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Families & Adoption

Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)

Statutory money paid by employers for up to 39 weeks to employees who are taking time off work to adopt a child or have a child through a surrogacy arrangement.

Who it's for

Families & Adoption

Typical Weekly Amount

First 6 weeks: 90% of average gross earnings | Next 33 weeks: £194.32/wk (or 90% if lower)

Administered By

Your Employer / HMRC

Eligibility Criteria

Tick off each condition below. You'll usually need to meet all of them to qualify.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

  1. 1

    Inform your employer within 7 days of being matched with a child for adoption.

  2. 2

    Provide written notice showing when the child is expected to be placed and when you want SAP to start.

  3. 3

    Provide official written proof from the adoption agency and receive payments directly via payroll.

Local council top-up

Check local council adoption financial support and services

Local council adoption agencies can provide discretionary adoption allowances and therapeutic support grants alongside employer Statutory Adoption Pay.