When you have a baby, you might be eligible for one of the following:
- statutory maternity pay
- more than statutory maternity pay – this can be called 'enhanced' or 'contractual' maternity pay
- Maternity Allowance
Checking you're eligible for statutory maternity pay
If you're legally classed an an employee, you get statutory maternity pay when both of the following apply:
- you've been working continuously for 26 weeks for the same employer before your 'qualifying week'
- you earn at least £123 a week on average for 8 weeks before your qualifying week
If you have more than one employer, you might be able to get statutory maternity pay from each one, if you're eligible.
If you're legally classed as a worker, you might also be able to get statutory maternity pay.
If you're not eligible for statutory maternity pay, you might be able to get Maternity Allowance.
Find detailed guidance on statutory maternity pay and Maternity Allowance on GOV.UK
Your qualifying week
You need to work out when your 'qualifying week' is so you know:
- when you need to give notice to your employer to get maternity leave and pay
- whether you'll get either statutory maternity pay or Maternity Allowance
To work out your qualifying week, use a calendar to count 15 weeks back from the week you’re due to have your baby.
You can also use the maternity calculator on GOV.UK.
How much statutory maternity pay you get and how long for
Statutory maternity pay is paid for 39 weeks.
For the first 6 weeks
You get 90% of your average weekly earnings.
For the following 33 weeks
You get whichever is lower:
- £184.03a week
- 90% of your average weekly earnings
You get the same amount of maternity pay even if you have more than one baby, for example twins.
How much is unpaid
If you take the full 52 weeks' maternity leave, the last 13 weeks are unpaid unless your contract offers enhanced maternity pay.
Enhanced maternity pay
Some employers offer more than statutory maternity pay. This can be called 'enhanced' or 'contractual' maternity pay.
For example, you might get 26 weeks of full pay followed by 13 weeks of statutory maternity pay.
You should check your contract or talk to your employer to find out:
- if you're entitled to enhanced maternity pay
- the amount of pay you get
- how long you get it for
If your employer offers enhanced maternity pay, you might have to repay some or all of the enhanced amount (anything more than statutory maternity pay) if you:
- do not to return to work
- leave shortly after maternity leave
This should be clearly set out in your contract.
FAQs
How to survive unpaid maternity leave
- Plan ahead. ...
- Create a baby registry. ...
- Look into disability insurance. ...
- Negotiate for paid maternity leave with your employer. ...
- Start crowdfunding for support. ...
- Seek help from charities and nonprofits.
Opponents of PFL worry that paid time away from work could lower employees' attachment to their jobs, lead to discrimination against women (who are more likely than men to take leave), and impose substantial costs on employers.
How to negotiate more paid maternity leave? ›
How to Negotiate Maternity Leave (or Paternity Leave)
- Figure Out What You Want. ...
- Start Early. ...
- Ask for What You Want. ...
- Present a Maternity Leave Plan. ...
- Explain How the Company Benefits. ...
- Take Notes. ...
- What If the Maternity Leave Request Is Denied?
Plan ahead for the best time to negotiate.
The best time to implement this strategy wouldn't be right after she returns from maternity leave but after she has had some time to reestablish herself in her role. This would allow her to: Demonstrate immediate impact. Gather fresh examples of her contributions.
How to make extra money while on maternity leave? ›
Ways to Make Money on Maternity Leave
Consider freelancing in areas you excel in, such as writing, graphic design, or digital marketing. Look for online marketplaces that connect freelancers with short-term projects. This allows you to work flexibly, on projects that interest you, right from the comfort of your home.
Is unpaid maternity leave worth it? ›
One literature review found that, compared with mothers who were only able to take unpaid leave or no leave at all, for mothers who were able to take paid leave: Their chances of being re-hospitalized are reduced by more than half (51 percent).
Who has the worst maternity leave? ›
The top 10 worst countries for maternity leave:
- USA – 0 weeks.
- Papua New Guinea – 0 weeks.
- Tunisia – 4 weeks.
- Malawi – 8 weeks.
- Sudan – 8 weeks.
- Cape Verde – 9 weeks.
- Eritrea – 9 weeks.
- Guinea-Bissau – 9 weeks.
- Step 1 – take stock of your money.
- Step 2 – review joint finances.
- Step 3 – cut back on your expenses.
- Step 4 – reduce your debts.
- Step 5 – open a savings account.
- Step 6 – boost your income.
- Keep track of important dates.
Outline
- Open a new bank account that pays you.
- Look into local resources and supplemental programs.
- Cut out unnecessary expenses.
- Reconsider current necessary expenses.
- Look into part-time work or side hustle jobs.
- Get paid for things you're already doing.
- Create an HSA for prenatal and delivery costs.
You may be able to negotiate a slightly higher salary or a bonus which would helpincrease the amount of statutory maternity pay. Which is calculated based on your average weekly pay. Have a back-up plan in your mind just in case your ideal maternity leave situation isn't within reach after all.
Key Themes for a Fulfilling Maternity Leave
- Get into a Routine. Seriously, schedule your life. ...
- Take Shifts. Share responsibilities and take turns feeding and changing the baby so no one gets overwhelmed. ...
- Call in Backup. ...
- Take Breaks.
If an employer provides unconditional pay increases to all employees, such as cost of living increases, then an employee who has taken FMLA leave is entitled to that increase just as other employees are.
Can you be laid off while on maternity leave? ›
In California, an employer can legally lay off an employee during maternity leave if the reasons are strictly non-discriminatory and business-related, unrelated to the maternity leave itself. However, firing someone solely because they are on maternity leave is considered discrimination and is illegal.
Can you ask for a pay rise when pregnant? ›
No. You must be treated in the same way you would have been if you weren't pregnant and the pay rise should be reflected in your earnings related statutory maternity pay (which is 90% of your pay for the first six weeks of your maternity leave) and your contractual maternity pay.
Do you have to pay back maternity pay? ›
If you get contractual maternity pay you might only keep your full amount if you return to work. You won't need to pay back statutory maternity pay or Maternity Allowance, even if you don't return to work. Check what type of maternity pay you're entitled to if you're not sure.
How to make unpaid maternity leave work? ›
7 Ways to Prepare for an Unpaid Maternity Leave
- Understand your rights under the law.
- Plan when to use your personal time off.
- Buy disability insurance.
- Be strategic about baby registries and requests.
- Boost your savings.
- Talk to your boss about work options.
- Tap into community resources.
A maternity leave loan, otherwise known as a family leave loan, is a personal loan that can help you cover any unreimbursed expenses involved in caring for your new child. The lump sum you'd receive can help manage your finances by covering bigger expenses, so you don't have to add to your revolving credit card debt.
Can you pause credit card payments while on maternity leave? ›
Well, if you haven't already, call for your auto loan, credit card, mortgage, etc and see if they offer deferred payments. Basically, they can pause your account for a month based on hardship, and they just add that payment to the end of your loan. There's no cost to do this.
What is the least amount of maternity leave? ›
Parents can take six weeks of maternity leave in the USA. The family and medical leave is a law that requires most companies to their employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave time after the birth of their child.
