Maternity leave sounds simple: take time off, get paid, look after your baby. But the reality? It is rarely that easy, especially when it comes to money.

Yes, you may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay, or even enhanced maternity pay if you are lucky. But the real cost of maternity leave goes far beyond your payslip.

So, how much does maternity leave actually cost? And why isn't maternity pay always enough to get you through?

Maternity pay is not your usual wage

If you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you will get it for up to 39 weeks. But it won't match your normal wages, and after a few weeks, the amount drops. If you don't qualify, you might be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.

Some employers offer enhanced maternity pay, but many don't. If you are self-employed, an agency worker or don't have enough National Insurance contributions, you might only get basic support. Either way, your income is likely to be lower than usual, while your costs may rise.

Why do you need to save extra?

Even if you get maternity pay, you still need to save separately. Why? Maternity leave comes with extra costs that sneak up on you.

You might spend more on:

  • Takeaways (because cooking with a newborn is hard)
  • Baby clothes, nappies, bottles, prams, sometimes more than once
  • Heating and electricity, thanks to being home more
  • Childcare deposits if you are planning ahead

Maternity pay often won't cover it all and that is why saving on top gives you more breathing room.

What you might save on

When you are on mat leave, not everything gets more expensive. You could save money by:

  • Skipping the commute
  • Spending less on clothes or going out
  • Pausing expensive subscriptions

However, these savings don't always compensate for the drop in income or the additional costs of having a baby. It is worth reviewing your cash flow before your baby is born, so you are not caught off guard later.

Things to plan for

There is more to maternity leave than just money. You will need to:

  • Tell your employer by the 15th week before your due date
  • Check if you qualify for Statutory Maternity Leave
  • Apply for benefits like Universal Credit, Statutory Paternity Pay or Shared Parental Leave
  • Claim free NHS prescriptions and look into the Sure Start Maternity Grant if you are on a low income

You may also be able to claim Statutory Adoption Pay or Statutory Shared Parental Pay, depending on your family setup. If your baby is due early or you are having more than one baby, make sure your plans are flexible.

Final tip: don't rely on ordinary maternity leave pay

The amount of maternity pay you receive is just one part of the picture. The real cost of maternity leave includes newborn essentials, childcare and lost income, and those add up fast. Make a plan. Start saving early. And remember that maternity leave is a financial shift as much as a personal one.