UK Adoption Pay & Leave 2026
Employees who adopt a child in the UK are entitled to up to 52 weeks of adoption leave and up to 39 weeks of Statutory Adoption Pay — mirroring maternity leave rights. If two people are adopting together, one takes primary adoption leave and the other takes paternity leave.
Rates verified June 2026 · Source: The Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002
Calculate adoption pay
Open adoption pay calculator →SAP rates 2026/27
| Period | Rate |
|---|---|
| First 6 weeks | 90% of average weekly earnings |
| Weeks 7–39 (up to 33 weeks) | £184.03/week (or 90% AWE if lower) |
| Weeks 40–52 | Unpaid (additional adoption leave) |
Partner's rights
The other member of an adopting couple can take up to 2 weeks of Statutory Paternity Leave paid at SPP (£184.03/week or 90% AWE if lower), provided they meet the qualifying conditions. Both partners can also opt into Shared Parental Leave after the primary adopter has taken 2 weeks of compulsory adoption leave.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)?
SAP is £184.03/week (2026/27) or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower. It is paid for up to 39 weeks — the first 6 weeks at 90% of AWE and the remaining 33 weeks at the flat rate (or 90% AWE if lower). This mirrors the Statutory Maternity Pay structure.
Who qualifies for adoption pay and leave?
One member of an adopting couple (or a sole adopter) can claim SAP, provided they have been employed continuously for 26 weeks ending the week they are notified of a match, earn at least £125/week (LEL), and intend to care for the child. The other member of an adopting couple (if they qualify) can take Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay.
Does adoption pay work the same as maternity pay?
Yes — the rates and structure of SAP are aligned with SMP: 90% of AWE for 6 weeks then the flat rate for up to 33 weeks. Adoption leave mirrors maternity leave: ordinary adoption leave (26 weeks) and additional adoption leave (a further 26 weeks). The key difference is that adoption leave can start from the date of placement (or up to 14 days before), not a weeks-before-due-date trigger.