Welcoming a child is one of life’s happiest moments. However, many new dads in the UK face questions about time off, money, and balancing work with parenting. The good news is that financial help is available for new or expecting fathers, with support of up to £187 per week.
Clarkwell & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants in London shares important information about paternity pay, paternity leave, and shared parental leave in the UK. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or on a contract, knowing your rights and how to get financial support can ease the stress as you start your journey into fatherhood.
Understanding Statutory Paternity Pay 2025: What It Means for You
Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is a government benefit to help working dads during the early days of being a parent. If your partner is having a baby, adopting, or using a surrogate, you may be eligible for SPP.
Starting in April 2025, SPP will be £187.18 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is less. Your employer will pay this benefit like your regular salary, with tax and National Insurance taken out.
While this amount may not seem large, it can be a crucial income when you take time off work to bond with your baby, support your partner, and adjust to parenthood. At Clarkwell & Co., we help new and expectant dads prepare for this important time and understand their finances.
Your Rights to Paternity Leave UK: Time with Your Baby Matters
Every new father in the UK can take one or two weeks of paternity leave to care for their newborn and support their partner. This leave must be taken as one block of one week or two blocks of one week within 52 weeks of the birth, adoption, or surrogacy placement.
Your leave matches your usual work schedule. For instance, if you work four days a week, one week of paternity leave will cover those four days. You don’t get extra time off for days you don’t work.
If you’re self-employed or a contractor, the process for benefits may be different, but you can still get financial support. We recommend consulting with our team to understand your entitlements. Our Bookkeeping Services in London can also help you track your earnings to see if you qualify.
Shared Parental Leave Explained UK: How to Split Time and Pay
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) gives parents more choices than regular maternity or paternity leave. After a child is born or adopted, both parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave and receive pay for 37 weeks. If both parents qualify, they can take leave together or in separate blocks. This lets you decide who cares for the baby and when.
More families are choosing SPL, especially if one parent wants to return to work early or both want to share childcare equally. SPL can also help you extend paid time off by planning your leave schedules wisely.
At Clarkwell & Co., we assist working parents with budgeting and financial planning for their leave. Our services in London help you understand how your income will change and how to manage it effectively.
How Much Is Paternity Pay in the UK? Let’s Crunch the Numbers
Let’s look at the numbers for statutory paternity pay in 2025:
- It is £187.18 per week, or
- 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
If you earn an average of £220 per week, your paternity pay will be £187.18. If you earn £160 on average, your pay will be 90% of that, which is £144. Make sure to calculate your pay accurately using your payslips, contracts, or recent invoices if you are freelance.
Preparing your financial documents ahead of time is important. Keeping your employment records and earnings data up to date will make your application easier. If you need help with this, the expert team at Clarkwell & Co. can assist you with tracking your income and making projections.
Eligibility Explained: Who Can Claim Paternity Pay in the UK?
Who qualifies for paternity pay? Here’s a simple overview of the requirements in the UK:
- You must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your baby is due or before adoption.
- You need to earn at least £123 per week before tax.
- You must inform your employer and provide the necessary paperwork.
If you are new to your job, on a zero-hour contract, or juggling several part-time jobs, your situation may be more complex, but you can still qualify. Our team at Clarkwell & Co. can help you understand your options. Even if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to apply and seek professional help.
How to Claim Paternity Pay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Claiming paternity pay is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:
- Tell your employer at least 15 weeks before the baby is due or placed with you.
- Fill out an SC3 form from gov.uk and send it in.
- Choose your start date and decide if you want 1 or 2 weeks of leave.
- Let them know if you plan to share the leave, if that applies to you.
- Keep copies of all your communications and forms.
If you run a business or have multiple income sources, our HMRC Investigation Service in London can help keep your records organised and current.
Financial Help for UK Fathers: Beyond Statutory Payments
Statutory paternity pay isn’t the only financial support for fathers in the UK. Many employers offer:
- Full pay during paternity leave.
- Extra unpaid or paid time off.
- Childcare vouchers or family care money.
- Remote or flexible work options.
Adoptive and surrogate fathers may get special support too. If you earn a high income or have complicated finances, check how these benefits affect your taxes. Planning with our Inheritance Tax Advice in London can help protect your family’s future.
Common Myths About Paternity Pay: Let’s Set the Record Straight
Let’s clear up some common myths about paternity pay in the UK:
Myth: “Only mums get paid leave”
This is not true. Eligible fathers can take paternity leave and shared parental pay, allowing them to support their family in the baby’s early months.
Myth: “Everyone gets full pay for two weeks”
This is also false. Unless your employer offers extra pay, you will receive either £187.18 or 90% of your weekly earnings. It’s important to check your employment contract.
Myth: “Claiming paternity pay is confusing”
It doesn’t have to be. With clear guidance from your employer and help from firms like Clarkwell & Co., claiming paternity pay can be simple.
Why Professional Accounting Advice Makes a Difference
Missing benefits, underestimating what you deserve, or not planning for a lower income can hurt your finances, even if the amounts seem small.
Whether you have a salary, run your own business, or earn from different sources, Clarkwell & Co. provides personalised accounting solutions. We offer expert help with:
- Bookkeeping in London
- Budgeting and Forecasting in London
- Inheritance Tax Advice
- Support for HMRC Investigations
You don’t have to handle your finances alone. Our trusted team is here to help you every step of the way.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Paternity pay may not cover your full income, but it provides stability when your family needs it. It also gives you valuable time to support your partner, bond with your child, and adjust to being a parent.
If you are planning to expand your family or expecting your first child, take action now. Know your rights, talk to your employer, and prepare your paperwork. If you prefer help with the financial details, reach out to Clarkwell & Co., a trusted provider of family-focused financial services in London.
