Adoption pay calculator
Estimate UK Statutory Adoption Pay across the 39-week period from your average weekly earnings.
Estimated total Statutory Adoption Pay (39 weeks)
- First 6 weeks (90% of pay)
- £540.00/wk
- Next 33 weeks
- £194.32/wk
- Total over 39 weeks
- £9,653
- Based on 2026/27 rates: 90% of pay for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of £194.32 or 90% of pay for 33 weeks.
- This assumes you meet the adoption pay employment, notice and matching conditions.
- This is a gross estimate; SAP is subject to tax and National Insurance.
How Statutory Adoption Pay is calculated
Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) mirrors the payment structure of Statutory Maternity Pay. For the first six weeks you receive 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) with no cap. For the remaining 33 weeks the weekly amount is the lower of the statutory rate (£194.32 for 2026/27) or 90% of your AWE. The total entitlement covers up to 39 weeks.
Your AWE is based on your gross earnings in the eight weeks (or two months) up to and including the week you are matched with a child — the matching week. To qualify, you normally need 26 weeks' continuous employment with the same employer by the matching week, average weekly earnings of at least £129 (2026/27), and you must give your employer written notice with the matching certificate as evidence. Only one adopter in a couple can claim SAP; the other may be able to claim Statutory Paternity Pay or take Shared Parental Leave instead.
SAP is paid through your regular payroll, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted in the usual way. Employers reclaim most of the statutory amount from HMRC. Adoption leave can start from the date of placement (or up to 14 days before, for UK adoptions). If you are adopting from overseas, the rules on when leave can begin differ slightly — check GOV.UK for the current guidance.
Many employers offer enhanced adoption pay that matches or exceeds enhanced maternity pay. Your contract or staff handbook should specify the enhanced rate and any service or return-to-work conditions. Use this calculator's result as the statutory minimum when planning your finances.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Statutory Adoption Pay?
SAP is paid for up to 39 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then the lower of £194.32 a week or 90% of earnings for 33 weeks.
Do I qualify for Statutory Adoption Pay?
You normally need 26 weeks' continuous employment by the week you are matched with a child, average weekly earnings of at least £129, and the right notice and evidence.
Is adoption pay taxed?
Yes. Statutory Adoption Pay is paid through payroll and is subject to income tax and National Insurance.
Source: GOV.UK — Statutory Adoption Pay and Leave Rates effective 2026-04-06