Do you get paid for additional maternity leave?
Noah Mitchell
Published Apr 19, 2026
Similarly, do you get paid for the full 52 weeks maternity leave?
Maternity pay and leave
When you're having a baby, you're entitled to a year of Statutory Maternity Leave - no matter how long you've been in your job. But while you're entitled to 52 weeks off work, you'll only get maternity pay for 39 of them if you're eligible.
Also, who is entitled to additional maternity leave? All pregnant employees are entitled to 52 weeks' maternity leave, regardless of how long they have been employed. It is a right available from day one of the employment. The first 26 weeks of maternity leave are known as Ordinary Maternity Leave and the second 26 weeks are known as Additional Maternity Leave (AML).
In this way, how much additional maternity leave is a person entitled to?
Additional Maternity Leave, or AML - This is the following 26 weeks of maternity leave available to those who want to take more time off work than just the Ordinary Maternity Leave.
Can you get 2 maternity leave paid?
Yes, if you have two or more employers, you can claim SMP from each of them providing you satisfy the qualifying conditions for each job, see above.
Related Question Answers
Is SMP going up April 2020?
The rate of statutory maternity pay is expected to rise to £151.20 from April 2020. The increase normally occurs on the first Sunday in April, which in 2020 is 5 April. The rates normally increase each April in line with the consumer price index (CPI).Do you have to pay back maternity pay if you don't return to work?
You won't need to pay back statutory maternity pay or Maternity Allowance, even if you don't return to work.How long do you get full maternity pay for?
How much statutory maternity pay you'll get. Your statutory maternity pay lasts up to 39 weeks, made up of: 6 weeks getting 90% of your average weekly pay (before tax)What happens if I don't return to work after maternity leave?
If you get paid anything over statutory maternity pay then you are required to pay that back if you don't return to work after your leave. Usually your contract will state how many weeks you need to work before you leave to avoid having to pay anything back.What happens if I don't qualify for statutory maternity pay?
Maternity Allowance is usually paid to you if you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. You can claim Maternity Allowance as soon as you've been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start 11 weeks before your baby is due. Any money you get can affect your other benefits.How long after maternity leave can I quit?
So, yes, legally you can quit now; you don't have to wait until you return from FMLA. You also don't have to give two weeks' notice. That's a nice thing to do, but it's not required by law, only convention. Clearly changing jobs at this time isn't as easy as you may think, but it's completely legal.Can an employer refuse additional maternity leave?
You should apply to your employer if you want to postpone maternity leave (or additional maternity leave) and go back to work while your baby is in hospital. Your employer has the right to refuse.How much maternity pay do I get?
Statutory Maternity Pay ( SMP ) is paid for up to 39 weeks. You get: 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks. £151.97 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks.How maternity pay is calculated?
To calculate your average weekly earnings your employer will average your gross earnings over a period of at least eight weeks up to and including the last payday before the end of your qualifying week. The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due.How do you count days of maternity leave?
The maternity leave period is counted in calendar days, inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This is in consonance with the Page 4 4 rule that maternity leave should be availed of in a continuous and uninterrupted manner. Can maternity leave be availed of prior to delivery date? Yes.When do you qualify for statutory maternity pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay ( SMP )be on your payroll in the 'qualifying week' - the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. give you the correct notice. give you proof they're pregnant. have been continuously employed by you for at least 26 weeks up to any day in the qualifying week.
Can your employer change your job after maternity leave?
No. Your employer cannot move you to a different job because they prefer the person they have employed to cover your maternity leave. This would be maternity discrimination.Can I work during my maternity leave?
You can choose to do some work on maternity leaveYou can agree to work for your employer for up to 10 days without interrupting your maternity leave or pay. Any work you do should use a keeping in touch day - including going to training or meetings. You should be paid for keeping in touch days.
