Under "Jack's Law," parents who suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18 (or a stillbirth after 24 weeks) have a legal right to two weeks of paid leave. In 2026, this support is a critical safety net for grieving families in employment.
1. The Legal Right to Leave
**Parental Bereavement Leave** is a Day 1 right. You do not need to have worked for your employer for any specific time to take the two weeks off.
- Duration: 2 weeks.
- Timing: Can be taken as a single block of 2 weeks, or two separate blocks of 1 week.
- Window: Must be taken within 56 weeks of the child's death.
🚀 The Hustler's Strategy: The 'Notice-Free' Week
You don't need to give advanced notice for the first week.
Keyword Strategy: The law recognizes that some situations are emergencies. Strategic Move: If you take the leave within the first 8 weeks after the death, you do not need to give any formal notice period—you simply tell your employer before you were due to start work on the first day. This is a vital protection for your job security during the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.
2. Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (SPBP) 2026
To get the pay, you must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks and earn an average of **£123 a week**.
| Benefit | Weekly Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay | £184.03 (or 90% of earnings). |
3. Impact on Universal Credit
Technical Rule: Like other statutory payments, SPBP is treated as **earned income**. This means it is subject to the **Work Allowance** and the **55% Taper**. For low-income families, Universal Credit will "top up" the statutory pay to ensure your household income remains stable during your leave.
Bereavement Leave FAQs
Who is classed as a 'parent'?
The law is broad. It includes biological parents, adoptive parents, "legal" parents, and even people who were caring for the child in their own home for at least 4 weeks before the death.
What if I have two jobs?
Just like SMP or SSP, you can claim Bereavement Pay from BOTH employers if you meet the eligibility criteria for both.
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Benefit Experts Editorial Team
Benefit Experts Team – Independent UK benefits guidance. We provide independent, authoritative guidance to help UK citizens navigate the complex benefits system with confidence.