Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay (OSSP)

If your average weekly earnings are £112 a week or more (before tax), Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay is paid for one or two consecutive weeks at £139.58 or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings if this is less.

How and when to claim OSPP

Eligibility

Employees must:

have worked for you continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (known as the ‘qualifying week’)
be classed as an employee (paternity leave only)
be employed by you up to the date the child is born (or placed with the adopter) (paternity pay only)
be on your payroll and earn at least £112 a week (gross) in an 8 week ‘relevant period’ (paternity pay only)
give you the correct notice
be taking time off to look after the child or their partner
be responsible for the child’s upbringing
The qualifying week is different if the employee is adopting. They must also be one of the following, the:
father
husband or partner of the mother (or adopter)
child’s adopter
intended parent (if they’re having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement)

Your employer might ask you for self-certificate form SC3 (becoming a parent) that confirms you're entitled to the pay.

How and when to claim OSPP for Adoption:

Eligibility

An employee adopting a child must:

have worked for you continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the week they were matched with a child (UK adoptions)
have worked for you continuously for at least 26 weeks by either the date the child arrives in the UK or when they want their pay to start (overseas adoptions)
confirm that their partner is getting Statutory Adoption Pay in writing or by giving you a copy of their partner’s form SC6
meet the other eligibility conditions for paternity leave or pay
Notice period
An employee adopting a child must send you form SC4 for:
leave - no later than 7 days of their co-adopter or partner being matched with a child
pay - 28 days before they want their pay to start
For overseas adoptions the form and notice period is different. The process is explained on form SC5.
Leave start date
An employee taking paternity leave because they’re adopting can start their leave:
on the date of placement
an agreed number of days after the date of placement
on the date the child arrives in the UK or an agreed number of days after this (overseas adoptions)
For overseas adoptions leave must be taken within 56 days of the date of placement or the child’s arrival in the UK.
Proof of adoption
Employees must give you proof of adoption to qualify for paternity pay. Proof isn’t needed for paternity leave unless you request it. Proof can be a letter from their adoption agency or their matching certificate.
You must keep records of the proof.

Eligible employees are entitled to paternity leave and pay if they’re adopting a child.

Where can I get a SC4 form?

Employees having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement must use form SC4 to request leave and pay.

Download one directly from the HRMC site: SC4 Form

Ordinary Statutory Paternity is paid to you in the same way and at the same time as your normal wages. Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay is treated as normal pay and so they'll also deduct tax and National Insurance as usual.

Keystone Employment Group