Complete JPA form R006 which can be found at JPA forms (on defnet),and submit it to your Line Manager, where possible no later than 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. Your Unit HR/Personnel Office can help.
Paternity Leave
You can take up to two weeks of paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child - in line with the statutory paternity leave provision.
Eligibility check:
What’s it for?
Paternity leave gives Service personnel time to care for a newborn or newly adopted child, and support the child’s other biological or adoptive parent.
What do I get?
Service personnel are eligible for up to two weeks of Paternity Leave, which can be taken consecutively or as two separate weeks, provided that all Paternity Leave is taken within 52 weeks of the child’s birth or placement for adoption.
To claim Paternity Leave, the Service person must be the father of the child; the spouse, civil partner or partner of the mother or adopter; or in the case of a surrogacy arrangement, the intended parent.
Entitlement applies only to an adoption placement through a legally recognised adoption agency. It does not apply if you have arranged a private adoption, become a special guardian or adopted a stepchild.
When can’t I use this?
Paternity Leave is not available in cases where you have already taken any Shared Parental Leave to care for your child. Paternity Leave must be taken before Shared Parental Leave. Neither will you be able to claim this benefit if you take advantage of the Armed Forces Occupational Adoption Leave Scheme
How do I claim?
1
Submit application form
2
Provide Unit HR with birth/matching certificate
Once your child has been born/adopted you should send a copy of the birth/matching certificate to your Unit HR.
Page last updated: 12 February 2025
Need more information?
defnet access only
Read JSP 760, Chapter 26, for more information about Paternity leave
Read JSP 760 chapter 26 for more information about Paternity leave
defnet access only
Royal Navy - Maternity and Parenthood Handbook
A guide to support Service Personnel and Managers during pregnancy, maternity, paternity, assisted conception, adoption, pregnancy loss and childcare support in the Royal Navy.
defnet access only
RAF - Support for Serving Parents
A hub of information and guidance to help you and your line manager navigate parenthood policies and processes, and access available support.
defnet access only
Army - Pregnancy/Maternity and Return to Work
A guide to support Service Personnel and the Chain of Command during pregnancy, including pregnancy loss, maternity, breastfeeding and returning to work within the British Army.