NHS Adoption Pay Calculator
Week-by-week adoption pay for NHS staff who adopt.
Your details
hrs
Total adoption pay over 52 weeks
£19,087
Based on usual pay of £768.44 a week
- Weeks 1 to 8: Full pay (includes SAP)
- £768.44 / wk
- Weeks 9 to 26: Half pay plus SAP
- £578.54 / wk
- Weeks 27 to 39: SAP only
- £194.32 / wk
- Weeks 40 to 52: Unpaid
- £0
Before tax. Statutory Adoption Pay is £194.32 a week after the first 6 weeks (2026/27). Check your trust's adoption policy for its occupational scheme.
How it is worked out
- 1Statutory Adoption Pay is paid for 39 weeks: 90% of your usual pay for 6 weeks, then a flat weekly rate or 90% if lower.
- 2Most NHS employers also pay occupational adoption pay on the same basis as NHS maternity pay, for staff with a year's service.
Worth knowing
- Check your trust's adoption policy, as the occupational scheme can vary between employers.
- Only one adopter in a couple can get adoption pay. The other may get paternity pay.
Common questions
When does adoption pay start?+
From the day the child is placed with you, or up to 14 days before that date.
Sources
The rules and figures behind this calculator come from:
- NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook: Section 15, leave and pay for new parents
- GOV.UK: Adoption pay and leave
Results are estimates for Agenda for Change staff in England using 2026/27 figures. They are not financial advice. Your payslip, employer or NHS Pensions statement has the final word.
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