Eligibility Checklist
You Are Eligible for SSP
Based on your answers, you qualify for statutory sick pay.
SSP Weekly Rate
£116.75
Qualifying Days Sick
0
Waiting Days
3
Paid Days
0
Total SSP Due
£0
Weeks Remaining
28
| Week | Qualifying Days | Paid Days | SSP Amount |
|---|
Fit Note Required: If you're sick for more than 7 calendar days, you'll need a fit note from your doctor. For the first 7 days, you can self-certify.
Statutory Sick Pay Rates 2025/26
SSP Weekly Rate
£116.75
From April 2024
SSP Daily Rate
£23.35
Based on 5-day week
Waiting Days
3 days
Unpaid qualifying days
Maximum Duration
28 weeks
Then claim ESA
How SSP Daily Rate is Calculated
SSP is calculated by dividing the weekly rate (£116.75) by the number of qualifying days in your working week:
| Working Days Per Week | Daily SSP Rate |
|---|---|
| 7 days | £16.68 |
| 6 days | £19.46 |
| 5 days | £23.35 |
| 4 days | £29.19 |
| 3 days | £38.92 |
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How SSP Works
-
Report Your Sickness
Tell your employer you're sick within their deadline (or within 7 days if they haven't set one). Follow their absence reporting procedures. -
Serve Waiting Days
The first 3 qualifying days (days you would normally work) are waiting days. SSP is not paid for these days. -
Self-Certify (Days 1-7)
For the first 7 calendar days, you can self-certify your illness. Your employer may have a form, or you can write a note. -
Get a Fit Note (Day 8+)
If you're sick for more than 7 calendar days, you need a fit note from your GP. This used to be called a sick note. -
Receive SSP
SSP is paid from the 4th qualifying day for up to 28 weeks. It's paid on your normal pay day, with tax and NI deducted.
Eligibility Requirements
You CAN Get SSP If:
- You're an employee with an employment contract
- You've done some work for your employer
- You've been sick for 4 or more days in a row (including non-working days)
- You earn at least £123 per week on average (Lower Earnings Limit)
- You told your employer within their deadline or within 7 days
You CANNOT Get SSP If:
- You're self-employed
- You've already had 28 weeks SSP for this illness
- You're getting Statutory Maternity Pay
- You're in the first 4 months of employment in certain circumstances
- You earn less than £123 per week on average
Not Eligible? If you don't qualify for SSP, your employer must give you form SSP1. You may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is statutory sick pay in 2025/26?
SSP is £116.75 per week for the 2025/26 tax year. This is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. You must earn at least £123 per week to qualify. Many employers have occupational sick pay schemes that pay more.
How long can you get SSP for?
You can receive SSP for up to 28 weeks for the same illness. SSP starts from the 4th qualifying day - the first 3 days are unpaid waiting days. After 28 weeks, you may be able to claim ESA.
Who qualifies for statutory sick pay?
To qualify you must be an employee, have done some work, be sick for 4+ days in a row, earn at least £123/week, and have told your employer within their deadline.
What are waiting days for SSP?
Waiting days are the first 3 qualifying days when SSP isn't paid. If you have linked periods of sickness (8 weeks or less apart), you don't serve waiting days again.
Do I need a sick note for SSP?
For the first 7 days, you can self-certify. After 7 calendar days, you need a fit note from your GP or hospital doctor.
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