For an overview of SPBP, you can read Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (SPBP).

You can also access the employers guide at gov.uk.

To qualify

England, Scotland, Wales

• Employed adults with parental responsibility who suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18

• Parents who suffer a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy

  TIP:

  In this instance, the entitlement for female employees is to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave and/or pay. As is a mother who loses a child after it is born.

• Parents and primary carers must have a continuous period of employment. This should be at least 26 weeks before the child’s death to be eligible

Northern Ireland

From 6 April 2026, the same qualifying rules apply as above, including:

• Parents who suffer a miscarriage
• The introduction of day one entitlement replacing the 26 week continuous employment requirement