UK Employment Rights: Redundancy, Leave, Contracts and Workplace ProtectionsHow Much Is Statutory Sick Pay UK 2026?
Current SSP rates, who qualifies, how long you can claim, and what to do if your employer won't pay. Your rights when off sick from work.
Statutory Sick Pay provides a basic income when you’re too ill to work.
For the wider cluster covering redundancy, statutory pay, leave rights, contract protections, and dispute routes, use the main Employment Rights hub.
Current SSP Rate
2025-26 Rate
| Amount | £116.75 per week |
|---|
| Daily equivalent | ~£23.35 (5-day week) |
| Monthly equivalent | ~£506 |
| Annual maximum | ~£3,269 (28 weeks) |
Compared to Minimum Wage
| Full-time minimum wage | ~£1,760/month |
| SSP | ~£506/month |
| SSP as % of wage | ~29% |
Who Qualifies for SSP
You Must
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Be an employee | Not self-employed |
| Earn at least £123/week | Lower earnings limit |
| Be off 4+ days | Consecutive qualifying days |
| Follow notification rules | Tell employer promptly |
You Don’t Qualify If
| Situation | SSP Available? |
|---|
| Self-employed | No (but may get ESA) |
| Earning under £123/week | No |
| Off less than 4 days | No |
| Already had 28 weeks SSP | No (ESA instead) |
| Receiving Maternity Allowance | No |
| In legal custody | No |
| Outside UK | Usually no |
How SSP Works
Waiting Days
| First 3 qualifying days | Unpaid |
|---|
| Day 4 onwards | SSP paid |
| Qualifying day | Day you normally work |
| Example | Off Mon-Fri, paid from Thu |
When Are Waiting Days Waived?
| Situation | Waiting Days? |
|---|
| First illness | Yes (3 days) |
| Return then off again within 8 weeks | No |
| Linked periods | Count as one |
Duration
| Maximum SSP | 28 weeks |
|---|
| Per spell | Same employer |
| Then | ESA may be available |
| If return and off again | May link periods |
Claiming SSP
What to Do
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Notify employer (follow their rules) |
| 2 | Provide fit note if off 7+ days |
| 3 | Self-certify for days 1-7 |
| 4 | SSP paid with normal wages |
Fit Notes
| When Needed | After 7 days illness |
|---|
| From | GP or other healthcare professional |
| Called | Fit note (not sick note) |
| Options | Not fit for work, or fit with adjustments |
| Cost | Free if ongoing, fee for back-dating |
Self-Certification
| First 7 days | Self-certify |
|---|
| Form | Employer’s form or written statement |
| Details | Dates, reason (briefly) |
| No doctor needed | For up to 7 days |
Company Sick Pay
Many Employers Offer More
| Check | Your Contract |
|---|
| Company sick pay | May be more generous |
| Typical example | Full pay for X weeks, then half pay |
| Varies hugely | By employer |
| SSP is minimum | Only what law requires |
Typical Company Schemes
| Type | Example |
|---|
| Basic | SSP only |
| Standard | 4 weeks full pay, 4 weeks half |
| Generous | 6 months full pay |
| Public sector | Often better than private |
If Employer Won’t Pay SSP
Steps to Take
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Ask for written reasons |
| 2 | Check you meet all criteria |
| 3 | Contact ACAS for advice |
| 4 | Contact HMRC |
| 5 | HMRC can investigate and enforce |
| Phone | Employers helpline |
|---|
| Form | SSP1 disputes |
| What happens | HMRC investigates |
| If you’re right | Employer must pay |
| If you’re wrong | Reasons explained |
| What | Employer’s refusal notice |
|---|
| When | If they refuse SSP |
| Contains | Reason for refusal |
| Use for | ESA claim if applicable |
If SSP Isn’t Enough
Additional Support
| Option | Details |
|---|
| Universal Credit | Top up income |
| Employment and Support Allowance | If illness ongoing |
| Housing Benefit | Help with rent |
| Council Tax reduction | If income low |
| Charitable grants | Emergency help |
When to Claim ESA
| Situation | Consider ESA |
|---|
| SSP ending (28 weeks) | Yes |
| Don’t qualify for SSP | Yes |
| Self-employed and ill | Yes |
| Long-term sickness | Yes |
SSP and Other Situations
Part-Time Workers
| Qualified | Same rules apply |
|---|
| Earnings | Must still meet £123/week |
| Qualifying days | Days you normally work |
| Amount | Same £116.75/week |
Multiple Jobs
| Situation | SSP From Each |
|---|
| Several employers | Yes, if qualify with each |
| Earnings per job | Must meet £123 each |
Agency Workers
| Status | SSP Available |
|---|
| Employment contract | Yes |
| Check | Who your employer is |
| May be | Agency or client |
Summary: SSP Quick Reference
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Weekly rate | £116.75 |
| First paid | Day 4 of illness |
| Maximum | 28 weeks |
| Minimum earnings | £123/week |
| Fit note needed | After 7 days |
Checklist If Off Sick
| Action | Done |
|---|
| Notify employer promptly | ☐ |
| Self-certify (days 1-7) | ☐ |
| Get fit note (day 8+) | ☐ |
| Check company sick pay | ☐ |
| Consider UC top-up if needed | ☐ |
If Employer Refuses
| Action | Done |
|---|
| Request written reasons | ☐ |
| Check you meet criteria | ☐ |
| Contact ACAS | ☐ |
| Contact HMRC if dispute | ☐ |
| Service | Contact |
|---|
| ACAS | 0300 123 1100 |
| HMRC | gov.uk |
| Citizens Advice | citizensadvice.org.uk |
| Universal Credit | gov.uk/universal-credit |
SSP is a minimal safety net — most people can’t live on it alone. If you’re likely to be off sick long-term, check your rights, explore all benefits, and plan your finances carefully. If your employer won’t pay when they should, don’t let it go — HMRC will enforce your rights.
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