Did you know that you have a right to Statutory Paternity Pay and leave from work?
You are entitled if you:
- have a responsibility for the child's upbringing
- are the biological father of the child, or the husband or partner of the mother, or you and your partner are adopting a child, and
- you meet some other rules about working - see below:
If your partner is expecting a baby, the week that falls 15 weeks before your baby is due is called the qualifying week. You must have been earning at least £84 a week (April 2006 - April 2007 figure) for the 8 weeks before the qualifying week. You have to continue working through for your employer from the qualifying week until the birth of the child.
If you are adopting, you or your partner may be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay. If your partner gets Statutory Adoption Pay, you can still get Statutory Paternity Pay. To get Statutory Paternity Pay, you need to have worked for 26 weeks for an employer before the week in which you and your partner are matched up for adoption. You need to have earned at least £82 a week for 8 weeks before the week when you and your partner are matched up for adoption. And you need to continue working for your employer.
Paternity Pay is paid at £108.85 a week (April 2006 - April 2007). You can claim it for one week or a fortnight. You must do this within 56 days of the birth.
You should let your employer know, in writing, at least 28 days before the date you want to claim Statutory Paternity Pay.
Fact - You do not have to be married to your partner. Your partner can be the same sex as you. You may also be entitled to SPP if you become the father of a child but you do not live with the mother. Statutory Paternity Pay can be paid to men or women.
Find out more about Statutory Paternity Pay and other details about benefits when having a baby or adopting a child.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email or book an appointment with the Online Adviser
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
April 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
FeedbackDid you find this page useful? Yes or No