Paternity Pay Calculator
Work out your Statutory Paternity Pay and Shared Parental Pay for 2026/27, check whether you qualify, and find the dates that matter.
Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is the lower of £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings. Your average is normally based on the 8 weeks before the end of the qualifying week, so a pay rise or overtime in that window can make a difference.
- On £35,000 a year (about £671 a week), 90% is £604, so you get the flat £194.32 a week. Two weeks come to £388.64 before tax.
- On £200 a week, 90% is £180, which is lower than £194.32, so you get £180 a week.
- On £120 a week, you're below the £129 earnings threshold and won't qualify for SPP, although you still get the leave.
For most full-time employees the flat rate applies, which means the statutory payment is well below normal pay. That's why enhanced company schemes are worth checking.
- Qualifying week: the 15th week before the week the baby is due (weeks run Sunday to Saturday). You need 26 weeks of service by the end of it.
- Notice: by the end of the qualifying week, tell your employer the due date, when you want your leave to start, and that you want Paternity Pay (many employers use form SC3). You need to give 28 days' notice to change the start date.
- Taking the leave: it can't start before the birth, and must finish within 52 weeks of it.
- Shared Parental Leave: the mother has to end maternity leave (or give notice to end it) before it can start. Ask your employer for their SPL form.
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay in 2026/27?
Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower. It is paid for up to 2 weeks, and tax and National Insurance are deducted in the usual way.
Who qualifies for Statutory Paternity Pay?
You must be employed up to the date of birth, earn an average of at least £129 a week before tax, and have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the qualifying week, which is the 15th week before the baby is due. Paternity leave itself is a right from your first day in the job, but the pay has these extra conditions.
Can I take the 2 weeks separately?
Yes. You can take both weeks together or as two separate one-week blocks. Leave cannot start before the birth and must end within 52 weeks of the birth.
How does Shared Parental Pay work?
Parents can share up to 37 weeks of Statutory Shared Parental Pay. It comes out of the 39 weeks of maternity pay, so every week the mother does not take becomes available to share. It is paid at the same rate as Statutory Paternity Pay: £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Can my employer pay more?
Yes. Many employers offer enhanced paternity or shared parental pay through a company scheme. They cannot pay less than the statutory amount if you qualify. Check your contract or staff handbook.
Sources: GOV.UK: Paternity pay and leave and Shared Parental Leave and Pay. Rules differ slightly in Northern Ireland. General information, not legal advice.
| Statutory Paternity Pay | £194.32/week or 90% |
| Shared Parental Pay | £194.32/week or 90% |
| Earnings threshold | £129/week |
| Paternity leave | Up to 2 weeks |
| Shared pay pool | Up to 37 weeks |