I cant afford to take statutory paternity pay can Annual leave and still claim also?

You may be able to claim Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) while taking annual leave, but it depends on your employer's policies and the specific circumstances. Here's what you need to know:

1. Eligibility for SPP: To be eligible for SPP, you must be an employee who is taking time off work to care for a new child. You must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the week your child is due. You must also earn an average weekly wage of at least £120.

2. Employer's Policies: Some employers may have policies that allow employees to take annual leave while receiving SPP. However, other employers may require you to use your annual leave entitlement before taking SPP or may not allow you to take SPP while on annual leave. It is important to check with your employer to understand their policies and requirements regarding taking annual leave and claiming SPP.

3. Claiming SPP: To claim SPP, you must submit a form to your employer, typically the SPP1 form. The form requires you to provide information such as your name, address, National Insurance number, and the dates of your paternity leave. If your employer allows you to take SPP while on annual leave, you may need to indicate this on the form.

4. Calculation of SPP: SPP is calculated based on your average weekly earnings, and the amount you receive is subject to income tax and National Insurance contributions. If you take annual leave while claiming SPP, your average weekly earnings may be affected, which could impact the amount of SPP you receive.

5. Impact on Annual Leave: Taking annual leave while claiming SPP may reduce your remaining annual leave entitlement. Depending on your employer's policies, you may need to take all or part of your annual leave during your paternity leave, or you may be able to take it at a later time.

6. Alternative Options: If you cannot afford to take SPP while taking annual leave, you may want to consider other options, such as taking unpaid paternity leave or exploring any flexible working arrangements that your employer may offer.

To ensure you receive accurate information and assistance, it is best to consult with your employer's human resources department or payroll office to understand their specific policies and procedures for taking annual leave and claiming SPP.