Maternity Leave Pay Estimator (2026)
Estimated Benefit Summary
What Is a Maternity Leave Pay Calculator?
A maternity leave pay calculator is an online tool that estimates:
- Your weekly maternity benefit
- Your total benefit for your leave duration
It uses three key inputs:
- Your work state
- Your weekly gross income
- Your planned leave duration in weeks
The calculator applies state replacement rates and benefit caps. It then shows you how much you may receive under state-mandated programs in 2026.
This helps you:
- Plan your savings
- Understand income gaps
- Compare leave lengths
- Prepare for unpaid portions
How the 2026 Maternity Leave Pay Estimator Works
The calculator uses pre-set 2026 rules for select states. Each state has:
- A wage replacement percentage
- A maximum weekly cap
- A maximum number of benefit weeks
Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- It multiplies your weekly income by the state’s replacement rate.
- If your benefit exceeds the state’s cap, it reduces it to the maximum allowed.
- It multiplies your weekly benefit by your selected leave duration.
- It alerts you if your duration exceeds the state’s maximum benefit weeks.
Simple math. Clear output.
State Maternity Leave Pay Rules (2026)
Below are the state rules built into the calculator.
California (70%–90% Replacement)
- 90% wage replacement for lower-income earners
- 70% replacement above the income threshold
- Weekly cap: $1,765
- Typical duration: 8 weeks
If you earn below the threshold, you receive a higher percentage. If you earn more, the replacement rate drops.
This tiered model supports lower-income workers more heavily.
New Jersey (85% Replacement)
- 85% wage replacement
- Weekly cap: $1,119
- Up to 12 weeks
New Jersey offers one of the higher replacement percentages, but the weekly cap can limit higher earners.
New York (67% Replacement)
- 67% wage replacement
- Weekly cap: $1,228.53
- Up to 12 weeks
New York offers moderate replacement with a solid duration window.
Washington (Tiered 90% / 50%)
Washington uses a tiered system:
- 90% replacement up to a set income threshold
- 50% replacement above that threshold
- Weekly cap: $1,540
- Up to 12 weeks
This means part of your income may be replaced at 90%, and the rest at 50%.
Generic / Short-Term Disability Estimate
If your state is not listed, the calculator uses:
- 60% wage replacement
- $1,000 weekly cap
- Up to 12 weeks
This reflects common short-term disability (STD) policies.
Example Calculation
Let’s walk through a simple example.
Scenario:
- State: New Jersey
- Weekly gross income: $1,200
- Leave duration: 12 weeks
Step 1: Apply replacement rate
$1,200 × 85% = $1,020
Step 2: Check weekly cap
Cap is $1,119 → $1,020 is below cap
Step 3: Multiply by duration
$1,020 × 12 = $12,240 total benefit
That’s your estimated maternity leave pay.
What If You Earn More Than the Weekly Cap?
If your calculated benefit exceeds the cap, you will only receive the capped amount.
Example:
- Weekly income: $2,500
- State replacement: 85%
- Raw benefit: $2,125
- State cap: $1,119
Your actual weekly benefit = $1,119
Caps mainly affect higher earners.
What Happens If You Take More Weeks Than Allowed?
If you enter more weeks than the state maximum, the calculator will notify you.
Example:
- State maximum: 8 weeks
- You enter: 12 weeks
You’ll see a note that 12 weeks exceeds the state’s program maximum. That does not mean you cannot take 12 weeks. It means the state program may not pay for all of them.
What This Calculator Does Not Include
This is important.
The estimator does not include:
- Employer top-off pay
- Company-paid parental leave
- Private short-term disability riders
- Bonuses or commissions
- Taxes
Many employers add supplemental pay. Some top you up to 100% of salary.
Always check your HR benefits guide.
Why Wage Replacement Percentages Matter
A small percentage difference can change thousands of dollars.
For example:
- 60% of $1,500 = $900
- 85% of $1,500 = $1,275
That’s a $375 weekly difference. Over 12 weeks, that’s $4,500 more.
Understanding your state’s percentage helps you plan smarter.
How to Use the Calculator for Planning
Here’s a practical approach:
- Enter your current weekly gross pay.
- Test different leave durations.
- Compare 8 weeks vs. 12 weeks.
- Calculate your income gap.
- Decide how much to save before leave.
You can also:
- Run scenarios for part-time return plans.
- Estimate unpaid weeks.
- Budget for childcare transition.
How to Calculate Maternity Leave Pay Manually
If you prefer doing the math yourself, use this formula:
Weekly Benefit = (Weekly Income × Replacement Rate)
If result > state cap → use cap
Total Pay = Weekly Benefit × Number of Weeks
That’s all the calculator does.
Common Questions
Is maternity leave fully paid?
Not usually. Most states replace a percentage of your income. Some employers offer full pay.
Is maternity leave taxed?
In many cases, yes. State disability or paid family leave benefits are often taxable. Check IRS and state rules.
Can I combine state pay with employer pay?
Yes, in many cases. Some employers “top off” state benefits to reach full salary.
Why Using a Maternity Leave Pay Calculator Helps
Pregnancy comes with enough uncertainty. Pay shouldn’t be one of them.
A clear estimate helps you:
- Reduce financial stress
- Plan savings goals
- Decide leave length
- Have informed HR conversations
When you see real numbers, planning becomes practical instead of emotional.