Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Contents
Eligibility
What will you get?
How are you paid?
What if I am not entitled?
Overview
You can get £116.75 per week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if unable to work due to illness. SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. You must be eligible for SSP, see below.
You must be paid no less than the statutory amount. You can get more if your company has a contractual sick pay scheme (or ‘occupational scheme’) - check your employment contract.
Eligibility
To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) you must:
Be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer
Earn an average of at least £123 per week
You will need to follow your employer's policies for evidencing ill health but you can self-certify for 7 days
Have been sick for 4 or more days in a row (including non-working days) - known as a ‘period of incapacity for work
Employees who have been paid less than 8 weeks of earnings still qualify for SSP.
Statutory annual leave is accrued while an employee is off work sick (no matter how long they’re off) and can be taken during sick leave.
Casual, short-term and zero hour contracts
Individuals who are classed as employees for the purposes of SSP and are on casual, short-term or zero-hours contracts are eligible for SSP as long as they meet the same qualifying criteria.
Self-employed agency workers
Self-employed individuals, including self-employed agency workers, are not eligible for SSP.
For other different types of employment, please visit the UK Government website,.
Exceptions
Employees do not qualify for SSP if they:
Have received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks)
Are getting Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance - there are special rules for pregnant women and new mothers who do not get these payments
Are off work for a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before the week (Sunday to Saturday) that their baby is due
Were in custody or on strike on the first day of sickness (including any linked periods)
Are working outside the EU and you’re not liable for their National Insurance contributions
Received Employment and Support Allowance within 12 weeks of starting or returning to work for you
What will you get?
The weekly rate for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is £99.35 for up to 28 weeks. It is paid:
for the days you normally work - called ‘qualifying days’
in the same way as wages, for example on the normal payday, deducting tax and National insurance
How are you paid?
SSP is paid by your employer in the same way as your normal wages, for example weekly or monthly.
If you have more than one job you may get SSP from each employer.
Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.
If you think you are not getting the right amount of SSP, talk to your employer. If you’re still not happy, contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enquiry line.
What if I am not entitled?
If you find that you are not eligible for SSP, you might be entitled to Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance and other benefits.
Free online benefit calculators are available to check what you might be entitled to.