Paternity pay calculator
Statutory Paternity Pay covers up to 2 weeks at £194.32 a week — or 90% of your average earnings if that's lower. The weeks can be taken together or as two separate blocks any time in the baby's first year.
SPP from 6 April 2026
2026/27£194.32/week, up to 2 weeks
Needs 26 weeks' service by the 15th week before the due date and earnings of £129+/week. Claimed with the SC3 form; paid through payroll.
The 2024 flexibility rules, still underused
Since April 2024 the two weeks no longer have to be consecutive or within 56 days: two separate one-week blocks, anywhere in the first 52 weeks, with 28 days' notice per block. A popular pattern: week one at the birth, week two when the mother returns to work.
Many employers pay more than SPP — full pay for the fortnight is common. Check your contract; the statutory figure here is the floor. NHS staff get 2 weeks at full pay with 12 months' service (Handbook §15.111+).
Common questions
Is there a self-employed paternity payment?
Can I get SPP and shared parental pay?
What notice do I give?
Sources for the figures on this page
Last checked 3 July 2026How we keep these current: methodology & update policy.