Parental Leave Guide & Estimator UK
Understand your statutory rights, estimate your maternity, paternity, or shared parental leave pay, and get step-by-step guidance on how to apply.
Estimate Your Parental Leave Pay
Enter your employment details below. The estimator will check your eligibility for statutory pay and provide a breakdown of what you can expect to receive.
Leave Pay Estimator
Check eligibility and estimate statutory payments based on current UK guidelines
Parental Leave Quick Facts
Essential insights into UK family leave rights
Navigating Parental Leave
Taking time off to welcome a new child involves a few administrative steps. Here is how to ensure your rights and pay are protected.
Check Your Eligibility
Verify that you meet the 26-week continuous employment test and earn above the Lower Earnings Limit by the qualifying week.
Notify Your Employer
Provide formal written notice of your intention to take leave. For maternity, this must be done by the 15th week before your expected due date, including a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or doctor.
Agree on Dates and Pay
Confirm your start date with your employer. They are legally required to provide a written response within 28 days detailing your expected statutory pay and leave dates.
Return to Work
You have the right to return to the same job if your leave is 26 weeks or less. For longer leave, you are entitled to the same job or a suitable alternative on similar terms.
Leave Types & Statutory Entitlements
A handy cheat sheet for standard UK parental leave durations and statutory pay rates.
| Leave Type | Max Duration | Statutory Pay Rate (Approx.) | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 52 weeks | 90% of earnings (6 wks) + £184.03* or 90% (33 wks) | 26 weeks employment, earn > LEL |
| Paternity Leave | 1 or 2 weeks | £184.03* or 90% of earnings (whichever is lower) | 26 weeks employment, earn > LEL |
| Shared Parental (SPL) | Up to 50 weeks leave (37 paid) | £184.03* or 90% of earnings (whichever is lower) | Both parents meet employment/earnings tests |
| Adoption Leave | 52 weeks | Same as Maternity Leave | Matched with child, 26 weeks employment |
| Maternity Allowance | Up to 39 weeks | £184.03* or 90% of earnings (whichever is lower) | Self-employed or recently stopped working |
* Statutory rates are subject to annual government review. Always verify the current rate on GOV.UK.
Parental Leave FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about family leave rights, statutory pay, and employment protection in the UK.
Maternity Leave is your legal right to take up to 52 weeks off work. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is the financial support you may receive during that time, provided you meet specific employment and earnings criteria. You can take leave without qualifying for pay, but not vice versa.
No, Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is only available to employees. However, self-employed individuals may be eligible for Maternity Allowance (if they are the birth mother) or can claim Universal Credit to help support their family during this period.
SPL allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay after the birth or adoption of a child. The mother must curtail her maternity leave/pay to convert the remainder into SPL. Both parents must meet specific employment and earnings tests to qualify.
You have the right to return to the exact same job if you take 26 weeks or less of leave. If you take more than 26 weeks, you are entitled to return to the same job, or if that is not reasonably practicable, a suitable and appropriate alternative job on similar terms and conditions.