Website of the UK government

The basics of adoption leave and pay

You can take Statutory Adoption Leave for up to 52 weeks. You can claim Statutory Adoption Pay for up to 39 weeks. The current maximum rate is £123.06 per week.

You can claim Statutory Adoption Leave if you are an employee and either:

• adopting a child on your own
• in a couple who are adopting together

If you are in a couple, you can decide who will take the paid leave. The other couple member, or adopter's partner, may be able to take paid paternity leave.

• Paternity leave and pay

Overseas adoption

Paid leave is available whether a child is adopted from within the UK or from overseas. Some details may differ for parents adopting from outside the UK.

• Adoption - find out more

• Overseas adoption leave and pay

To qualify for pay and leave you must be an ‘employee’. If you are a ‘worker’ you will not qualify for leave but may qualify for pay. If you are unsure if you are a ‘worker’ or an ‘employee’, follow the link below.

• Understanding your employment status

Personalised help

• Paternity rights when a child is adopted tool Opens new window

Company schemes

Your employer may have their own scheme which could be more generous than the statutory scheme. Check your employment contact or staff handbook for details or ask your employer. Your employer can't offer you less than the statutory scheme.

• Contracts of employment (employment section)

Where to get help

Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues.

• Acas Opens new window

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide free and impartial advice. You can find your local CAB office in the phone book or online.

• Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau Opens new window

If you are a member of a trade union, you can get help, advice and support from them.

• Joining a trade union