Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a critical financial lifeline for new and expecting mothers in the UK, providing income during maternity leave. As the cost of living rises, understanding Statutory Maternity Pay's structure, eligibility, and benefits in 2024 is essential for ensuring you’re financially supported during this important period.
Jump to:
- What is Statutory Maternity Pay?
- Statutory Maternity Pay Eligibility
- How to Claim Statutory Maternity Pay
- How Statutory Maternity Pay Applies to Different Workers
- Statutory Maternity Pay, National Insurance, and Tax
- Additional Statutory Maternity Pay Considerations
- Resources and Templates
- Conclusion
What is Statutory Maternity Pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay ensures new mothers can take time off work after childbirth without losing their income entirely. In 2024, Statutory Maternity Pay is provided for up to 39 weeks and is divided into two distinct phases:
- First 6 weeks: you receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax.
- Next 33 weeks: you’ll receive the lower of £184.03 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings.
These payments are made by your employer, and tax and National Insurance contributions will be deducted automatically.
While these payments offer crucial financial relief, many argue they don’t cover the real cost of living, leading some to push for increased maternity pay.
Statutory Maternity Pay Eligibility
To qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you must meet several criteria:
Continuous employment:
You need to have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before your baby is due.
Earnings threshold:
You must learn at least £123 per week on average.
MAT B1 form:
You need to provide this medical certificate from your midwife or GP to your employer.
For full details on your eligibility, check out the UK Government’s Statutory Maternity Pay guide bellow, which includes a maternity pay calculator to estimate your payments!
How to claim Statutory Maternity Pay
How Statutory Maternity Pay applies to different workers
- Agency workers: if you work through an agency and meet the eligibility criteria, you’re entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay in the same way as permanent employees.
- Self-employed mothers: unfortunately, self-employed individuals don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, but you can apply for Maternity Allowance, which offers a similar benefit.
- Teachers and public sector employees: teachers and other public sector employees typically qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, but some may also receive enhanced maternity packages depending on their contract or employer.
For more guidance on your rights as an agency worker or self-employed person, visit the Citizens Advice Guide for Statutory Maternity Pay:
Statutory Maternity Pay, National Insurance, and tax
Your Statutory Maternity Pay payments will be subject to tax and National Insurance deductions, just like your regular wages. However, Statutory Maternity Pay payments are still counted toward your National Insurance contributions, ensuring you maintain your entitlements to state benefits, such as pensions.
Additional Statutory Maternity Pay considerations
Keeping in touch days (KIT days):
- You can work for up to 10 Keeping in Touch days while receiving Statutory Maternity Pay without losing your payments. These are optional workdays, and they must be agreed upon with your employer.
Statutory Maternity Pay for multiple pregnancies:
- If you’re expecting more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.), your Statutory Maternity Pay entitlement remains the same.
Returning to work early
- Statutory Maternity Pay will stop if you return to work before the 39 weeks are up, but some may opt to work a few keeping in touch days to maintain flexibility.
Join the ivee community!
Join our Facebook group. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with like-minded returners, seek advice on returning to work after maternity leave, or share your experiences, our Facebook community is here to help you navigate your journey back into the workforce.
You’ll find:
👉 Latest regulatory changes regarding maternity leave
👉 CV templates for women returning to work
👉 Latest industry updates
👉 Resources and guides to help you on your job hunt
👉 Confidence-building events, webinars and advice on all aspects of returning to work
Our Facebook community
Resources and templates
MAT B1 form
This form is essential for your Statutory Maternity Pay claim. If you need to understand more about the process, visit the NHS guide to MAT B1.
SMP calculator
Use the GOV.UK Statutory Maternity Pay calculator to determine how much you are eligible to receive.
SMP claim template
Download a Maternity Leave Notification Letter Template to inform your employer officially.
Conclusion
Statutory Maternity Pay remains an important financial support system for UK mothers, but many argue it falls short of meeting the true cost of living. In 2024, Statutory Maternity Pay rates have increased slightly, but ongoing debates highlight the need for further reforms. Whether you’re a teacher, self-employed, or work through an agency, knowing your rights and staying informed about how to claim Statutory Maternity Pay is essential for navigating maternity leave.
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