Statutory Paternity Pay

If you are soon to become a father you may be entitled to receive Statutory Paternity Pay from your employer. You should qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay if:

• you have been working for your current employer continuously for at least twenty-six weeks, up to fifteen weeks before your baby is due to be born
• you are still employed by your current employer fifteen weeks before your baby is due to be born
• you are earning at or above the Lower Earnings Limit, currently set at £87 a week.

You must inform your employer by the fifteenth week before your baby is due to be born as to when you wish to take paternity leave and when you wish to begin receiving Statutory Paternity Pay. If you change your mind about these dates you must inform your employer of the new dates, giving at least twenty-eight days notice. You should also give your employer written confirmation from your doctor or your midwife as to your baby’s expected date of birth. Statutory Paternity Pay is taxable income.

If you qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay you will be paid the lesser of:

• £112.75 a week
• 90% of your average weekly earnings

If you consider you are entitled to receive Statutory Paternity Pay, you must inform your employer and ask them what procedure they require you to follow. You should be paid your money at the same time as you would usually be paid by your employer, but you will need to ask them if they have any special rules regarding when they will pay your Statutory Paternity Pay. If you need further assistance, you can contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 for advice.