2026/27 SAP Statutory Rates
First 6 weeks: 90% of Average Weekly Earnings (AWE). Remaining 33 weeks: Lower of £194.32/wk or 90% AWE. Requires 26 weeks continuous service into the matching week and AWE of at least £129/wk.
SAP 39-Week Payment Calculator
Estimates 39 weeks of Statutory Adoption Pay from average weekly earnings
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2026/27 Lower Earnings Limit for SAP: £129/week.Statutory Adoption Pay Forecast
| Weeks 1–6 Rate (90% AWE) | £585.00 / wk |
| Weeks 1–6 Subtotal (6 Wks) | £3510.00 |
| Weeks 7–39 Rate (Cap £194.32) | £194.32 / wk |
| Weeks 7–39 Subtotal (33 Wks) | £6412.56 |
| Total Gross SAP (39 Weeks) | £9922.56 |
2026/27 Statutory Adoption Pay Structure
| Adoption Payment Phase | Statutory Weekly Rate Standard | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Weeks 1–6) | 90% of Average Weekly Earnings (Uncapped) | 6 Weeks |
| Phase 2 (Weeks 7–39) | Lower of £194.32 / wk or 90% AWE | 33 Weeks |
| Remaining Adoption Leave | Unpaid (unless contractual pay applies) | Up to 13 Weeks |
Statutory Adoption Leave vs Adoption Pay
Statutory Adoption Leave
Eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of Statutory Adoption Leave (26 wks Ordinary + 26 wks Additional).
Statutory Adoption Pay
SAP is payable for up to 39 weeks (6 wks at 90% AWE + 33 wks at £194.32 or 90% AWE).
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
Statutory Adoption Pay is payable for up to 39 weeks. For the first 6 weeks, the rate is 90% of average weekly earnings with no statutory weekly cap. For the following 33 weeks, the rate is £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
For a standard UK adoption, an employee needs at least 26 weeks of continuous employment with the same employer into the matching week, average weekly earnings of at least £129 before tax in the relevant period, and required notice.
The amount of SAP depends on average weekly earnings (AWE) calculated over a statutory relevant period by HMRC/payroll, not simply your current weekly basic salary.
Eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of Statutory Adoption Leave. Statutory Adoption Pay is payable for up to 39 weeks. The remaining 13 weeks of leave are unpaid unless contractual pay applies.
SAP starts when the employee takes adoption leave. For UK adoptions, adoption leave can start when the child starts living with the employee or up to 14 days before the expected placement date.
SAP is paid through payroll and is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance. Adoption leave and pay can also be converted into Statutory Shared Parental Leave and Pay if eligible.
Official 2026/27 HMRC Sources
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2026/27 SAP Key Rates
Phase 1 (Wks 1–6)90% AWE
Phase 2 (Wks 7–39)£194.32 / wk
Lower Earnings Limit£129 / wk
SAP Duration39 Weeks