Statutory Adoption Leave and Pay in 2026/27: who qualifies and how to claim
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Employees who adopt a child can take time off work and may get Statutory Adoption Pay. This guide explains who qualifies, how long leave and pay last, the 2026/27 weekly rate and the notice deadlines.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information for employees who are adopting a child through an agency, or having a child through a surrogacy arrangement. It does not cover people who are self-employed or not employees. It does not cover Northern Ireland. It is not advice for your own situation.
The figures below were checked on GOV.UK on 14 October 2026 and apply in the 2026/27 tax year.
Who does not qualify
GOV.UK says you cannot get Statutory Adoption Leave or Pay if you:
- arrange a private adoption
- become a special guardian or kinship carer
- adopt a stepchild
- adopt a family member
Only one person in a couple can take adoption leave. The other partner may be able to take paternity leave instead. If you are not eligible, your employer must give you form SAP1 explaining why, and you may be able to get support from your local council.
Adoption leave
Statutory Adoption Leave lasts up to 52 weeks. That is 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave followed by 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave. To get leave you must be an employee and give the correct notice. Your employer can ask for proof of the adoption.
For adoptions in the UK, leave can start up to 14 days before the child comes to live with you. For adoptions from overseas, it can start when the child arrives in the UK, or within 28 days of that arrival.
Adoption pay
Statutory Adoption Pay can last up to 39 weeks. It is paid on your normal pay days, and tax and National Insurance are taken off. Your employer may offer a better company scheme, but it cannot pay less than the statutory amount.
- Weeks 1 to 6: 90% of your average weekly earnings.
- Weeks 7 to 39: the lower of £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings.
Who qualifies for pay
For pay, GOV.UK says you must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the week you were matched with a child, and earn on average at least £129 a week before tax. You must also give notice and proof of the adoption. For an adoption from overseas, the 26 weeks is counted from when you start getting adoption pay.
Notice deadlines
Deadlines are strict, so it helps to know them early. For a UK adoption, GOV.UK sets out these steps.
- Leave: tell your employer within 7 days of being matched with a child how much leave you want, when it starts and the placement date.
- Pay: tell your employer at least 28 days before you want your pay to start.
- Your employer must confirm your leave dates within 28 days, and your pay amount and dates within 28 days.
- If the placement date changes, tell your employer within 28 days. To change your return to work date, give at least 8 weeks' notice.
Different timings apply to overseas adoptions and surrogacy. GOV.UK sets out these steps on its how to claim page.
Proof of adoption
Your employer can ask for proof. For pay, proof is required and should show your name and address, the agency's details, the match date and the placement date. Many people use a matching certificate and a letter from the agency.
Other help
You may also be eligible for Shared Parental Leave and Pay, which is covered separately on GOV.UK. If your employer cannot pay, or you dispute the amount, GOV.UK points to the Statutory Payment Disputes Team.
Check before you act
Rules and rates change each tax year, so it is worth confirming the details on the official GOV.UK pages linked below before you rely on them or speak to your employer.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
