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Adoption Pay Calculator

Marcus Sterling

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Marcus Sterling

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Use this UK Adoption Pay Calculator to estimate how much Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) you could receive during adoption leave. The calculator uses the latest statutory rates for 2026 and now allows you to input your salary annually, monthly, or weekly. This tool helps you understand how your payments are split across the 39-week entitlement period and visualises the transition from the initial 90% earnings phase to the statutory flat rate.

🧸 Planning childcare after adoption? Our Nursery Fee Calculator can help estimate childcare costs once you return to work. Make sure to check it out right after this Adoption Pay guide!

What is the Adoption Pay Calculator (UK)?

The Adoption Pay Calculator helps employees in the United Kingdom estimate how much Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) they could receive when adopting a child through an approved agency. As of the 2026 tax year, the statutory weekly adoption pay rate is £194.32.

Adoption pay is not a single fixed payment. It is calculated in two phases: an initial period based on a percentage of your salary followed by a statutory weekly rate. This calculator converts your annual, monthly, or weekly salary into an estimated 39-week payment breakdown, accounting for the 2026 Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) of £129.

How is Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) calculated?

Statutory Adoption Pay can be paid for up to 39 weeks. While adoption leave can last up to 52 weeks, the final 13 weeks are usually unpaid unless your employer provides enhanced adoption benefits.

The calculation is based on your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE), usually calculated from your earnings during an eight-week reference period before the matching week.

T = (6 weeks x 90% of AWE) + (33 weeks x £194.32*)

*During Phase 2 you receive the lower of £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings.

Example Adoption Pay Calculation

To understand how Statutory Adoption Pay works with an annual salary input, here is a practical example.

Example: Alex has a gross annual salary of £35,000 and qualifies for Statutory Adoption Pay.

  • Average Weekly Earnings: £673.08 (£35,000 ÷ 52 weeks)
  • First 6 weeks: 90% of £673.08 = £605.77 per week
  • Remaining 33 weeks: £194.32 per week (statutory rate)

Total adoption pay estimate:

  • Phase 1: 6 x £605.77 = £3,634.62
  • Phase 2: 33 x £194.32 = £6,412.56

Total estimated adoption pay: £10,047.18 over 39 weeks. Your actual results may vary depending on your exact earnings during the qualifying period.

The Two Phases: 90% Earnings vs Statutory Rate

  • Phase 1 (First 6 Weeks): You receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. There is no upper limit during this period, meaning higher earners receive a larger initial payout.
  • Phase 2 (Remaining 33 Weeks): You receive the statutory rate of £194.32 per week for the 2026/27 tax year, or 90% of your earnings if that amount is lower.

Eligibility Rules: Service and Earnings Thresholds

To qualify for Statutory Adoption Pay through your employer, you must usually meet the following conditions by the matching week (the week you are told you have been matched with a child):

  1. Employment requirement: You must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the matching week.
  2. Earnings requirement: Your average weekly earnings must be at least £129 per week, which is the Lower Earnings Limit for the 2026 tax year.
  3. Evidence requirement: You must provide your employer with a matching certificate from the adoption agency.

Adoption Leave vs Adoption Pay

Employees in the UK can take up to 52 weeks of adoption leave. However, Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) is usually limited to the first 39 weeks. While the right to leave is often a “day-one” right in 2026, the right to pay still depends on meeting the service and earnings thresholds mentioned above (Acas).

Understanding the Matching Week and Deadlines

The matching week is the foundation of your adoption pay claim. It is the week the adoption agency officially confirms that you have been matched with a child.

  • 7 Days Notice: You normally need to inform your employer within 7 days of being matched.
  • Start Date: Adoption leave can start on the day the child begins living with you or up to 14 days before the expected placement date.
  • Calculation Basis: Your average weekly earnings are based on the eight weeks before the matching week.

How to use the Adoption Pay Calculator

  1. Select salary basis: Choose Annually, Monthly, or Weekly depending on how you are paid.
  2. Enter gross salary: Input your gross pay before tax, National Insurance, or pension deductions.
  3. Choose weeks: The calculator defaults to 39 weeks but can be adjusted if you return to work earlier.
  4. View results: The calculator will show your “Calculated Weekly Average,” your pay for both phases, and the total 39-week payout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if we are adopting as a couple?
Only one partner can receive adoption leave and pay. The other partner may qualify for paternity leave or shared parental leave.

Is adoption pay available for private adoptions?
Statutory Adoption Pay is generally only available for agency-led adoptions. It does not typically apply to step-parent adoptions.

Can I work during adoption leave?
Yes. You may work up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days during adoption leave without affecting your Statutory Adoption Pay.

Does adoption pay apply to surrogacy?
In some cases, intended parents using surrogacy may qualify for adoption leave and pay if they meet the eligibility rules and apply for a parental order.

What happens if the placement is disrupted?
If the child stops living with you during adoption leave, your statutory pay may continue for up to eight weeks after the end of the week the disruption occurred.

Sources

This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available UK government guidance. Results should be used for informational purposes only.

Calculated Weekly Average: £0.00
First 6 Weeks (90%): £0.00
Next 33 Weeks (Statutory): £0.00
Total Adoption Pay: £0.00
2026/27 rates: 90% for 6 weeks, then £194.32 (or 90% if lower) for the remaining weeks.