Statutory Adoption Pay
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) — mirroring maternity since 2015: 6 weeks at 90% of average earnings, then 33 weeks at the statutory rate (£194.32 from April 2026), across 52 weeks of adoption leave.
Quick answer: SAP: first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings (uncapped), then 33 weeks at £194.32 (or 90% if lower) — 39 paid of 52 leave weeks. One adopter per placement takes adoption leave; the other can take paternity leave/pay — and both can convert to SPL.
The Scheme
| Weeks 1-6 | 90% of average weekly earnings — uncapped, mirroring SMP since the 2015 equalization |
| Weeks 7-39 | The statutory flat rate (£194.32 from Apr 2026) or 90% of AWE if lower |
| Weeks 40-52 | Unpaid adoption leave, job-protected |
| Qualifying | 26 weeks’ service by the "matching week" (UK adoptions) + earnings ≥ the LEL-successor test; day-one LEAVE right, the PAY needs the service test |
| Notice | Within 7 days of being matched; leave can start up to 14 days pre-placement |
Who Takes What
One adopter elects to be the "primary" (adoption leave/pay); the other uses paternity leave (2 weeks) — same-sex and opposite-sex couples choose freely. Surrogacy (parental-order parents) and fostering-to-adopt placements qualify from placement; overseas adoptions run modified timing rules.
Worked Example
£650 AWE: 6 × 585 (£3,510) + 33 × 194.32 (£6,413) = £9,923 across 39 weeks. Employer-enhanced adoption schemes increasingly mirror enhanced maternity (equality-driven); ask — the statutory floor is just the floor.
Notes
Adoption leave accrues holiday throughout (carry-over rules); KIT days: 10; converting the balance to SPL unlocks blocks/simultaneous leave. Rates adjust each April — verify current figures at gov.uk. Self-employed adopters have NO Maternity-Allowance equivalent — the known gap in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Statutory Adoption Pay?
Six weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings (uncapped), then 33 weeks at the flat statutory rate (£194.32 from April 2026) — 39 paid weeks of 52.
Who qualifies for SAP?
The elected primary adopter with 26 weeks’ service by the matching week and qualifying earnings — leave itself is a day-one right.
Can both adopters take adoption leave?
No — one takes adoption leave/pay, the other paternity (2 weeks); the balance can convert to Shared Parental Leave for flexible splits.
Does fostering-to-adopt qualify?
Yes — from the fostering placement under the concurrent-planning rules, same scheme.
Is there SAP for the self-employed?
No — and no Maternity-Allowance equivalent exists for adoption; the recognized gap for self-employed adopters.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026