Adoption Pay
Adoption pay is the income an adoptive parent receives when taking adoption leave after a child is placed with them for adoption.
benefits
Category
intermediate
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Adoption pay is the income an adoptive parent receives when taking adoption leave after a child is placed with them for adoption.
Detailed explanation
Adoption pay provides financial support to employees who are adopting a child, allowing them to take time off to bond with their new child and settle them into their new home.
In the UK, Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) is available for up to 39 weeks, mirroring Statutory Maternity Pay rates. The primary adopter (one person per couple) is entitled to SAP.
Many employers offer enhanced adoption pay, recognising that adoptive families need the same support as birth families during the transition period.
Practical guidance
How it works
When matched with a child, the adoptive parent notifies their employer within 7 days. They provide matching certificate documentation. SAP is paid through payroll, with employers reclaiming most from HMRC.
Best practices
Offer the same enhanced pay for adoption as maternity
Be supportive of the matching and placement process
Allow flexibility for adoption appointments
Use inclusive language in policies
Legal context
Legal basis
Employment Rights Act 1996, Statutory Adoption Pay Regulations
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
SAP paid for up to 39 weeks
First 6 weeks at 90% of average earnings
Remaining 33 weeks at £184.03 or 90% if lower (2024-25)
Must have 26 weeks' service by matching week
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Is adoption pay the same as maternity pay?
Yes, Statutory Adoption Pay follows the same structure as Statutory Maternity Pay: 90% of earnings for 6 weeks, then a flat rate for 33 weeks. The total is up to 39 weeks.
Can both adoptive parents get adoption pay?
Only one parent can receive SAP. However, the other parent may be eligible for paternity leave and pay, or both can share leave and pay through Shared Parental Leave.
When can I start adoption leave?
Adoption leave can start up to 14 days before the placement date, or from the date of placement itself. For overseas adoptions, it can start when the child enters the UK.
Related glossary terms
Adoption Leave
Adoption leave is time off work for employees who are adopting a child, with similar entitlements to maternity leave including up to 52 weeks leave.
Maternity Pay
Maternity pay is the income a mother receives during her maternity leave, either as Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or enhanced company maternity pay.
Paternity Pay
Paternity pay is the income a father or partner receives when taking paternity leave after the birth or adoption of a child.
Shared Parental Pay
Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) is the payment eligible parents receive when they share leave after a baby is born or a child is adopted.