How much is Statutory Sick Pay?

SSP rate for 2026/27

From 6 April 2026, SSP is the lower of two amounts:

Tax and National Insurance are taken off, as with your normal wages.

Worked examples

Example 1: average earnings of £500 a week. 80% of £500 is £400. That is more than £123.25, so you get £123.25 a week. Over 4 weeks that is £493.

Example 2: average earnings of £120 a week. 80% of £120 is £96. That is less than £123.25, so you get £96 a week. Over 4 weeks that is £384.

What changed in April 2026

• No waiting days. SSP is now paid from the first day you are off sick. Before, the first few days (called waiting days) were unpaid.
• No minimum earnings. The old Lower Earnings Limit has gone. Employees on low pay can now get SSP.
• The 80% rule. If 80% of your average weekly earnings is less than £123.25, you get the lower amount.

Who can get SSP

You must:

• be classed as an employee (agency workers may also qualify)
• have done some work for your employer
• be ill for at least one full working day

You cannot get SSP if you have already had the maximum 28 weeks, or if you are getting Statutory Maternity Pay.

What changes the amount

• Your earnings. Your employer uses your average weekly earnings over 8 weeks. You can still qualify if you have been paid for less than 8 weeks.
• Days you normally work. SSP is paid only for full days off sick that you would normally have worked (called "qualifying days").
• Linked spells. Two spells of sickness within 8 weeks of each other are linked and count towards the same 28 weeks.
• More than one job. You may get SSP from each employer.
• Company sick pay. Your employer may pay more than SSP under its own scheme.

How to claim

1. Tell your employer by their deadline, or within 7 days if they do not set one.
2. If you are off sick for more than 7 days in a row, give a fit note. A GP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist can issue one.
3. If you disagree with the amount, ask your employer to explain. If that does not work, contact HMRC's Statutory Payment Disputes Team.

If SSP ends or you cannot get it, your employer should give you form SSP1. You may be able to get Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.

If you work in Northern Ireland

SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. Check nidirect for the rules that apply there, and contact the Labour Relations Agency for help with employment rights.

Related guides

• How much is ESA?
• Do I need a sick note for Universal Credit?
• Can I take time off for a family emergency?
• How much is Universal Credit limited capability for work?
• What is Access to Work?

Where these figures come from

• Statutory Sick Pay: what you'll get (GOV.UK)
• Statutory Sick Pay: eligibility (GOV.UK)
• Statutory Sick Pay: how to claim (GOV.UK)
• Taking sick leave: fit notes (GOV.UK)
• Sickness absences that start before and end on or after 6 April 2026 (HMRC)
• Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027 (DWP)
• Statutory Sick Pay (nidirect)