Maternity Pay for Nannies: A Guide for Parents

When your nanny shares the exciting news that they’re expecting, it’s a moment of joy — but also a moment when your responsibilities as an employer become especially important. As a parent employing a nanny, you're not just providing care for your child — you’re also legally an employer. That means understanding your obligations, especially around Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), is essential.

The good news? While it might sound complicated at first, statutory maternity pay for nannies is a manageable process — especially if you're using a service like NannyPayPro, which automates the calculations and handles HMRC claims on your behalf.

What Is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)?

SMP is a government benefit that applies to eligible employees — including nannies. It allows your nanny to take time off before and after their baby is born, while still receiving a portion of their income.

SMP lasts for up to 39 weeks:

• First 6 weeks: 90% of your nanny’s average weekly earnings (AWE)
• Next 33 weeks: £172.48 per week or 90% of AWE — whichever is lower

You, the employer, pay SMP through your regular payroll. But in most cases, you can reclaim 92% or even 103% of those payments from HMRC.

Who Qualifies for SMP?

To qualify, your nanny must:

• Earn at least £123 per week
• Have worked for you continuously for 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due
• Give at least 28 days’ notice
• Provide a MATB1 form confirming the due date

Your Responsibilities as the Employer

As an employer, you're responsible for:

• Calculating and paying SMP accurately and on time
• Keeping payroll records
• Allowing paid time off for antenatal appointments
• Ensuring your nanny isn’t treated unfairly because of pregnancy

With NannyPayPro, this process is fully automated — from calculating SMP to filing the HMRC reclaim.

What About Shared Parental Leave?

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows parents to divide up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay. It can be taken in one block or split into shorter periods.

If your nanny qualifies, you may need to process Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) — currently £172.48/week or 90% of AWE.

NannyPayPro can help ensure correct calculations and submissions for this too.

How NannyPayPro Makes Maternity Pay Easy

• ✅ Automatically calculates SMP and eligibility
• ✅ Generates accurate payslips
• ✅ Files the claim with HMRC so you can reclaim what you’ve paid
• ✅ Ensures deadlines and documentation are met

No forms. No spreadsheets. No worries.

Final Thoughts

Managing statutory maternity pay for nannies is part of being a fair, legal employer. With the right information and tools — like NannyPayPro — it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Need help? Let NannyPayPro handle your nanny payroll, including maternity pay and HMRC claims.

Click here to sign up and support your nanny the right way.