What you get when you\u2019re off sick.
£118.75/week, paid by your employer from the 4th qualifying day, for up to 28 weeks. Enter your earnings and how long you've been off to see the total.
Weekly SSP rate £118.75. 1.4 weeks paid out of a maximum 28.
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How it works
How much, how often
£118.75/week. Paid by your employer in your normal pay run, taxed via PAYE just like wages. Daily rate = weekly rate divided by your "qualifying days" per week.
Waiting days
The first 3 qualifying days of any sickness spell are unpaid. SSP starts on day 4. Linked spells within 8 weeks count as one period — you don't serve waiting days again.
Eligibility
You must be classed as an employee (not self-employed) and earn at least £125/week on average. Agency workers and zero-hours staff usually qualify if they hit the LEL.
How long it lasts
Up to 28 weeks (196 days) in a single period of incapacity. After that, your employer no longer pays SSP — you may switch to Employment & Support Allowance via DWP.
Self-certification
For the first 7 calendar days of sickness, you can self-certify (SC2 form). After 7 days you need a fit note (Statement of Fitness for Work) from your GP, nurse, pharmacist or therapist.
Company sick pay
Many employers run a "contractual sick pay" scheme paying more than SSP for a defined period — check your contract or staff handbook. Contractual sick pay usually includes the SSP.