Paternity Pay
Paternity pay is the income a father or partner receives when taking paternity leave after the birth or adoption of a child.
benefits
Category
beginner
Difficulty
4 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Paternity pay is the income a father or partner receives when taking paternity leave after the birth or adoption of a child.
Detailed explanation
Paternity pay provides financial support to fathers and partners taking time off work to care for a new child or support the mother. In the UK, eligible employees receive Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) for up to 2 weeks.
SPP is paid at a flat weekly rate or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower. Many employers offer enhanced paternity pay schemes providing full salary during paternity leave.
Paternity leave and pay support family bonding, help partners share caregiving responsibilities, and promote gender equality in the workplace.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employees must notify their employer of their intention to take paternity leave by the 15th week before the due date. They choose to take 1 or 2 weeks' leave within 56 days of the birth/adoption. The employer pays SPP and reclaims most of it from HMRC.
Best practices
Offer enhanced paternity pay
Be flexible about when leave is taken
Plan for coverage during absences
Communicate policies clearly
Legal context
Legal basis
Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, Statutory Paternity Pay Regulations
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
SPP paid for 1 or 2 consecutive weeks
Rate is £184.03/week or 90% of earnings if lower (2024-25)
Must have worked for employer for 26 weeks by 15th week before due date
Must earn at least £123/week on average
Official source
Frequently asked questions
How long is paternity leave in the UK?
Eligible employees can take 1 or 2 weeks of paternity leave. The weeks must be taken consecutively and within 56 days of the birth or adoption placement.
Can I take paternity leave at any time?
Paternity leave must be taken within 56 days (8 weeks) of the birth or adoption. You can start it on any day of the week but weeks must be consecutive.
What if my partner is self-employed or not working?
You can still take paternity leave regardless of your partner's employment status. The leave is to support you bonding with your child and helping your partner.
Related glossary terms
Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is time off work for fathers or partners following the birth or adoption of a child.
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.
Shared Parental Leave
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them in the first year after their child's birth or adoption.
Parental Leave
Parental leave is unpaid time off work for eligible parents to care for their child, providing up to 18 weeks per child until the child turns 18.