Statutory Sick Pay Calculator 2026-27

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is paid by your employer when you are too ill to work. For 2026/27, the rate is £123.25 per week. To qualify, you must be an employee, have been ill for at least 4 consecutive days (including non-working days), earn at least £125 per week on average (the Lower Earnings Limit) and have notified your employer within their deadline.

The first 3 qualifying days of illness are "waiting days" and no SSP is paid. SSP starts on the 4th qualifying day and can continue for up to 28 weeks. Qualifying days are the days you would normally work — if you work Monday to Friday, only those count. SSP is taxable and subject to NI deductions.

Some employers offer contractual sick pay that exceeds SSP. This calculator shows the SSP entitlement based on your qualifying days and pay period, and compares it with your normal earnings so you can see the shortfall. It also checks your eligibility based on average weekly earnings.

Statutory Sick Pay: £123.25/week from 6 April 2026. SSP is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks per period of incapacity. To qualify: earn at least £125/week (Lower Earnings Limit), been ill for 4+ consecutive days (Period of Incapacity for Work — PIW). First 3 days are 'waiting days' (unpaid) unless you were ill within the previous 8 weeks. Maximum SSP £3,451 over 28 weeks. Employers reclaim limited amounts of SSP via Apprenticeship Levy for high-cost cases since 2022 reform.

Linked sickness periods and 'fit notes'. If you're sick again within 8 weeks of a previous SSP claim, the two periods 'link' — no new waiting days, SSP runs from day 1 of the new absence. You must self-certify for the first 7 days. From day 8, you need a 'fit note' (Statement of Fitness for Work) from your GP, hospital doctor, or some pharmacists/physios/occupational therapists since 2022 reforms. Fit notes can say 'may be fit for work' with conditions — employers must consider reasonable adjustments.

When SSP runs out — Employment and Support Allowance. After 28 weeks of SSP, your employer issues form SSP1 to claim ESA via gov.uk. ESA pays £92.05/week assessment phase, then up to £142.25/week support component for those with limited capability for work-related activity. Plus possible PIP (Personal Independence Payment) for daily living/mobility costs. Universal Credit applies for working-age claimants. Income-related ESA was abolished — only contribution-based remains (for those with sufficient NI history).

Enhanced/contractual sick pay — common in larger employers. Many employers offer Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) on top of SSP: typical UK enhanced sick pay schemes pay full salary for 4-13 weeks then half salary for further weeks (varies). Public sector (NHS, civil service, local government) typically: 1 month full + 2 months half (year 1), rising to 6 months full + 6 months half (year 5+). Always check your contract and staff handbook — enhanced sick pay can be £hundreds of pounds per week more than SSP.