Eligibility Checklist
You Are Eligible for SPP
Based on your answers, you qualify for statutory paternity pay.
Weekly SPP Rate
£184.03
Leave Duration
2 weeks
Total Paternity Pay
£368.06
Important Dates
Notice Deadline:
-
15th Week Before:
-
Due Date:
-
Leave Must End:
Within 52 weeks of birth
Statutory Paternity Pay Rates 2025/26
SPP Weekly Rate
£184.03
Or 90% of earnings if lower
Maximum Duration
2 weeks
1 or 2 consecutive weeks
Minimum Earnings
£123/week
Lower Earnings Limit
How SPP is Calculated
Statutory Paternity Pay is paid at the lower of:
- £184.03 per week (the flat rate for 2025/26)
- 90% of your average weekly earnings
For example, if you earn £500/week, you'd receive £184.03 (the flat rate). If you earn £180/week, you'd receive £162 (90% of £180).
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Paternity Leave vs Shared Parental Leave
| Feature | Paternity Leave | Shared Parental Leave |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Duration | 2 weeks | Up to 50 weeks (shared) |
| Pay Rate | £184.03/week or 90% | £184.03/week or 90% |
| Flexibility | Must be consecutive weeks | Can be taken in blocks |
| When Available | Within 52 weeks of birth | Within 52 weeks of birth |
| Notice Required | 15 weeks before due date | 8 weeks before each block |
Tip: You can take both paternity leave AND shared parental leave. Take your 2 weeks paternity leave first, then share remaining leave with your partner through SPL.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is statutory paternity pay in 2025/26?
Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is £184.03 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. This rate applies from April 2024. You can receive SPP for up to 2 weeks if eligible.
How long is paternity leave in the UK?
Statutory paternity leave is 1 or 2 weeks - you choose how much to take. You cannot take odd days or split the weeks. Leave must be taken within 52 weeks of the birth.
Who qualifies for statutory paternity pay?
To qualify you must be employed, have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the due date, earn at least £123 per week, and be the father, partner, or intended parent.
Can fathers take shared parental leave?
Yes, fathers or partners can share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay with the mother through Shared Parental Leave (SPL). The mother must end her maternity leave early to create SPL.
When should I give notice for paternity leave?
You must give notice by the end of the 15th week before the baby is due (around 25 weeks pregnant). You can change the start date with 28 days notice.
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Last updated: January 2026 | Verified with latest UK rates
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