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Benefits · 2025/26 rates

Shared Parental Leave Calculator

Shared Parental Leave lets parents split up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of statutory pay. Both parents can be off together, or take it back-to-back.

Parent 1

wks
wks
£

Parent 2

wks
wks
£

Combined statutory pay

£6,926

42 weeks leave used · 37 weeks paid

Breakdown

  • Parent 1 weekly ShPP
    £187
  • Parent 1 total
    £4,680
  • Parent 2 weekly ShPP
    £187
  • Parent 2 total
    £2,246
  • Combined ShPP
    £6,926

How we calculated your result

Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) is the lower of £187.18/week or 90% of average weekly earnings. We apply that rate to the paid weeks each parent claims, then total the two.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • Maximum 50 weeks of leave to share (52 − 2 compulsory maternity weeks).
  • Maximum 37 weeks of statutory pay to share (39 SMP weeks − 2 mandatory weeks at SMP).
  • Both parents need 26 weeks’ continuous service by the 15th week before the due date.
  • Mother must curtail SMP or maternity leave for SPL to start.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Notice is fiddly

    Each block of leave needs 8 weeks’ written notice (a SPLIT form). Max 3 separate blocks per parent unless employer agrees more.

  • ⚠ ‘Discontinuous’ leave can be refused

    Employers must accept continuous blocks but can refuse split-up leave within 2 weeks of the request.

  • ⚠ Enhanced maternity pay doesn’t always transfer

    Some employers pay above statutory for maternity but only statutory for ShPP — check both contracts before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Can we both be off at the same time?
Yes — overlapping leave is allowed. The 50-week pool just covers total time off the two of you take.
What if I’m self-employed?
Self-employed parents can’t take SPL but may qualify for Maternity Allowance instead — up to £187.18/week for 39 weeks.
Does this affect my pension?
Pension contributions during ShPP are usually based on actual ShPP earnings, not full pay. Check your scheme rules.

Estimate of statutory pay only. Many employers offer enhanced ShPP — always check your contract.

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