The week 6 cliff

Edited by Oliver Wakefield-Smith, Founder of Digital Signet. Last reviewed 23 June 2026.

Direct answer

Why does SMP drop after week 6?

324.91weekly pay drop for a 30,000 earner

The first 6 weeks of SMP pay 90% of your average weekly earnings with no cap. From week 7, that drops to the lower of 194.32 per week or 90% AWE. For someone earning 30,000 a year, weekly SMP falls from 519.23 to 194.32, a drop of 324.91 per week. The cliff is built into the law. It is not negotiable.

Worked numbers at four salaries

Annual salary	Weeks 1-6 weekly	Weeks 7-39 weekly	Weekly cliff drop
22,000	380.77	194.32	186.45
30,000	519.23	194.32	324.91
50,000	865.38	194.32	671.06
80,000	1,384.62	194.32	1,190.30

Why the cliff exists

Section 166 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 sets two prescribed amounts: a percentage of normal weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, and a flat weekly amount (set annually by Up-rating Order) for the remaining weeks. The flat weekly amount in 2026/27 is 194.32. There is no statutory mechanism to smooth the cliff.

How employers handle it

Many employers offer enhanced (contractual) maternity pay to soften the cliff. CIPD's family-friendly policies briefing notes that public-sector schemes commonly pay full pay for 6 to 18 weeks, then half pay plus SMP for a further period. Private sector practice varies widely, from SMP-only at the statutory minimum to full pay for 26 weeks.

Topping up the flat-rate phase

Enhanced contractual maternity pay, if your employer offers it.
Annual leave, which accrues during maternity leave and can be taken on return.
Maternity Allowance, but only if you do not qualify for SMP.
Universal Credit, which is means-tested and depends on household income.