SMP vs Statutory Paternity Pay

Edited by Oliver Wakefield-Smith, Founder of Digital Signet. Last reviewed 23 June 2026.

Direct answer

Same rate, very different duration

Both SMP and SPP pay the same statutory weekly rate of 194.32 in 2026/27. SMP runs for up to 39 weeks (90% AWE for 6 weeks, then 194.32 for 33 weeks). SPP runs for 2 weeks at 194.32 (or 90% AWE if lower). Since 6 April 2024, SPP can be split into two separate 1-week blocks taken any time in the first 52 weeks after birth, instead of one continuous 2-week block in the first 8 weeks.

Decision card

Scheme

SMP

You qualify if: 26 weeks continuous service by end of QW, AWE 125+
You receive: 90% AWE x 6 weeks then 194.32 x 33 weeks (39 weeks total)
Best when: You are the birth parent

Scheme

SPP

You qualify if: 26 weeks continuous service by end of QW, AWE 125+, child's other parent
You receive: 194.32 per week for 1 or 2 weeks (split allowed since 2024)
Best when: You are the partner taking leave

The 2024 SPP reform

The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/329) reshaped SPP from a single 2-week block in the first 8 weeks to either a 1-week or 2-week block, taken in one or two separate periods, any time in the first 52 weeks after birth. Notice requirements were also softened: 28 days notice of each leave block instead of 15 weeks before EWC.

Cumulative household example

A couple where both parents qualify can stack: 39 weeks of SMP for the birth parent plus 2 weeks of SPP for the other parent. At 2026/27 rates that is 9,527.94 + 388.64 of statutory pay across the household for a 30,000 earner. Shared Parental Leave provides a different mechanism for sharing the 39 weeks of pay.