A Guide to Statutory Maternity Pay

Wendy Comerford • 27 March 2018

So what exactly is the deal with SMP?

You’re pregnant! Congratulations! You’ve already chosen a name and called her, Summer. Let’s assume that Summer’s due at the end of September:

Reference:

  • Summer’s due date: Sunday 30 September 2018. This is the Expected Week of Childbirth or EWC for short.

  • Qualifying Week: Sunday 17 June 2018. This is the 15th week before Summer is due or QW for short.

  • SMP start date: Sunday 15 July 2018. This is the 11th week before Summer is due.

  • Start Maternity leave: Sunday 15 July 2018

Read the above again so you know where you are.

Am I entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay [SMP]?

To get SMP you’ll need to have been in your job for 26 weeks by the end of the QW. Just remember that your average weekly earnings in the 8 weeks up to and including the QW need to be more than the lower earnings limit for National Insurance contributions to get SMP.

You need to still be pregnant at the SMP start date and you need to provide a MAT B1 form to your employer stating your EWC.

What happens if I resign?

If you resign at the end of the QW you still get SMP. Before that, you’re not entitled.

Do I have to pay SMP back if I decide not to return?

No. You don’t have to pay SMP back if you decide not to return BUT if you’re lucky enough to be paid enhanced SMP by your employer you need to check your contract to see if there are any rules on paying the extra back.

Do I still get SMP if I leave and start working for another employer during maternity leave?

No. If you’re working you’re no longer on maternity leave. Simple.

How much do I get?

You’ll get SMP for 39 weeks and its divided into two parts:

1. The first 6 weeks is based on 90% of your earnings. Its worked out on your previous 8 weeks earnings up to and including the QW.
2. For the other 33 weeks you’ll get £140.98. This will increase a bit in April to £145.18.

Remember, for the purposes of calculating average weekly earnings, shift allowances, overtime payments, bonuses and commission are all included.

When can I get it?

From the 11th week before your EWC (well done if you didn’t have to refer back to the reference section above!)

What happens if I’m off sick when I’m pregnant?
If you’re off sick during your pregnancy you’ll get paid statutory sick pay in the normal way. If you’re off sick for pregnancy related illness after the beginning of the 4th week before the EWC (you looked at the reference section didn’t you!) but before the date you intend to start maternity leave, you’ll automatically be put on maternity leave on the first date of your sickness absence.

Do I get any more money?

Possibly if you decide to do some Keep In Touch Days. You can agree with your employer to have up to 10 of these. Keep in mind that your employer has no right to require you to carry out any work, and you have no right to accept or demand work, during your maternity leave. Your employer will need to consider how any payment for work done on a particular day will work alongside any SMP due and will offset any salary paid against any SMP that may be due. Its also worth knowing that if you work just an hour on a particular day that counts towards one of your 10 days.

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