What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
SSP is the legal minimum amount UK employers must pay employees who are off sick. Learn the current rates, eligibility rules, and how long you can receive it.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount employers in the UK must pay to employees who are off work due to illness. It's a legal requirement under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.
Current SSP Rates
| Tax Year | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | £116.75 |
| 2025-26 (from April) | £118.75 |
Who Qualifies for SSP?
To be eligible for SSP, an employee must:
- Be an employee - Self-employed workers don't qualify
- Earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit - Currently £123 per week on average
- Be off sick for 4 or more consecutive days - This is called a Period of Incapacity for Work (PIW)
- Notify their employer within the required timeframe - Usually within 7 days, unless the employer specifies otherwise
Waiting Days
SSP is not paid for the first 3 qualifying days of sickness. These are called "waiting days". So if you're off sick for 7 days, you'll only receive SSP for 4 days.
Important change coming April 2026: The government has announced that SSP will be payable from day 1, eliminating the 3 waiting days.
How Long Does SSP Last?
You can receive SSP for a maximum of 28 weeks in a single period of sickness. After this, you may need to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.
When SSP is Not Payable
Employers don't have to pay SSP if the employee:
- Has already received 28 weeks of SSP
- Is in legal custody
- Is receiving Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance
- Is on strike
- Hasn't done any work under the contract
Employer Obligations
As an employer, you must:
- Pay SSP to eligible employees who are off sick
- Keep records of SSP payments for at least 3 years
- Provide employees with form SSP1 if you can't pay SSP, explaining why
Can Employers Pay More Than SSP?
Yes. Many employers offer enhanced sick pay schemes that pay more than the statutory minimum. This is called "company sick pay" or "occupational sick pay". The terms should be set out in the employment contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is SSP in 2024-25?
- The SSP rate for 2024-25 is £116.75 per week. This increases to £118.75 per week from April 2025.
- How long can you receive SSP?
- You can receive SSP for up to 28 weeks in a single period of sickness.
- Do all employees qualify for SSP?
- No. To qualify, you must earn at least £123 per week on average (the Lower Earnings Limit), be an employee, and have been off sick for at least 4 consecutive days.