Leave and pay have different conditions, so you may get one without the other. Your employer may also run a company scheme that pays more, but it cannot pay less than the statutory amounts.
Quick facts
- Leave
- Up to 2 weeks
- Pay
- £194.32 a week or 90% of earnings
- When
- Within 52 weeks of the birth
- Blocks
- Together or two one-week blocks
- Paid by
- Your employer
How the leave works
You can take up to 2 weeks’ leave. You can take both weeks together or take them separately in one-week blocks. You get the same amount of leave even if you have more than one child (for example, twins).
Your leave cannot start before the birth. It must end within 52 weeks of the baby’s birth (or the due date if the baby is early).
How much you get
The statutory weekly rate of Paternity Pay is £194.32, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).
Any money you get is paid in the same way as your wages, for example monthly or weekly. Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.
Telling your employer
You must tell your employer the baby’s due date at least 15 weeks before the baby is due. And you must give your employer 28 days’ notice if you want to change the date your Paternity Leave starts.
You do not have to give a precise date for your leave. Instead, you can give a general time, such as the day of the birth or one week after.
Other time off
You can take unpaid leave to accompany a pregnant woman to 2 antenatal appointments. You can take up to 6 and a half hours per appointment. Your employer can choose to give you longer.
You may also be eligible for 18 weeks Unpaid Parental Leave per child, up to their 18th birthday. You and your partner may be able to share more leave and pay as Shared Parental Leave.
Common questions
How much is Paternity Pay in 2026/27?
£194.32 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower.
How long is paternity leave?
Up to 2 weeks, taken together or as two one-week blocks.
When must I take it?
It cannot start before the birth and must end within 52 weeks of it.
Can I take time off for antenatal appointments?
Yes, unpaid leave for 2 antenatal appointments, up to 6 and a half hours each.