Glossary · UK

What is Statutory Adoption Pay?

A statutory payment from an employer to an eligible employee who is adopting a child or having one through a surrogacy arrangement, paid while on adoption leave.

Full Definition

Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) is a payment made by employers to eligible employees taking adoption leave to care for a newly adopted child, or a child through a parental order in surrogacy. It works much like Statutory Maternity Pay: it is normally paid for up to 39 weeks, with the first six weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings and the remaining weeks at the lower of a flat statutory weekly rate or 90% of average weekly earnings. To qualify, an employee must have been continuously employed for a minimum period, earn at least the lower earnings limit on average, and give the correct notice and matching or placement evidence. Only one member of a couple can claim SAP; the other may be able to take paternity or shared parental leave and pay. SAP is treated as earnings, so income tax and National Insurance apply. Check gov.uk for the current weekly rate, as it is not fixed in this rate card.