What is Statutory Adoption Pay?

Statutory Adoption Pay is paid by employers to an employee who has been matched with a child from an adoption agency, allowing them to take time off work.

You can usually claim Statutory Adoption Pay if you have worked for at least 26 weeks for the same employer, and if you earn above a certain amount (£102.00 per week in 2011/12).

Statutory Adoption Leave can start up to fourteen days before the adoption is completed, and you can claim Statutory Adoption Pay for up to 39 weeks. It is paid at either the standard rate of £128.73 (in 2011/12) or 90% of your weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

Statutory Adoption Pay counts as taxable income.