Paternity pay and leave explained

The weekly rate, who qualifies and how to take the time off.

The short answer

Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower, for 2026/27. It is paid for the leave you take after a child is born or adopted, usually one or two weeks. Your employer may offer more than the legal minimum, so check your contract or staff handbook.

Who can get it

You are the child's father, the partner of the mother or adopter (including a same-sex partner), the adopter or an intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement.
You are an employee. The right to paternity leave applies from your first day.
For paternity pay, you must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week, which is the 15th week before the baby is due, and earn an average of at least £129 a week before tax.
You must give your employer the right notice, so check the GOV.UK page for the deadlines.

Taking the time off

Leave is usually one or two weeks, and it must be taken in a block. Check GOV.UK for the current rules on when it can start and end.
To change your start date, you usually need to give your employer at least 28 days' notice.
Pay is taxed and National Insurance is taken off, like normal wages. See the take-home pay calculator.

If you do not qualify, or want more time

Shared Parental Leave and Pay may let you share time with your partner. Ask your employer, and see GOV.UK for the rules.
If your earnings are too low for statutory pay, you may be able to claim other help. See benefits you might be missing.
The mother or main carer may get maternity pay. See maternity pay and leave explained.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax, benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.