How is NHS Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) calculated in 2026/27?

Under Agenda for Change Section 15, NHS staff with at least 12 months continuous service by the 11th week before their due date receive: 8 weeks at 100% Full Pay, 18 weeks at 50% Half Pay plus Statutory Maternity Pay (£187.18/week, capped at full pay), 13 weeks at Statutory Maternity Pay (£187.18/week), and up to 13 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

Can I spread my NHS maternity pay equally across my maternity leave?

Yes. Most NHS Trusts allow you to request through ESR/Payroll that your Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) be averaged and paid in equal monthly instalments over your 39 paid weeks (9 months) or across the full 52 weeks (12 months) to help with household budgeting.

Agenda for Change Section 15 • 2026/27 OMP & SMP Verified

NHS Maternity Pay Calculator 2026/27 (OMP + SMP & Equalised Spread)

Calculate your exact weekly and monthly net maternity pay across 8 weeks Full Pay, 18 weeks Half Pay + SMP (£187.18/wk), and 13 weeks SMP—or see how much you will receive each month if you ask NHS Payroll to spread your pay equally over 9 or 12 months.

1. Configure Your NHS Contract & Maternity Schedule

Based on Agenda for Change Section 15 Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) & 2026/27 SMP (£187.18/wk)

Agenda for Change Pay Band

Pay Step Point

London Weighting (HCAS Zone)

Contracted Hours / Week: 37.5h

NHS Continuous Service Qualification

ESR Payslip Payment Schedule Option

2026/27 Maternity Ledger

Total 52-Week Net Maternity Pay

AWE: £663.44/wk

£14,684net total (Gross: £17,081)

If Spread Over 9 Months£1,632/mo net

If Spread Over 12 Months£1,224/mo net

Phased Weekly & Monthly Breakdown

Weeks 1–8 (8 Weeks): 100% Full NHS PayFull Pay Phase

Gross: £663.44/wk (£2,875/mo)~£2,471/mo net

Weeks 9–26 (18 Weeks): 50% Half Pay + SMP (£187.18/wk)Half Pay + SMP

Gross: £518.90/wk (£2,249/mo)~£1,933/mo net

Weeks 27–39 (13 Weeks): Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)SMP Only

Gross: £187.18/wk (£811/mo)~£697/mo net

Weeks 40–52 (13 Weeks): Unpaid Additional Maternity LeaveUnpaid Phase

Gross: £0.00/wk (£0/mo)~£0/mo net

NHS Agenda for Change Section 15 Maternity Entitlement Schedule (2026/27)

Maternity Leave Period	Duration	Full NHS OMP + SMP Entitlement	SMP Only (Under 12m NHS Service)
Weeks 1 to 8	8 Weeks	100% Full Average Weekly Earnings (inc. HCAS & regular enhancements)	Weeks 1–6: 90% of Average Weekly Earnings
Weeks 9 to 26	18 Weeks	50% Half Pay + Statutory Maternity Pay (£187.18/wk), capped at 100% pay	Flat Rate SMP (£187.18/wk or 90% AWE if lower)
Weeks 27 to 39	13 Weeks	Statutory Maternity Pay (£187.18/wk)	Statutory Maternity Pay (£187.18/wk)
Weeks 40 to 52	13 Weeks	Unpaid Additional Maternity Leave (up to 10 paid Keeping in Touch KIT days allowed)	Unpaid Additional Maternity Leave