Paternity Pay Calculator UK 2025/26

Paternity pay calculator UK 2025/26 — Statutory Paternity Pay £187.18/week or 90% earnings (lower). 2 weeks paid leave,

Quick answer: Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) 2025/26 is £187.18/week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), paid for up to 2 consecutive weeks. Most fathers get the £187.18 flat rate.
Mustafa Bilgic
Reviewed by Mustafa Bilgic · UK Calculator Editor ·

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Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) gives eligible fathers and partners 2 weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The 2025/26 rate is £187.18/week (or 90% of earnings if lower). This calculator shows your paternity entitlement based on your weekly earnings.

How paternity pay calculator works in 2025/26

SPP 2025/26 key facts:

  • Rate: £187.18/week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is LOWER)
  • Duration: 1 or 2 consecutive weeks
  • Eligibility: 26 weeks continuous employment by qualifying week (15 weeks before due date), earning at least £125/week (Lower Earnings Limit)
  • When paid: Within 56 days of birth (or first day of life if premature)
  • Notice: Tell employer 15 weeks before due date in writing (form SC3 or employer's own)

Who can claim SPP?

  • Biological father
  • Mother's spouse/civil partner/cohabiting partner (not biological father but in stable relationship)
  • Same-sex partners (one of two parents)
  • Adopting parent (one of two — second/adoptive parent)
  • Surrogacy intended parents (not surrogate mother)

Average weekly earnings calculation:

Earnings during the 8-week period ending in the qualifying week (i.e. 15-23 weeks before due date). Includes overtime, bonuses, NI-able benefits — basically everything reported on payslip as gross.

Tax on SPP: Like all employment income — income tax + NI deducted via PAYE. Net SPP for typical earner is approximately £166/week or £332 for 2 weeks total.

Worked example: £35k earner, 2 weeks SPP

Average weekly earnings ~£673. 90% = £606 (above £187.18). So statutory rate £187.18/week applies. 2 weeks = £374.36 gross. After PAYE: ~£330 net.

Gross: £374 → Take-home: £330.00/year (£27.50/month)

Worked example: Part-time worker £150/week (above LEL)

90% × £150 = £135/week (below £187.18). So 90% applies. 2 weeks = £270 gross. Below PA threshold weekly so likely £270 net (no tax).

Gross: £270 → Take-home: £270.00/year (£22.50/month)

Worked example: Self-employed (not eligible) → personal savings only

Self-employed do NOT qualify for SPP. No statutory paternity pay available. Personal pension/savings only. May claim Maternity Allowance for partner if she qualifies.

Gross: £0 → Take-home: £0.00/year (£0.00/month)

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for SPP?
Father, mother's spouse, civil partner, or partner (heterosexual or same-sex). Must have 26 weeks continuous employment by the qualifying week (15 weeks before due date). Must earn ≥£125/week (Lower Earnings Limit).
Can I take more than 2 weeks?
SPP is capped at 2 weeks. After that, you can use Shared Parental Leave (SPL) — up to 50 weeks total split between parents, with 37 weeks paid at SPP rate. SPL must be agreed with employer in advance.
Can I take SPP later than 56 days after birth?
No — must be taken within 56 days of birth (or expected birth if premature). If you start a new job after this window, you cannot claim SPP from the new employer for that child.
What if my partner adopts and I'm not biological father?
If you're the partner of an adopting mother (or one of a same-sex couple adopting), you may qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay under the same rules. The "qualifying week" for adoption is the week of being matched with the child.
Are some employers more generous?
Many employers offer enhanced paternity pay — full salary for 2 weeks, sometimes 4-6 weeks at full pay. Check your employer's family leave policy. Government policy reform is currently consulting on extended SPP — possible future increase.
Does SPP affect my pension?
SPP is treated as employment income — auto-enrolment pension continues if you're enrolled. Your contribution and your employer's 3% minimum continue based on actual salary (not statutory rate, if you're on enhanced employer pay). State pension qualifying year usually preserved.
Can I claim SPP after Shared Parental Leave?
SPL replaces remaining maternity leave/SPP — you can't claim both for the same child. If both parents work, SPL gives more flexibility to share leave (e.g. take 6 months each, or alternate). Decide before birth which scheme works for your family.

Official UK Sources

Last reviewed: May 2026 against HMRC 2025/26 rates.

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