Maternity Pay and Benefits
Information on maternity pay and benefits, and money available for parents and babies
Neonatal Leave and Pay
The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act is intended to support parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care within 28 days of birth. Eligible employees will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave in addition to their other family leave entitlements such as maternity and paternity leave. Neonatal Care Leave is a day-one right. The Act will come into force on 6th April 2025.
Contractual or Enhanced Maternity Pay or Family Leave Pay
Some employers may offer what is known as occupational, enhanced or contractual maternity or new parent pay. This is paid in addition to the statutory family pay to which you are entitled, such as Statutory Maternity Pay (“SMP”) and any other benefits you may receive as part of your contract of employment.
Calculating maternity pay
How to work out how much Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowance you can get
Working during maternity and family leave and while receiving pay
How will working during maternity or family leave affect your leave and pay? Can you work as self-employed or in a second job without it impacting your maternity pay or other statutory pay?
How to give notice for maternity leave and pay
How and when to give your employer notice for maternity leave and pay.
Maternity Allowance
Detailed information on Maternity Allowance eligibility and answers to frequently asked questions
Statutory Maternity Pay
Detailed information on Statutory Maternity Pay eligibility, rates and frequently asked questions
What to do if my employer does not give me statutory pay?
What to do if you have a dispute with your employer over Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Paternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Sick Pay.
Maternity leave and pay if you have more than one employer
Do you have more than one employer? Find out how this will affect your maternity leave and pay.