated
You must have 26 weeks of continuous service by the 15th week before your due date (Qualifying Week). For NHS OMP, 12 months service is usually needed for enhanced pay.
Paid for 39 weeks: first 6 weeks = 90% of AWE; remaining 33 weeks = lower of 90% AWE or £187.50/week (2026/27 rate).
Eligible staff get: 8 weeks full pay, 18 weeks half pay + SMP, then 13 weeks SMP only. Greatly increases total income.
Example table: NHS Bands – total maternity pay (2026 estimates)
| NHS Band (full-time) | Annual salary (approx) | Weekly AWE | Total maternity pay (SMP + OMP) | Spread over 12 months (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 (Healthcare Assistant) | £23,950 | £460 | ~£17,400 | ~£1,450 |
| Band 5 (Staff Nurse) | £32,000 | £615 | ~£22,100 | ~£1,842 |
| Band 6 (Specialist Nurse) | £38,500 | £740 | ~£25,800 | ~£2,150 |
| Band 7 (Advanced Practitioner) | £45,800 | £880 | ~£29,500 | ~£2,458 |
Figures illustrative, based on NHS OMP eligibility. Use calculator above for personalised result.
Step‑by‑step: how to calculate your NHS maternity pay
Add gross earnings (including overtime, contractual) from the 8-week pay period up to the qualifying week (15th week before EDD). Divide by 8.
Check continuous employment: SMP needs 26 weeks by qualifying week; NHS OMP requires at least 12 months’ service.
Weeks 1-6: 90% of AWE; weeks 7-39: 90% of AWE or £187.50 (whichever less).
Weeks 1-8: 100% pay; weeks 9-26: half pay + SMP; weeks 27-39: SMP only. Total = OMP package.
Request your trust to spread total maternity pay across 9 or 12 months for steady cash flow. Our calculator provides monthly estimates.
Original insight: 2026 changes & salary sacrifice impact
From April 2026, the SMP standard rate is projected at £187.50/week (was £184.03 in 2025/26). NHS pension and salary sacrifice (childcare vouchers) can affect your AWE calculation – always check your payslip “reference period”. If you sacrifice salary, it reduces average earnings, so plan ahead. Many trusts now allow spread payments over 12 months to align with household budgeting, and the calculator above reflects that flexibility. For NHS Scotland, the same occupational scheme applies; our tool works for all UK nations (England, Wales, Scotland, NI).
When is maternity pay calculated? Key weeks
- Qualifying week (QW): 15th week before your expected week of childbirth. Your AWE is based on pay in the 8 weeks up to QW.
- Start of maternity leave: SMP/OMP begins anytime from 11th week before due date.
- 26-week service checkpoint: mandatory to receive any SMP.
- NHS 12-month rule: you need 12 months continuous NHS service at QW for enhanced occupational pay.
Spread over 9 vs 12 months: what’s best?
Spreading your total maternity pay across 9 months gives higher monthly payments during leave, whereas 12 months extends the payments but reduces monthly amount — ideal if you plan to return after a year and want steady income. Many NHS trusts support the “12-month spread” under local maternity policies. The calculator above displays both scenarios and total tax-free? Remember SMP and OMP are subject to PAYE tax & NI, but the total gross amount remains same.
Quick checklist: maximise your maternity pay
- ✅ Verify your service length – request HR to confirm occupational eligibility.
- ✅ Review payslips from week 17–25 to ensure AWE includes all enhancements.
- ✅ Ask your employer about KIT days (Keeping in Touch) – they don’t reduce pay.
- ✅ For twins/multiple births, maternity leave still 52 weeks, pay structure same.
- ✅ Use the calculator above with your actual earnings for precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
From April 2026, SMP is £187.50 per week (or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower). First 6 weeks you get 90% of AWE uncapped.
Usually bank staff are not eligible for OMP unless they hold a substantive NHS contract with 12 months continuous service. SMP may still apply based on earnings.
Add total gross earnings (including any overtime, bonuses, unsocial hours) during the 8-week period leading up to the qualifying week (15th week before due date) and divide by 8.
Both SMP and OMP are calculated on gross pay. Income tax and National Insurance are deducted as usual, but the calculator shows gross amount. For net estimate, reduce by 20% basic rate as an approximation.
Yes, many NHS trusts allow you to request equalised payments across 9 or 12 months via payroll. Check your trust’s maternity policy – use the spread options in our calculator.
Absolutely. The NHS Terms and Conditions (Agenda for Change) are UK-wide. The same OMP structure applies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. SMP is national.
If birth is early, maternity pay starts the day after birth. The qualifying week is fixed by original due date, so AWE remains unchanged.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2026/27 statutory rates and NHS occupational policy (Agenda for Change). Actual payments depend on your Trust, payroll calculations, and continuous service. Always verify with your HR department. TotalCalcHub is not a financial advisor. SMP rates subject to government final confirmation for 2026.