Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay

You can refuse Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay if the employee does not qualify.

Please note: If an employee’s child has died or was stillborn before 6 April 2026, you should follow the legislative guidance for Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay - claims before 6 April 2026.

To do this, send them a completed non-payment form (SPBP1) or your own equivalent form within 28 days of their pay request with evidence. You should keep a record of the week that was refused and the reason for the refusal.

If an employee is unhappy with your decision, they can contact the HMRC Statutory Payments Disputes Team. They must do this within 6 months of the start date of the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay period they claimed.