SC3 - Ordinary Statutory Paternity Payordinary paternity leave - becoming a parent Employer form to Preview on Page 1

SC3 - Ordinary Statutory Paternity Payordinary paternity leave - becoming a parent Employer form to 2026

The document outlines the eligibility and process for Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay (OSPP) and ordinary paternity leave for new parents. It details the conditions under which a biological father or partner can take up to two weeks off work, receive pay during this period, and the necessary steps to apply. Key points include requirements for continuous employment, declaration of responsibility for the child's upbringing, and guidelines on notifying employers about leave plans.

Here's how it works

01. Edit your form online
Type text, add images, blackout confidential details, add comments, highlights and more.
02. Sign it in a few clicks
Draw your signature, type it, upload its image, or use your mobile device as a signature pad.
03. Share your form with others
Send it via email, link, or fax. You can also download it, export it or print it out.

Definition & Meaning

The SC3 form, known as the Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay and Leave form, is essential for employees in the U.K. seeking paternity benefits. It provides new parents the opportunity to apply for paid time off work after the birth or adoption of a child. This form serves as a declaration of an employee's eligibility and their intent to take paternity leave.

How to Obtain the SC3 Form

Obtaining the SC3 form is straightforward. Employers typically provide it to eligible employees, or it can be downloaded from the official government website. It's essential for employees to acquire this form well in advance of the intended leave date to ensure timely submission and processing.

Steps to Complete the SC3 Form

Personal Details: Start by filling in your full name, address, and National Insurance number. This basic information is critical for identification and processing.
Employment Information: Provide details about your employment, including your job title and employer’s name and address. This information helps confirm your eligibility for paternity benefits.
Declaration of Responsibility: You must declare your role in the child's upbringing. This section requires you to confirm your intentions and responsibilities as a new parent.
Notification of Leave Dates: Indicate the start and end dates of your intended leave period. It's advisable to discuss and confirm these dates with your employer ahead of submission.
Sign and Date: Ensure you sign and date the form to validate your application. An unsigned form may result in delays or rejection.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible employees must satisfy specific criteria to use the SC3 form. You must have been continuously employed by your current employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. Additionally, you should have a legitimate requirement to take leave, whether for the birth of your own child or your partner's, and meet the statutory pay requirements outlined by the government.

Key Elements of the SC3 Form

Employee Identification: Essential personal and employment information.
Declaration of Parental Responsibilities: Commitment to taking an active role in the child's upbringing.
Leave Duration and Dates: Plans for your paternity leave, ensuring they align with legal entitlements.

Legal Use of the SC3 Form

Using the SC3 form is a legal requirement for claiming Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay. It supports employees' rights under current employment and family law in the U.K. Employers must retain the submitted forms for record-keeping and compliance purposes.

Who Typically Uses the SC3 Form

The primary users of the SC3 form are new fathers, adoptive parents, or partners who wish to take statutory paternity leave. This form ensures they receive any entitled pay during the leave period, offering support as they transition into parenthood.

Why Complete the SC3 Form

Completing the SC3 form is crucial for accessing paid paternity leave. It ensures that employers formally acknowledge an employee's lawful right to take time off for parental responsibilities, creating an official record to prevent disputes or misunderstandings. Moreover, it provides financial aid during a significant life change, allowing parents to focus on family without immediate financial worries.

Examples of Using the SC3 Form

Consider an employee named John, who works full-time and is expecting a child with his partner. By completing the SC3 form, John can communicate his leave plans officially and claim Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay. This process reassures both John and his employer about his right to take paternity leave, fostering a supportive environment during the early stages of parenthood.

be ready to get more

Complete this form in 5 minutes or less

Get form

Do men get 6 months of paternity leave?

Dads will be able to take up to six months paternity leave while their childs mother returns to work, under government plans announced today. Fathers will have a legal right to take the place of the mother at home for the last three months of her nine-month maternity leave.

What is an SC3 form used for?

Use form SC3 if youre an employee, become a birth parent and need to apply to your employer for Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) and Leave.

What is an SC3?

Statutory Maternity Pay A regular payment from your employer, paid in the same way as your usual wages, to help you take time off (maternity leave) before and after your baby is born.

How do I claim parental leave pay?

Talk to your employer In most cases your employer will pay your Parental Leave Pay in line with your normal pay cycle. Talk to your employer at least 10 weeks before your childs expected date of birth or adoption. Negotiate your leave and tell them if you claim Parental Leave Pay.

How to approve paternity leave?

How to Write an Application for Paternity Leave? Start with a Suitable Subject line. Include Employe Details. Specify the dates and leave duration. State that the leave is for childbirth or adoption. Attach required supporting documentation. Sign and date the application. Submit to manager/HR for approval.