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Shared parental pay

3. Shared parental pay

Eligible parents can get up to 37 weeks of statutory shared parental pay.

They can do this for any remaining weeks after the birth parent or primary adopter stops:

  • maternity pay
  • adoption pay
  • maternity allowance

The birth parent or primary adopter can get up to 39 weeks of statutory maternity or adoption pay. They must take a minimum of 2 weeks' pay after the birth or adoption. After this they can end their pay so the remaining can be shared between the 2 parents. This leaves up to 37 weeks of pay to be shared.

For example, a birth parent stops their maternity pay after 30 weeks. They or their partner could get shared parental pay for the remaining 9 weeks.

The parent must tell their employer in writing that they are claiming shared parental pay. For example in a letter or email. They can do this at the same time as giving notice to take shared parental leave.

How much shared parental pay is

Statutory shared parental pay is either of the following, whichever is lower:

  • £194.32 a week
  • 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings

The rate is usually reviewed every year.

Checking eligibility for shared parental pay

For either parent to get shared parental pay, the birth parent or primary adopter must give notice to end their:

  • maternity pay
  • maternity allowance
  • adoption pay

To get statutory shared parental pay, the parent must:

  • have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks before the 15th week of the expected birth or adoption match date
  • earn at least £129 a week, for 8 weeks before the 15th week of the expected birth or adoption match date
  • still be working for the same employer a week before the first week they claim shared parental pay

The other parent must meet the employment and earnings test.

A parent who will get shared parental pay must also:

  • share responsibility with the other parent from the day of the child's birth or adoption placement
  • give the correct notice, declaration and evidence when planning leave

Zero-hours or casual workers can be eligible for shared parental pay if they meet the above criteria.

Someone who is self-employed is not eligible for shared parental leave or pay. But if they pass the employment and earnings test, their partner could get shared parental leave and pay. This is as long as their partner is not also a self-employed earner.

Check if you're eligible for shared parental pay on GOV.UK

Enhanced shared parental leave and pay

Some employers might offer more than the statutory minimum for shared parental leave.

For example, shared parental leave with 26 weeks' full pay followed by 13 weeks' shared parental pay.

Information about any enhanced shared parental leave and pay should be in:

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