Paternity Pay

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What is Paternity Pay?

This is a period of time off work which is available to fathers/partners or the spouse of the mother who wants to take time off of work to care for the child or look after and support the mother.

What is SSP?

Statutory Paternity Pay is paid weekly to fathers/partners or the spouse of the child's mother. You must qualify for the payment and have made the choice to take the time off to care for the child /mother.

How do I qualify for Paternity Leave?

When you have completed one year's continuous employment you will be eligible for parental leave.

How Much is Paternity Pay?

Paternity pay is paid at a standard rate, which from the 6th April 2004 is £102:80 or 90% of your average weekly earnings if this is less that £100.

Calculating paternity pay

Your employer will work this out for you. Please ask to see the calculations from your employer if you are confused.
Your gross pay before deductions is used. Overtime, bonus payments, holiday and sick pay will all be included.

When will I receive the money?

Paternity pay is paid as normal by your employer. If you usually are paid weekly you will receive it then. If you are paid monthly it will be in your monthly salary pay packet.

How long do I get?

You may take one or two weeks leave it is up to you. If you decide to take two weeks they must be taken together. The time must be taken in one block.

When can I take it?

Paternity Leave can only start after the birth, and can be taken up to fifty six days after the child is born. If the child is born early, the fifty six days is from the expected date of birth.

When do I need to tell my employer?

You must notify your employer that you intend to take paternity leave before the fifteenth week before the expected week of the child's birth. If it is not possible to do this inform them as soon as you are able. If you want to change the date you want to start your paternity leave or the amount of time you must give your employer twenty eight days notice or again if this is not possible as soon as you are able to.

Self Certification

You only need to complete a self certificate if your employer requests one. This is form SC3 becoming a parent which confirms you are entitled to the leave.

What notification do I give?

You need to inform you employer of three points:

The date the baby is due
When you want to start your leave
If you are intending to take one or two weeks

How do I decide when to take it?

You can choose to take this leave either:

On the date when the child is born (this date can be moved)
A date a certain amount of days after the date the child is born ( this too is movable)
A date you have decided on, which is after the expected date of birth. If the child is not born on or before that date you need to change it

Whichever you choose you should give your employer as much notice as possible

Why you may not qualify

You are not employed
You are self employed
You have not worked for your employer for twenty six weeks before the qualifying week
You became unemployed before the qualifying week
You have stopped working for your employer between the qualifying week and the date of birth
You have not been employed continuously
You have not given enough notice to your employer
You did not give your employer a self certificate
Your child was still born prior to the 25th week
Your employer is not liable to pay the employers share of class 1 NI contributions
You work for someone like an embassy or consulate where the NI scheme is not enforceable
You are on a foreign bound or deep sea fishing vessel
You were imprisoned or held in custody

Click here for Further Information on Statutory Maternity Pay

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