Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) is payable for up to 39 weeks following your adoptive placement. You are entitled to SAP if:

1. You have been continuously employed by the Company for at least 26 weeks at the end of the Qualifying week you are matched with your child.
2. You meet the average weekly earnings limit (£120pw as of April 2020) for National Insurance contributions in the eight weeks up to and including the Qualifying Week (QW).
3. You provide a copy of your matching certificate.
4. You give the Company proper notification of your adoption.

The first six weeks of SAP is paid at an equivalent of 90% of your average total weekly earnings, calculated over the period of eight weeks up to an including the QW.

The remaining 33 weeks (or less if you return to work sooner) are paid at the rate set by the government (£151.20pw as of April 2020) or 90% of your average weekly earnings calculated over the period of eight weeks up to and including the QW. if this is lower than the government’s set weekly rate.

• SAP is treated as earnings and is therefore subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions.
• SAP is payable whether or not you intend to return to work after your leave.