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Maternity leave and pay by country
How much time off you can take, how much you are paid and when to tell your employer, explained simply and checked against official government sources.
United Kingdom
Up to 52 weeks of leave, with up to 39 weeks of statutory pay or Maternity Allowance.
Read the guide →Ireland
26 weeks of leave plus up to 16 unpaid, with Maternity Benefit and Parent's Leave.
Read the guide →Canada
EI maternity and parental benefits, with standard and extended options.
Read the guide →Australia
Government-paid Parental Leave Pay, up to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026.
Read the guide →United States
Unpaid job protection under the FMLA, plus paid family leave in some states.
Read the guide →How we keep this accurate: Each guide was checked against the official government pages listed at the bottom of it on 29 October 2026. Rates and rules change, often at the start of a tax or financial year, so always confirm the current figures with the official source or your employer before you make plans.
Questions to ask your employer
- What is the latest date I can tell you about my pregnancy and my planned leave dates, and how should I give notice?
- Do you offer maternity pay above the legal minimum, and do I need to have worked here for a certain time to qualify?
- Can I take annual leave before or after my maternity leave?
- How do my pension, bonus and benefits work while I am away?
- What are the options for a phased or part-time return to work?
- Who should I contact in HR while I am away?
Related guides
- Returning to work and childcare
- Antenatal appointments and tests
- Due date calculator, because most leave dates are counted back from your due date
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried. This page is general information about employment and benefits, not legal advice.