How to Survive on Statutory Maternity Pay in the UK

Statutory Maternity pay is currently £172.48 per week (or 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first six weeks of SMP)

Tips, Tricks, and Community Support

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Let’s face it—navigating the world of statutory maternity pay (SMP) or maternity allowance can feel like trying to stretch a piece of string into a full-on safety net. (Trust me, I’ve been there!)

At just £172.48 per week (or 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first six weeks of SMP), it’s a significant drop in income for most families. But don’t panic—we’ve got this! 💪

I’m here to share some tried-and-tested tips to help you not just survive but thrive (OK, let’s say get by happily enough) during your maternity leave. Plus, I’ll let you in on some deals, discounts, and a fantastic community to support you along the way.

1. Budget Like a Boss

The first step to making the most of your maternity pay is getting to grips with your budget. I know this can sound quite daunting but lets make it simple - Start by listing your essential expenses—rent/mortgage, bills, food, and transport. Then, see where you can make cuts.

💡 Top Tip: Use free tools like my Deals & Discounts page to find savings on everything from groceries to baby essentials.

💡 Top Tip: Don’t forget to sign up for loyalty cards (check out my blog on how to save money at the supermarket), which can give you exclusive deals—especially useful when nappies are on sale!

2. Make Cashback Your Best Friend

Online shopping is about to become your new BFF. Sign up for platforms like TopCashback to earn cashback every time you shop online. Think of it as getting paid to buy what you already need (win-win, right?). Use my link to receive a free £10 cash bonus when you earn your first £10.

💡 Pro Tip: Use cashback to offset the cost of big-ticket baby items like prams and car seats. Every little bit adds up!

3. Join a Supportive Community

Let’s be honest, some of the best tips and tricks come from other parents who’ve been there, done that, and got the sick-stained T-shirt.

Join our Money Saving Parents UK Facebook group to connect with like-minded mums and dads. Share advice, swap tips, and snag exclusive deals we find just for you. Feel free to ask questions anonymously if you’d rather, we know its daunting at first, but we’ve all been there and really do have some good tips to share!

Some other great places to join in with local community of mums would be local play groups, held at churches and libraries for a small donation, or mum walk and talks often hosted by volunteers in local parks. It’s important to get out and about to help reduce any feelings of isolation or loneliness you may get in the early days.

4. Be a Meal-Planning Ninja 🥦🍝

Eating well on a budget is totally doable, and it doesn’t have to be stressful! Batch cooking and meal planning are lifesavers when it comes to saving time, money, and keeping mealtimes hassle-free. A simple trick? Grab a pen and paper and jot down 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners for the week. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to buy and avoid unnecessary extras.

Another tip is to plan meals that share ingredients. For example, a packet of peppers could stretch across two meals, and a bag of carrots might last for three or more. You don’t need to lock yourself into a rigid schedule either—just check the use-by dates and cook the meals with the shortest shelf life first. If you’re worried about meat or other perishables, pop them in the freezer to make them last longer. (Just remember to defrost them thoroughly and follow the instructions on the packet.)

Switching to supermarket own brands can also seriously cut the cost of your weekly shop. Give a few swaps a try—you might be surprised at how much you enjoy them! And if you’re looking for even more ways to save, check out my blog on how to save money on your supermarket shop here

💡 Budget Hack: Plan your weekly meals around supermarket offers, and always check the price per unit (a.k.a. the small print) to get the best value. Batch cook soups, casseroles, and pasta sauces to freeze—future you will thank you when dinner is sorted in minutes.

5. Embrace the Pre-Loved Revolution

Babies grow fast—like blink and they’ve outgrown their clothes fast. Instead of splurging on brand-new outfits, check out charity shops, Facebook Marketplace, and apps like Vinted for bargains. You’ll often find nearly-new items at a fraction of the price. Most of my kids wardrobes are hand me downs from family and friends!

💡 Money-Saving Tip: Keep an eye out for toys and baby gear in your local community buy-and-sell groups. A quick wipe-down, and it’s good as new!

6. Ditch the Guilt Over Treats

Maternity leave is tough, and you deserve a little joy. That doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Look out for free or cheap activities, like baby cinema screenings, free library baby groups, or walks in the park with local mum & baby groups.

💡 Insider Hack: Check our Deals & Discounts for family day-out offers or budget-friendly experiences. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make precious memories.

7. Automate Savings (Even If It's Small!)

Set up a standing order to a savings account—even if it’s just £10 a month. This way, you’re building a little financial cushion without even thinking about it. Bonus points if you use a high-interest savings account to earn a bit extra.

And if you’re lucky enough to find this blog before your maternity leave starts, then my biggest tip would be to save, save, and save some more now while you’re still earning a wage. This will cushion the blow when the baby arrives and will relieve a little financial pressure on the family.

💡 Quick Tip: Use the round-up feature on banking apps like Monzo or Starling to squirrel away spare change. You won’t even notice it’s gone! Check out my blog- How to build your savings pot for more tips on this!

8. Shop Smarter, Not Harder

Sign up for supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard or ASDA Rewards. These can save you a ton on weekly shops. Plus, some schemes let you save points for Christmas, giving you a little extra boost during the festive season. My blog on How to Save Money at the Supermarket has some more practical tips and advice for you.

Additionally, MyFamily Rewards offers hundreds of family-focused deals and discounts all in one place—helping you save on nursery furniture, strollers, baby clothes, and more. Take a look at what’s available today!

💡 Money Hack: Meal plan for the week and stick to a shopping list. It’s a game-changer for avoiding impulse buys.

9. Take Advantage of Freebies

Yes, they exist!

Many companies offer free baby starter packs filled with nappies, wipes, and samples. Look out for Emma’s Diary and Bounty Packs, which you can grab at local pharmacies.

Places like Morrisons and M&S have dedicated parents and baby days where you can bag free cake and socialise with other parents at the same time too.

Here at MyFamily Rewards, we also showcase freebies from various companies from time to time—be sure to check if there’s something exciting available today!

💡 Pro Tip: Sign up for newsletters from baby brands to get exclusive discounts and freebies sent directly to your inbox.

10. Make Extra Cash

Got stuff lying around gathering dust? Sell it! Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and eBay are great places to make a bit of extra cash.

There are some other ways to make some cash too, such as switching banks. MoneySavingExpert.co.uk has some more information about this.

Making some extra pocket money from completing surveys online (check reviews to find reputable sites to do this). The pay isn’t great but if you really need the top up, it may be worth the time and effort.

Recycle old clothing to get vouchers to spend on shopping - like Boots & H&M (find out how here)

You can take advantage of KIT days at work - these are Keeping in Touch days and give you 10 days worth of pay without needing to come off maternity leave. You’ll need to speak to your employer and arrange these mutually. More info on the Government Website here

💡 Bonus Tip: If you’ve got a changing table or pram in good condition, you could sell it on to another parent in need—and use the cash to buy your next must-have baby item.

You’ve Got This, Mama! 🌟

Living on maternity pay is tough, but with these tips, you can make it work. Remember, you’re not alone—there’s a whole community of parents ready to support you. Join us in the Money Saving Parents UK Facebook group for even more ideas, or sign up to our Money Saving Club to explore deals & discounts for you and your baby.

From my family to yours, we’ve got you covered. 💕