Paternity Pay Calculator UK

Statutory Paternity Pay Rates 2025/26

How SPP is Calculated

Statutory Paternity Pay is paid at the lower of:

• £187.18 per week (the flat rate for 2025/26)
• 90% of your average weekly earnings

For example, if you earn £500/week, you'd receive £187.18 (the flat rate). If you earn £180/week, you'd receive £162 (90% of £180).

Paternity Leave vs Shared Parental Leave

Eligibility Requirements

To Qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay You Must:

• Be an employee (not self-employed or a worker)
• Have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth
• Still be employed by them up to the date of birth
• Earn at least £123 per week on average (the Lower Earnings Limit)
• Be taking time off to look after the child or support the mother
• Be the biological father, the mother's partner, the child's adopter, or intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement

Notice Requirements

• Tell your employer by the end of the 15th week before the due date
• Provide the due date, how much leave you want, and when you want it to start
• Complete form SC3 or your employer's form
• You can change the start date with 28 days notice

How to Use This Paternity Pay Calculator

Our free paternity pay calculator helps you work out your Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) entitlement, check your eligibility, and understand key dates. Follow these steps for an accurate calculation.

Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Checklist

Tick each box to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be employed (not self-employed), have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week, earn at least £123 per week, and be the biological father, the mother's partner, or an intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement. If any box is unticked, the calculator will flag that you may not qualify.

Step 2: Enter Your Earnings

Input your average weekly earnings. If you are paid monthly, divide your monthly gross salary by 4.33 to estimate your weekly figure. The calculator uses this to determine whether you receive the flat SPP rate of £187.18 per week or 90% of your earnings (whichever is lower). If your weekly earnings are above £204.48, you will receive the flat rate.

Step 3: Choose Your Leave Duration

Select whether you want to take 1 or 2 weeks of paternity leave. You must take either one whole week or two consecutive weeks. You cannot take individual days or split the weeks. Most fathers choose to take the full 2 weeks.

Step 4: Enter the Due Date

Provide the baby's expected due date. The calculator will work out your notice deadline (by the end of the 15th week before the due date), the qualifying week for employment, and the latest date your leave must end (within 52 weeks of the birth or placement).

Understanding Paternity Pay and Leave in the UK

Statutory Paternity Pay and Leave provide eligible employees with paid time off when their partner has a baby or when they adopt a child. Here is everything you need to know about the current rules for 2025/26.

Key Paternity Pay Rates for 2025/26

Statutory Paternity Pay is £187.18 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. This rate was set from April 2025. SPP is subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions, just like your normal salary. Your employer pays SPP and can reclaim most or all of it from HMRC (92% for most employers, or 103% for small employers who qualify for Small Employers' Relief).

Enhanced Paternity Pay

Many employers now offer enhanced paternity pay schemes that go beyond the statutory minimum. According to recent surveys, around 45% of UK employers offer some form of enhanced paternity pay, with the most common enhancements being full pay for 2 weeks or full pay for 1 week followed by SPP for the second week. Check your employment contract or staff handbook, or speak with your HR department to find out your company's policy.

Changes to Paternity Leave Rules

From April 2024, important changes were made to paternity leave. Fathers and partners can now take their leave as two separate one-week blocks rather than being required to take them consecutively. Leave can be taken at any point in the 52 weeks following the birth or placement for adoption.

The notice period has also been reduced, with less advance notice required for changing leave dates. These reforms provide significantly more flexibility for new parents.

Self-Employed Fathers and Partners

If you are self-employed, you are not entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay or statutory paternity leave. However, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance-equivalent support through other channels. Self-employed individuals should consider building a financial buffer in advance of the birth and explore whether their partner can share parental leave if the partner is employed.

Paternity Leave for Adoptive Parents and Surrogacy

Statutory Paternity Pay and Leave also apply to adoptive parents and intended parents in surrogacy arrangements. The qualifying conditions are broadly the same: 26 weeks of continuous employment, earnings above the Lower Earnings Limit, and appropriate notice given to your employer. For adoption, the leave must be taken within 52 weeks of the child's placement date.

Worked Examples: Paternity Pay Scenarios

Example 1: Standard Employee Taking 2 Weeks

Michael earns £35,000 per year (approximately £673 per week). He takes 2 weeks of paternity leave when his baby is born.

• Average weekly earnings: £673.08
• 90% of earnings: £605.77
• SPP rate: £187.18 (flat rate applies as it is lower than 90% of earnings)
• Total SPP for 2 weeks: £368.06
• After tax (20%) and NI (8%): approximately £265 take-home

Example 2: Lower-Paid Employee Taking 2 Weeks

Sam earns £150 per week. He wants to take 2 weeks of paternity leave.

• Average weekly earnings: £150
• 90% of earnings: £135
• SPP rate: £135 (90% of earnings applies as it is lower than £187.18)
• Total SPP for 2 weeks: £270
• Sam earns above the Lower Earnings Limit (£123), so he qualifies for SPP

Example 3: Employee Earning Below the LEL

Alex works part-time and earns £100 per week on average. He wants paternity leave when his partner has a baby.

• Average weekly earnings: £100
• Lower Earnings Limit: £123 per week
• Alex does not qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay because his earnings are below the LEL
• He is still entitled to unpaid paternity leave of 1 or 2 weeks if he meets the other qualifying conditions
• He may wish to check eligibility for Universal Credit or other benefits during this time

Planning Finances Around Paternity Leave

With SPP at just £187.18 per week (before deductions), many families experience a noticeable drop in household income during paternity leave. Here are some practical tips for managing your finances.

Budget in Advance

Calculate the difference between your normal take-home pay and SPP. For someone earning £2,500 per month after tax, 2 weeks on SPP would mean receiving roughly £265 instead of the usual £1,250, a shortfall of nearly £985. Start setting aside money several months before the due date to cover this gap.

Check Your Employer's Policy

Contact your HR department early to find out if your employer offers enhanced paternity pay. Some companies pay full salary for paternity leave. Knowing your entitlement early helps you plan more accurately.

Consider Annual Leave

Many fathers use annual leave before or after paternity leave to extend their time off at full pay. You continue to accrue annual leave during paternity leave, and your employer cannot force you to use annual leave instead of paternity leave. Consider combining 2 weeks of paternity leave with 1 to 2 weeks of annual leave for a longer period with your new baby.

Shared Parental Leave

If your partner is entitled to maternity leave and pay, consider Shared Parental Leave (SPL). Your partner can end their maternity leave early and share the remaining leave and pay with you. Up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of ShPP (also £187.18/week or 90% of earnings) can be shared. This allows you to take longer blocks of leave to care for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

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