UrbiTools

Paternity Pay Calculator UK 2026/27

Our free paternity pay calculator checks whether you qualify for statutory paternity pay in 2026/27 and works out exactly what you'll get — £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings — plus the key deadlines most guides bury.

How to use this calculator

  1. Gather your detailsYou'll need the baby's due date, the date you started with your current employer, and your average weekly earnings (average over the 8 weeks before the 15th week before the due date).
  2. Enter them aboveFill in the form and choose 1 or 2 weeks of leave. The calculator works out your qualifying week and checks the 26-week service test and the £129/week earnings test automatically.
  3. Read your resultsYou'll see separate answers for leave eligibility (a day-one right since April 2026) and pay eligibility (still needs 26 weeks' service), your weekly rate, total pay and your claim deadline.

Calculate your paternity pay

Average over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week. Must be £129+/week for pay.
Must be taken as whole weeks, within 56 days of the birth.

How statutory paternity pay is worked out

Statutory paternity pay is the lower of £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings for 1 or 2 whole weeks. To qualify you need 26 weeks' service by the 15th week before the due date and average earnings of at least £129 a week. The calculator checks both tests, then works out your qualifying week, weekly rate and claim deadline.

Worked example: on £550 a week, 90% is £495, which is above the cap, so you get £194.32 a week. Two weeks is £388.64, taxed as earnings. On £140 a week, 90% is £126, which is below the cap, so you get £126 a week. For the leave-versus-pay rules, read paternity leave vs paternity pay.

Paternity pay questions

How much paternity pay will I get in 2026/27?
Statutory paternity pay is £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. You can take 1 or 2 whole weeks, within 56 days of the birth.
Who qualifies for paternity pay?
You must be the biological father or the mother's spouse/partner, have 26 weeks' continuous service by the 15th week before the due date, earn on average at least £129/week (2026/27 Lower Earnings Limit), and give written notice at least 15 weeks before the baby is due.
Is paternity leave different from paternity pay?
Yes — and this is where most people get confused. Since 6 April 2026, paternity leave is a day-one right: you can take the time off from your first day in the job. But paternity pay still needs the 26-week service test and the £129 earnings test. New starters can take unpaid leave but won't get the £194.32/week.
When must I tell my employer?
For the pay: written notice no later than 15 weeks before the due date. For your leave start date: at least 28 days' notice.
Is paternity pay taxed?
Yes — statutory paternity pay is taxed as normal earnings (income tax and National Insurance), unlike redundancy pay which is tax-free up to £30,000.

Guide & related calculators

Guide: Paternity Leave vs Paternity PayLeave is a day-one right since April 2026; pay still needs 26 weeks.Redundancy Pay CalculatorStatutory redundancy pay with 2026/27 rates and year-by-year breakdown.Notice Pay (PILON) CalculatorEstimate payment in lieu of notice and the tax you'll pay on it.

Sources & official guidance

Estimate only — not legal or financial advice. Rates: 2026/27. See our disclaimer.