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Adoption Pay Calculator (UK)

Adopting a child? Enter your pay and, if you like, the matching and placement dates to see your Statutory Adoption Pay, the total and the dates that matter.

average over the 8 weeks up to the matching week
for the matching week and 26-week rule
the day the child comes to live with you
usually the first day of your leave
Total Statutory Adoption Pay before tax
–

Last checked: 2 October 2026

How SAP is worked out (2026/27)

Weeks 1–6: 90% of your average weekly earnings. Weeks 7–39: £194.32 or 90%, whichever is lower.

Average weekly earnings come from the 8 weeks of pay up to the end of the matching week. You need at least £129 a week and 26 weeks with your employer.

Example

You earn £2,600 a month, which is £600 a week on average. For 6 weeks you get 90%: £540 a week, £3,240. Then 33 weeks at £194.32: £6,412.56. In total £9,652.56 before tax.

SAP by average weekly pay

Average weekly payWeeks 1–6Weeks 7–39Total
£150£135.00£135.00£5,265.00
£200£180.00£180.00£7,020.00
£250£225.00£194.32£7,762.56
£400£360.00£194.32£8,572.56
£600£540.00£194.32£9,652.56
£1000£900.00£194.32£11,812.56

Rates for England, Scotland and Wales from 6 April 2026. Before tax and National Insurance.

Related

Your partner may get 2 weeks of paid leave: see the paternity pay calculator. The pay rules match maternity pay, see the maternity pay calculator. You keep building up holiday on adoption leave: see the holiday entitlement calculator. Going back part time? The pro rata salary calculator shows your new pay.

FAQ

How much is Statutory Adoption Pay in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, SAP is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks. That is 39 weeks of pay, the same as maternity pay.
Who can get SAP?
You need to earn at least £129 a week on average (the lower earnings limit for 2026/27) and to have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the matching week, the week you are told you have been matched with a child. You also need to give the right notice and proof of the adoption, such as the matching certificate.
What is the matching week?
It is the week, Sunday to Saturday, in which the adoption agency tells you that you have been matched with a child. Your average earnings come from the 8 weeks of pay up to the end of that week, and your 26 weeks of service are counted up to the same point.
When can adoption leave and pay start?
For a UK adoption, up to 14 days before the date the child is expected to come to live with you, or on the day of placement. For an adoption from abroad, within 28 days of the child arriving in the UK.
Can both adopters get SAP?
Only one of you can get Statutory Adoption Pay. The other partner may get Statutory Paternity Pay for 1 or 2 weeks, and you can share leave and pay through Shared Parental Leave if you end the adoption leave early.
Is adoption leave a day-one right?
Yes. Employees can take up to 52 weeks of adoption leave from their first day in the job. Only the pay needs the 26 weeks of service and earnings of at least £129 a week.
Is SAP taxed?
Yes. It is paid through payroll like your salary, so income tax and National Insurance are taken off. Some employers pay enhanced adoption pay on top, so check your contract.

Legal basis and sources

For information only. Your contract or specific circumstances may change the result.

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