The SC3 form: paternity leave & pay
Form SC3 “Becoming a parent” is HMRC's standard way to tell your employer you want statutory paternity leave and pay for a birth. It doubles as your self-declaration of eligibility — no other evidence is needed.
SC3 deadline (birth)
2026/27by the 15th week before the due date
Or simply 'as soon as reasonably practicable' if you miss it. Adoption uses SC4; adoption from abroad SC5; surrogacy SC6.
Download the SC3 from GOV.UK → (online form or printable PDF). Many employers have their own equivalent form — using theirs is fine; the SC3 is the fallback that always works.
What the form asks, field by field
| Section | What it means |
|---|---|
| Baby's due date | From the MATB1 — the due date, not the birth date, drives all the deadlines. |
| Leave start | A fixed date, or “the day of birth”, or “N days after birth”. The flexible options avoid re-notifying if the baby is early. |
| 1 or 2 weeks | Two separate one-week blocks are allowed (since April 2024), taken any time in the first 52 weeks. You can change your mind later with 28 days' notice. |
| Declaration | You confirm you're the father/partner/adopter responsible for the child's upbringing, taking the time to care for the child or support the mother. |
Eligibility the SC3 declares
- Leave: employees with 26 weeks' service by the 15th week before the due date.
- Pay (SPP): the same service test plus average earnings of at least £129/week. SPP is £194.32/week or 90% of earnings if lower — see the paternity pay calculator.
- Notice to change a chosen start date: 28 days.
Common questions
Do I need to attach a MATB1 or birth certificate?
No — the SC3 declaration is the evidence. Employers can't demand medical proof for paternity claims (unlike SMP, where the MATB1 is required from the mother).
What if my employer refuses SPP after I file the SC3?
They must give you form SPP1 explaining why within 28 days. If you disagree, HMRC's statutory payment dispute team adjudicates — keep a copy of your SC3.
Can I take the two weeks separately?
Yes — since 6 April 2024, two one-week blocks anywhere in the first year, notified 28 days before each block. The SC3 covers both.
I'm self-employed — can I use the SC3?
No — statutory paternity leave and pay are employee rights. There's currently no self-employed paternity equivalent (unlike Maternity Allowance for mothers).
Sources for the figures on this page
Last checked 3 July 2026How we keep these current: methodology & update policy.