How do I calculate my qualifying week?

Your qualifying week is exactly 15 weeks before your expected week of childbirth. If your baby is due on a Sunday, your expected week starts on that Sunday. Count back 15 weeks from that Sunday to find your qualifying week. Use our Qualifying Week Calculator for an easy calculation.

What if I change jobs before the qualifying week?

If you change jobs, you must have worked for your new employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the qualifying week. Time with previous employers doesn't count toward the 26-week requirement.

How is the £120 per week requirement calculated?

Your average weekly earnings are calculated from the 8 weeks (or 2 months) before the qualifying week. Add up your earnings for this period and divide by 8 (or the number of weeks/months). You must average at least £120 per week.

What if my baby is born early or late?

The qualifying week is always based on your expected week of childbirth, not the actual birth date. Even if your baby is born early or late, your qualifying week remains the same, and your eligibility is determined by the original expected date.

Is the qualifying week the same for paternity leave?

Yes, the qualifying week is the same for both maternity and paternity benefits in the UK. Both parents use the same qualifying week (the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth).

Are bonuses and overtime included in earnings?

Yes, regular bonuses and overtime are typically included in average earnings calculations for the qualifying week. However, one-off bonuses may be treated differently. Check with your HR department or HMRC for specific guidance.

Can I use the qualifying week calculator for any country?

The qualifying week concept is specific to the UK. Other countries may have similar qualifying periods but use different calculations. Check your country's specific rules for their equivalent qualifying requirements.

UK Qualifying Week Explained - Complete Guide

Q: Do I need to be working in the qualifying week?

You need to be employed by your employer in the qualifying week, but you don't need to actually be at work. You can be on holiday, sick leave, or on maternity/paternity leave from a previous child, as long as you're still employed.

Complete guide to the UK qualifying week for maternity and paternity benefits. Learn what it is, how to calculate it, what requirements you must meet, and how it affects your eligibility for Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay.

What is the Qualifying Week?

The qualifying week is the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth. This is the week used to determine your eligibility for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) in the UK. You must meet specific employment and earnings requirements by the end of this week to qualify for benefits.

How to Calculate Your Qualifying Week

To calculate your qualifying week: 1) Find your expected week of childbirth (the week, Sunday to Saturday, in which your baby is due), 2) Count back exactly 15 weeks from the start of that week, 3) The week you land on is your qualifying week. If your due date is a Sunday, that week starts on that Sunday.

Requirements You Must Meet in the Qualifying Week

To qualify for SMP or SPP, you must meet three requirements by the end of your qualifying week: 1) Be employed by your employer in the qualifying week (you don't need to be at work, just employed), 2) Have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the qualifying week, 3) Earn at least £120 per week (average) in the 8 weeks (or 2 months) before the qualifying week.

Employment Status in the Qualifying Week

You must be employed by your employer in the qualifying week, but you don't need to actually be at work. You can be on holiday, sick leave, or on maternity/paternity leave from a previous child, as long as you're still employed. Changing jobs before the qualifying week means you need 26 weeks with your new employer.

The 26-Week Employment Requirement

You must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the qualifying week. This is counted from when you started working for them, not from when you became pregnant. If you change jobs, time with previous employers doesn't count - you need 26 weeks with your current employer.

The £120 Per Week Earnings Requirement

You must earn at least £120 per week (average) in the 8 weeks (or 2 months) before the qualifying week. This is calculated by adding up your earnings for this period and dividing by 8 (or the number of weeks/months). Regular bonuses and overtime are typically included in this calculation.

What Happens If You Don't Qualify?

If you don't meet the qualifying week requirements for SMP, you may still be eligible for Maternity Allowance (MA), which has different requirements. MA is paid by the government rather than your employer and has lower earnings thresholds. You can also check if your employer offers enhanced maternity benefits beyond the statutory minimum.

Calculate Your Qualifying Week