UK Paternity Pay & Leave 2026
Eligible employees can take up to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave at £184.03/week. Since April 2024, fathers and partners have new flexibility to split their leave and take it at any point in the baby's first year.
Rates verified June 2026 · Sources: The Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2788), as amended
Calculate your paternity pay
Enter your earnings to see your SPP entitlement.
Open paternity pay calculator →Who qualifies for Statutory Paternity Pay?
To receive SPP you must be:
- The biological father, the mother's spouse/civil partner/partner, or one of a same-sex couple who has adopted
- Employed continuously by the same employer for 26 weeks ending in the 15th week before the due date (or matching week for adoption)
- Earning at least £125/week (Lower Earnings Limit 2026/27)
- Intending to care for the child or support the mother/adopter
SPP rates and duration
| Detail | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Weekly SPP rate | £184.03 or 90% AWE (lower) |
| Maximum weeks | 2 weeks |
| Lower Earnings Limit (to qualify) | £125/week |
| Notice required | 15th week before due date |
The new flexibility from April 2024
The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/132) introduced two major changes that took effect from 6 April 2024:
- Split leave: Paternity leave can now be taken as two separate 1-week blocks, not necessarily consecutively.
- Extended window: Leave can be taken at any point in the 52 weeks following birth or placement (previously within 56 days).
- Notice changes: The notice period for paternity leave is now 28 days before the week in which leave is taken (previously 15 weeks before the due date for the start date).
Frequently asked questions
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)?
SPP is £184.03/week (2026/27) or 90% of your average weekly earnings if lower. It is paid for 1 or 2 weeks — you choose — and must be taken within 52 weeks of the baby's birth or adoption placement.
Do I qualify for paternity leave?
You qualify if you have been continuously employed by the same employer for 26 weeks ending with the 15th week before the baby's due date (or the week the adopter is matched), you are the biological father, the mother's partner, or the child's adopter, and you intend to care for the child. Self-employed individuals do not qualify for SPP.
Can I take paternity leave in the first year?
Since April 2024, eligible fathers and partners can take their paternity leave and pay in two separate 1-week blocks at any point in the first 52 weeks (previously the 56-day window applied). Leave does not have to be taken consecutively.
Is SPP taxable?
Yes — SPP is paid through the payroll and is subject to income tax and National Insurance contributions in the same way as ordinary earnings.