Paternity Leave Calculator
Calculate your statutory paternity leave and pay entitlement
What is Statutory Paternity Leave?
Statutory Paternity Leave allows eligible parents to take time off work when their baby is born or when they have a child placed with them for adoption. You can take either one week or two weeks off, but you must take the leave in a single block.
The leave must be taken within 56 days of the birth or adoption placement. You can choose to start your leave from the date of birth, or a set number of days or weeks afterwards.
Statutory Paternity Pay Rates
Statutory Paternity Pay is paid for up to 2 weeks at a rate that is the lower of:
- £187.18 per week
- 90% of your average weekly earnings
Some employers offer enhanced paternity pay, which provides more than the statutory minimum. Check your employment contract or speak with your HR department to see if this applies to you.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for statutory paternity leave and pay, you must meet several requirements:
Relationship Requirements
You must be either:
- The biological father of the child
- The mother’s husband, civil partner, or partner (including same-sex partners)
- The intended parent if you’re having a baby through surrogacy
Employment Requirements
- You must have been continuously employed by your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (the qualifying week)
- You must remain employed by the same employer at the time of the birth
- Your average weekly earnings must be at least £125 over the 8-week period ending with the qualifying week
Notice Requirements
You must inform your employer of your intention to take paternity leave by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. You need to tell them:
- The expected week of childbirth
- Whether you want to take 1 or 2 weeks off
- When you want your leave to start
How to Claim Paternity Leave
To claim statutory paternity leave and pay, follow these steps:
Step 1: Notify Your Employer
Give written notice to your employer by the 15th week before the baby is due. You can use your employer’s own form if they have one, or complete the SC3 form available from the government website.
Step 2: Provide Required Information
Your notice must include the expected week of childbirth, whether you’re taking 1 or 2 weeks, and when you want to start your leave. You may be asked to provide a declaration that you meet the eligibility requirements.
Step 3: Confirm Your Leave Dates
Once you’ve given notice, you can change your start date by giving your employer at least 28 days’ notice. After the baby is born, you need to notify your employer as soon as possible if you want to change your leave dates.
Step 4: Receive Your Pay
Your employer will pay Statutory Paternity Pay through your normal payroll, and it will be subject to tax and National Insurance deductions just like your regular wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take paternity leave in separate weeks?
No, paternity leave must be taken as a single block of either 1 or 2 weeks. You cannot split it up into individual days or separate weeks.
When can I start my paternity leave?
You can start your paternity leave from the date of birth, or any time within 56 days after the birth. You need to give your employer notice of when you want to start.
What if I earn less than £125 per week?
If you earn less than £125 per week on average, you won’t qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay. However, you may still be entitled to paternity leave if you meet the other eligibility criteria and are legally classed as an employee.
Can I take paternity leave if I’m self-employed?
Unfortunately, self-employed individuals are not entitled to statutory paternity leave or pay. These rights only apply to employees and workers.
What happens if my baby is born early?
If your baby is born more than 15 weeks before the due date, different rules apply and this calculator may not give accurate results. Contact your employer and HMRC for guidance in this situation.
Do I have to pay back paternity pay if I don’t return to work?
No, you don’t have to pay back Statutory Paternity Pay if you decide not to return to work. However, if you received enhanced contractual paternity pay, your contract might require you to repay it under certain circumstances.
Can I take paternity leave and Shared Parental Leave?
Yes, you can take both. After taking your paternity leave, you and your partner may be eligible for Shared Parental Leave, which allows you to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between you.
Am I protected from dismissal during paternity leave?
Yes, you have the right to return to the same job after paternity leave. It’s automatically unfair dismissal if you’re dismissed because you took or wanted to take paternity leave.
Additional Leave Options
Shared Parental Leave
After taking paternity leave, you might be eligible for Shared Parental Leave. This scheme allows you and your partner to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay in the first year after your baby is born. This gives you more flexibility in how you balance childcare responsibilities.
Neonatal Care Leave
If your baby needs neonatal care, you may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of additional Neonatal Care Leave. This applies when your baby is admitted to hospital within 28 days of birth and receives specialist care for at least 7 consecutive days.
Annual Leave
You continue to accrue your normal holiday entitlement whilst on paternity leave. Some parents choose to take annual leave immediately before or after their paternity leave to extend their time at home with the new baby.
Unpaid Parental Leave
All employees with at least one year’s service are entitled to up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave for each child, up until the child’s 18th birthday. This can be taken in addition to paternity leave, though it must usually be taken in blocks of at least one week.