Self-employed fathers and partners who have previously been unable to access parental pay are set to benefit from an extension of financial support. Under plans announced by the Treasury and reported by The Guardian, eligible parents would receive payments for two weeks. The proposal has not yet come into effect.
The Treasury announced the plans on 27 October 2026, the day before the scheduled Budget. The government says the extension of parental pay would reach more than 150,000 additional parents a year. That figure covers everyone expected to gain access to the support, not just self-employed fathers.
Two weeks of payments, with details still to come
The announcement described the current maximum value of the support as £194 a week. This does not mean that every eligible parent would receive that amount, or that the same rate would apply when the expanded scheme launches.
For people who work for themselves, the distinction between financial support and a right to take leave is important. The announcement concerns payments to parents; it does not establish a separate employment right to paid leave for self-employed people. The Guardian’s report does not specify a start date for payments, detailed eligibility rules or an application process.
The Guardian reported that the proposal was welcomed by Dad Shift and the Women’s Budget Group. For parents considering taking time away from work after their child is born, the implementation rules will be crucial: they will determine who can receive the support and when it becomes available.
