How much Shared Parental Pay is available in 2024/25?

Up to 37 weeks of ShPP is available to share between both parents. The weekly rate is £184.03 or 90% of average weekly earnings — whichever is lower. The leave itself can last up to 50 weeks in total (after the compulsory 2-week maternity period).

Can both parents take Shared Parental Leave at the same time?

Yes, both parents can take ShPL simultaneously (overlapping leave). However, they cannot both claim ShPP for the same weeks — the 37-week ShPP pot is shared in total, not doubled.

What are the eligibility criteria for ShPP?

Each parent must individually qualify: they must have been employed by the same employer for 26 continuous weeks by the 15th week before the due date, and earn at least £123/week (the Lower Earnings Limit) on average. The other parent must also meet a work and earnings test.

Can shared parental leave be taken in separate blocks?

Yes — ShPL can be taken in up to 3 separate blocks. Continuous blocks are a right. Discontinuous (non-consecutive) blocks require your employer's agreement. Each block requires at least 8 weeks' advance notice.

Shared Parental Leave Pay (ShPP) Calculator 2024/25

Estimate how much Shared Parental Pay each parent will receive and how many weeks remain to allocate. ShPP is paid at £184.03/week (or 90% of AWE if lower) for up to 37 weeks shared between both parents.

Shared Parental Pay Calculator 2024/25

Estimate ShPP for both parents based on average weekly earnings and weeks each wants to take

Parent A — gross weekly pay (£)

Average weekly earnings in the 8 weeks before 15th week before due date

Parent B — gross weekly pay (£)

The secondary carer's average weekly earnings

Weeks Parent A wants to take

Maximum 37 weeks ShPP available in total between both parents

Weeks Parent B wants to take

Combined weeks cannot exceed 37 (the ShPP limit)

Key 2024/25 ShPP Facts

Statutory ShPP rate: £184.03/week (or 90% of AWE, whichever lower)
Maximum ShPP weeks: 37 between both parents
Maximum leave weeks: 50 to share (first 2 weeks are compulsory maternity)
Both parents must individually meet the earnings and employment continuity conditions
ShPP can be taken in up to 3 separate blocks (discontinuous leave requires employer agreement)

How Shared Parental Leave Works

Shared Parental Leave (ShPL) allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of statutory pay (ShPP) after the first 2 compulsory weeks of maternity leave. Either parent can take leave in any combination, including simultaneously.

ShPP Rates 2024/25

Weekly rate: £184.03 or 90% of average weekly earnings — whichever is lower
Maximum paid weeks: 37 to be shared between both parents
Lower Earnings Limit: £123/week (both parents must individually meet this)

FAQs

Is ShPP taxable?

Yes — ShPP is subject to income tax and National Insurance in the same way as salary, processed through the paying employer's payroll.

Does employer-enhanced maternity pay affect ShPP?

Employers are not legally required to enhance ShPP. If your employer pays enhanced maternity pay, check your contract — some extend enhanced pay to ShPP too, but there is no legal obligation to do so.

What is a SPLIT day?

Shared Parental Leave In Touch (SPLIT) days allow you to work for your employer during ShPL without ending it — up to 20 days each, in addition to the 10 KIT days available during maternity leave.