Statutory shared parental pay
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Qualifying parents can receive a maximum of 37 weeks of statutory shared parental pay (SSPP) (after taking the compulsory 2 weeks of their maternity pay or maternity allowance).
To receive SSPP the mother must end their 39 weeks' maternity pay or maternity allowance early. The remaining amount can then be used to receive SSPP for her and/or her partner while taking shared parental leave (SPL).
You can see the current SSPP rate on GOV.UK.
You must also be given a notice of the employee's entitlement to take SSPP.
Qualifying for SSPP
An employee will be entitled to SSPP if:
- they meet the criteria to receive SPL; and
- they've earned at least the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) for Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (see the current LEL here) for the 8 weeks up to and including the last day of the 15th week before the date of the expected week of childbirth; and
- they'll be caring for the child while on SPL and receiving SSPP.
Shared parental pay rate
If they're entitled to receive SSPP, you'll need to pay a weekly flat rate. The amount usually changes every April – see GOV.UK for the amount. You'll need to pay this amount unless the terms of their employment contract states otherwise.
Adoptions
Parents adopting a child are also entitled to SSPP, and the above requirements also apply to the main adopter and their partner.
In this article, any references to the following can be substituted in this way:
- 'main adopter' for 'mother';
- 'adoption leave' for 'maternity leave';
- 'adoption pay' for 'maternity pay';
- 'match date' for 'child's expected week of birth' and
- 'placement date' for 'child's date of birth'.