Reviewed by Mustafa Bilgic
Founder, WebCalculator
SAP rates use the 2026/27 statutory flat rate (£194.32/week) published by GOV.UK. Gross figures — your employer deducts PAYE tax and NI. Not financial advice.
Use the adoption pay calculator to work out your Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) for 2026/27. Enter your average weekly earnings to see how much you will receive each week over the 39-week pay period — 6 weeks at 90% of earnings, then 33 weeks at the flat rate of £194.32 (or 90% if lower).
Based on average weekly earnings
SAP mirrors Statutory Maternity Pay in structure. Your employer pays it through normal payroll, deducting tax and NI. The two phases for 2026/27 are:
| Phase | Duration | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Higher rate | Weeks 1–6 | 90% of average weekly earnings (no cap) |
| Standard rate | Weeks 7–39 | £194.32/week or 90% of AWE — whichever is lower |
Your average weekly earnings (AWE) are calculated over the 8 weeks ending with the "relevant period" — normally the week before matching. If your AWE is below £125 (the Lower Earnings Limit for 2026/27), you do not qualify for SAP but may be eligible for other support.
| AWE | Weeks 1–6/wk | Weeks 7–39/wk | 39-week total |
|---|---|---|---|
| £200 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £7,020 |
| £400 | £360.00 | £194.32 | £8,572 |
| £600 | £540.00 | £194.32 | £9,653 |
| £800 | £720.00 | £194.32 | £10,733 |
To get SAP you must have 26 weeks' continuous service by the week you are matched with a child, earn at least £125 a week on average, and give your employer proof of the adoption (the matching certificate from the adoption agency). You must also tell your employer within 7 days of being matched, stating when you want SAP to start. SAP can begin up to 14 days before the expected placement date.
For maternity entitlement instead, see the maternity pay calculator. For paternity entitlement for the other parent, see the paternity pay calculator.
For 2026/27 you receive 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week (or 90% of AWE if that is lower) for the next 33 weeks. The total is paid over 39 weeks.
You qualify if you have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the week you are matched with a child, and your average weekly earnings are at least £125 (the Lower Earnings Limit for 2026/27). You must also give your employer proof of adoption.
Yes. Statutory Adoption Pay is treated as earnings, so Income Tax and National Insurance are deducted through PAYE in the normal way. The calculator shows gross SAP — your actual take-home will be lower after deductions.
You can take up to 52 weeks of adoption leave — 26 weeks ordinary and 26 weeks additional. However, Statutory Adoption Pay is only paid for the first 39 weeks. The final 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers enhanced adoption pay.
Only one parent can claim Statutory Adoption Pay. The other parent may be eligible for Statutory Paternity Pay (1 or 2 weeks at £194.32) or Shared Parental Pay if the primary adopter curtails their SAP entitlement.
SAP is the legal minimum your employer must pay. Enhanced adoption pay is any additional amount your employer chooses to offer above SAP, such as full salary for a set number of weeks. Check your employment contract or staff handbook for your employer's policy.