Statutory Adoption Pay

To get statutory adoption pay (SAP) an adoptive parent must:

• be an employee;

• earn at least £120 a week (2021-22) in the eight-week period leading up to the matching date;

• have worked for the employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the week they are matched with a child;

• provide proof of adoption; and

• give the correct notice of intention to take statutory adoption leave.

SAP is six weeks’ pay at 90% of the primary adopter’s average earnings, followed by 33 weeks of SAP at a flat rate of £151.97 (2021-22), or 90% of average earnings if less.