Statutory Sick Pay Explained

SSP is the minimum your employer has to pay you when illness stops you working. It's £123.25 a week, or 80% of your normal weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

Your employer works it out from your average earnings over an eight-week period, and it's paid for up to 28 weeks.

You're paid for every full day of sickness you'd normally have worked. There's no longer a waiting period to get through first, and there's no minimum you have to earn to qualify — both of those rules have gone, though plenty of older guidance still mentions them.

Some employers pay more than this through their own sick pay scheme. SSP is the floor, not the ceiling, so it's worth checking your contract.

Who is eligible?

You need to be an employee, to have done some work for your employer, and to have been off sick for at least one full working day.

You still qualify if you've only just started the job and haven't yet been paid for eight weeks — your employer works the figure out differently in that case.

It isn't available if you're self-employed, or if you've already had the full 28 weeks.

If you've recently left a job you may still qualify, provided the illness began while you were employed there.

What benefits does this provide?

  • A floor, not a wage: SSP keeps some income coming in while you are off sick. It is the legal minimum, and most people find it is less than they expected.
  • Eligibility: SSP is paid from the first full day of sickness you would normally have worked, for up to 28 weeks.
  • Your employer pays it: There is no separate claim to make. If you qualify, your employer has to pay it.
  • Protection of Employment Rights: Receiving SSP does not affect an employee's statutory employment rights, such as the right to return to work after illness.
  • What it pays: £123.25 a week, or 80% of your normal weekly earnings — whichever is lower. Your employer calculates it from your average earnings over an 8-week period.

How do I apply?

  • Check Eligibility: You need to be an employee and to have been off sick for at least one full working day.
  • Inform Your Employer: Notify your employer about your illness within their specified deadline, usually within 7 days.
  • Provide Evidence: Submit a doctor's note or self-certification form if required by your employer.
  • Understand Payment: SSP is £123.25 a week, or 80% of your normal weekly earnings — whichever is lower — for up to 28 weeks.
  • Receive Payment: SSP is paid by your employer in the same way as your wages, e.g., weekly or monthly.
  • Dispute Resolution: If your employer refuses SSP, request a written explanation. You can appeal to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if necessary.
  • Additional Support: If SSP is insufficient, consider applying for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Common questions

How much is Statutory Sick Pay a week?

£123.25 a week, or 80% of your normal weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Your employer works it out from your average earnings over an 8-week period.

How long do you have to be off sick to get SSP?

One full working day. SSP is then paid for every full day of sickness you would normally have worked, for up to 28 weeks.

Is there a minimum you have to earn to get SSP?

No. There is no lower earnings limit, and you still qualify if you started the job recently and have not yet been paid for 8 weeks.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO