Maternity Pay Calculator for NHS Staff — Due in March
If you're working in the NHS and expecting a baby in March, this page explains exactly how your maternity pay is calculated under the 2025/26 rules. Use our free calculator above to get a personalised, week-by-week payment schedule.
Your Details
Tip: Divide your annual salary by 52 to get this figure.
Enter your details above and click Calculate to see your results
How Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Works for NHS Staff
As someone working in the NHS, you may be entitled to enhanced maternity pay on top of the statutory minimum. The NHS Agenda for Change scheme typically provides 8 weeks at full pay, then 18 weeks at half pay plus SMP, before reverting to SMP only for the remaining weeks. Use our calculator and select the "NHS Staff" preset under Enhanced Pay to see your full breakdown.
Key Dates for a March Due Date
With a baby due in March, your qualifying week falls roughly 15 weeks before the week your baby is due. This is the critical date by which you must have 26 weeks of continuous employment. You can start your maternity leave as early as 11 weeks before your due date, and your SMP payments will run for 39 weeks from your leave start date. Enter your exact due date in the calculator to see your specific qualifying week and payment schedule.
How to Use the Calculator
Enter your baby's due date, your average weekly earnings (divide your annual salary by 52 if you're not sure), and your employment start date. The calculator will check your eligibility, show your qualifying week, and generate a week-by-week schedule showing gross pay, estimated tax and NI deductions, and net income. You can also download a PDF of your results to share with your partner or HR department.
Common Questions
Many nhs staff workers are unsure about their maternity pay entitlements, especially around the qualifying week and how average weekly earnings are calculated. The most common mistake is confusing gross pay with net pay — our calculator shows both so you can plan your finances accurately. Remember, these are estimates based on 2025/26 rates and should be confirmed with your employer or HMRC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much maternity pay will I get as working in the NHS?
Your maternity pay depends on your average weekly earnings. For the first 6 weeks, you'll receive 90% of your AWE. For weeks 7–39, you'll receive the lower of £187.18 or 90% of your AWE. As working in the NHS, you may also receive enhanced pay from your employer on top of this.
When should I tell my employer about my March due date?
You must tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date (by the end of your qualifying week). You'll need to provide a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or doctor, usually available from week 20 of pregnancy.
Is this calculator accurate?
The calculator uses the official 2025/26 SMP and MA rates published by HMRC. Tax and NI estimates are approximate — your actual deductions depend on your full tax code and other income. Always confirm with your employer for exact figures.
Ready to Calculate Your Maternity Pay?
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Go to CalculatorThis calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 rates published by gov.uk. It does not constitute professional financial, legal, or tax advice. Always confirm your entitlements with your employer or HMRC.
Last updated: March 2026