How much is SSP UK 2026?

SSP is £116.75 per week (2025-26 rate). Paid for up to 28 weeks. You must earn at least £123 per week and be off sick 4+ days in a row. Many employers offer more generous sick pay — check your contract for company sick pay scheme.

Do you get SSP from day 1 UK?

No. SSP starts from the 4th qualifying day (days you normally work). First 3 days are 'waiting days' — unpaid unless your employer has a better scheme. If you're off multiple times within 8 weeks, waiting days may not apply again.

Can my employer refuse to pay SSP UK?

Only in limited circumstances: you earn under £123/week, off less than 4 days, already received 28 weeks SSP, in legal custody, receiving Maternity Allowance. If wrongly refused, contact HMRC — they can make employer pay. You have the right to written reasons.

What if SSP isn't enough to live on UK?

SSP is minimal. Options: check if employer offers more (company sick pay), claim Universal Credit as top-up, use savings/emergency fund, check if entitled to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for longer illness. Many charities offer emergency grants.

How Much Is Statutory Sick Pay UK 2026?

Statutory Sick Pay provides a basic income when you’re too ill to work.

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

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

Contact HMRC

Phone	Employers helpline
Form	SSP1 disputes
What happens	HMRC investigates
If you’re right	Employer must pay
If you’re wrong	Reasons explained

SSP1 Form

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	☐

Key Contacts

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.