Statutory Adoption Pay

Statutory Adoption Pay is a weekly payment you receive from your employer to help you take time off work when you adopt a child.

To qualify for Statutory Adoption Pay you must have been:

• matched with a child for adoption by an adoption agency
• employed by your present employer without a break for at least 26 weeks up to and including the week the adoption agency told you that you had been matched with a child for adoption
• earning an average of at least £102 a week (before tax)

If your average weekly earnings are £102 or more (before tax) Statutory Adoption Pay is paid at £128.73 per week or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings if this is less.

When your child is due to be placed with you for adoption you will be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay for 39 weeks if you qualify.

Your employer will pay Statutory Adoption Pay to you in the same way and at the same time as your normal salary or wages.

Statutory Adoption Pay is treated as normal pay and so they will also deduct tax and National Insurance as usual.

To claim Statutory Adoption Pay you must give your employer evidence from the adoption agency. This will usually be a 'matching certificate'.

You must also tell your employer when you intend to take leave within seven days of being told by the adoption agency that you've been matched with a child.

You can choose when to start getting your Statutory Adoption Pay. It can start from the date of the child's placement or up to 14 days before the expected date of the placement.

If you think your employer's decision not to pay you Statutory Adoption Pay is wrong, or that you’re not getting the right amount, ask them for the reason.

If you still disagree, you can contact the HM Revenue and Customs employees enquiry line on 0845 302 1479 for advice.

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