Paternity pay and leave

How to claim

Claim Paternity Leave and Pay through your employer. You do not need to give proof of the pregnancy or birth.

The rules and forms are different if you adopt.

At least 15 weeks before the baby is due, tell your employer:

the due date
when you want your leave to start, for example the day of the birth or the week after the birth
if you want 1 or 2 weeks’ leave

Your employer can ask for this in writing. You can ask for Paternity Pay at the same time, if you use form SC3 (or your employer’s own version).

Use the paternity planner to find out when you need to claim Paternity Leave by.

At least 15 weeks before the baby is due, give your employer form SC3 (or their own version).