Statutory Paternity Pay - How do I claim Statutory Paternity Pay?

To claim Statutory Paternity Pay, you can complete an online form.

You must tell your employer when you intend to take leave by the 15th week before your baby is due.

What documents will I need to claim Statutory Paternity Pay?

When you tell your employer that you intend to take paternity leave, they might ask you for self-certificate form SC3. This confirms you have the right to Statutory Paternity Pay. You can download form SC3.

When will my Statutory Paternity Pay claim begin?

If you are taking paternity leave for a birth, the leave can start either on the day the baby is born or on a date that has been agreed in advance with your employer. Your paternity leave cannot start before the baby is born, and, if you are agreeing a date later than the birth of your baby, it must be completed within 52 weeks of the birth. In Northern Ireland, it must be completed within 56 days of the birth.

If you are taking paternity leave for an adoption, the leave can start either on the day that the child is placed with you, or on a date that has been agreed in advance with your employer. If you are agreeing a later leave date later than the date your child was placed with you, the leave must be completed within 56 days of the adoption date.

Change of circumstances

You must report changes in your circumstances which might affect your entitlement to this benefit.

Shared Parental Leave and Pay

If you want to share the care of the child, you might be able to claim Statutory Shared Parental Pay.

See the Turn2us Shared Parental Leave and Pay guide for further details.