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When you adopt a child, you may be entitled to Statutory Adoption Leave and Adoption Pay.
It’s a lot like Maternity Leave. When a couple adopts, they can choose one partner to take Adoption Leave and the other can take Paternity Leave, regardless of their gender.
Am I eligible for Adoption Leave?
If you are adopting a child, either you or your partner (if you have one) can take paid Adoption Leave.
As with Maternity Leave, you need be in continuous employment and earn at least £123 a week (before tax).
Adoption Leave is not available if you are adopting a family member or stepchild.
How much is Adoption Pay?
For the tax year 2024/25, Statutory Adoption Pay is either 90% of your gross earnings or £184.03 a week, whichever is lower.
You can get this for up to 39 weeks, so it doesn’t cover the full 52 weeks of leave you can take.
This is the same as Statutory Maternity Pay and Shared Parental Pay.
How much leave can I take if I’m adopting?
Statutory Adoption Leave can last up to 52 weeks, which is made up of:
- 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave
- 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave
This can start up to 14 days before the child starts living with you, or within 28 days of them arriving in the UK if you are adopting from abroad.
You must give your employer at least 28 days’ notice and provide proof of adoption.
Does it matter how old the child I’m adopting is?
Adoption Leave is available as long as the child is under 18, they don’t need to be a newborn baby.
Can I have time off during the adoption process?
The adoption process usually takes around six months, so you may need extra time off before your adoptive child comes to live with you.
You have the right to paid time off for up to five appointments.
These must be after you have been matched with a child and not last more than six and a half hours, including travel time.
They must also have been requested by the adoption agency.