Is Paternity Leave Paid?
Last updated 12 November 2026 · Paternity Leave Calculator editorial team
It depends. Some countries pay a flat weekly amount, some replace a percentage of earnings, some require employers to pay full salary — and some pay nothing at all.
Common payment models
Flat rate with a cap: UK Statutory Paternity Pay is the lower of £194.32 a week (from April 2026) or 90% of earnings.
Earnings replacement: Canadian EI parental benefits replace 55% of insurable earnings up to a weekly maximum.
Full pay from social insurance: Spain pays fathers 100% of their regulatory contribution base for 19 weeks, and Portugal pays 100% of reference pay for the father's 28 compulsory days.
Unpaid: US federal FMLA leave is unpaid.
Gross vs take-home
Statutory payments are often taxable. Our pay calculator shows gross figures only — what you actually receive after tax may be lower.
Employer top-ups
Many employers 'top up' statutory pay, sometimes to full salary for a set number of weeks. Check your contract or staff handbook.
Work out your own dates
Use our free calculator to estimate your leave start, end and return date.
Open the calculatorThis guide summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Rules change — confirm your entitlement with your employer or the relevant authority.