Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Guide

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum your employer must pay when you're off sick. Many employees don't know what they're entitled to — or what happens when SSP runs out after 28 weeks.

SSP rate (2025/26): £118.75 per week, paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. This is the legal minimum — your employer may offer more if their company sick pay scheme is more generous.

Who Qualifies for SSP

To receive SSP you must be:

  • Classed as an employee (not self-employed or a worker on a zero-hours contract without employee status)
  • Earning at least £123/week (the lower earnings limit, 2024/25)
  • Have been sick for at least 4 consecutive days (including non-working days)
  • Have told your employer within their required timescale (usually 7 days — check your contract)
Agency workers and zero-hours staff: If you're employed (on PAYE) rather than self-employed, you likely qualify for SSP even on a zero-hours contract — as long as you meet the earnings threshold.

How SSP Works

Waiting days

SSP doesn't start until the 4th day of illness. The first 3 days are "waiting days" and are unpaid (unless your employer has a more generous policy).

How long it lasts

Up to 28 weeks. After 28 weeks, SSP stops and you'll need to apply for other support.

Fit notes

You self-certify for the first 7 days. After that, your employer can request a fit note (sick note) from your GP — free if you've been off work for more than 7 days.

Linked periods

If you have multiple periods of illness within 8 weeks of each other, they "link" and count together towards the 28-week total.

Your Rights While Off Sick

  • You continue to accrue annual leave while on sick leave
  • Your employer cannot dismiss you solely for being sick — doing so without following a fair process is likely to be unfair dismissal (seek advice if this happens)
  • You have protection under the Equality Act 2010 if your illness qualifies as a disability — your employer must make reasonable adjustments
  • Your employer must keep your health information confidential

When SSP Runs Out — What Next

If you've been off for 28 weeks and can't return to work, your employer must give you an SSP1 form. You can then apply for:

Universal Credit

If you're unable to work due to illness, you may qualify for UC with a limited capability for work element. See our Universal Credit guide.

New Style Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

If you have enough NI contributions, you may claim New Style ESA (a contribution-based benefit) alongside Universal Credit.

PIP

If your health condition is long-term, you may be entitled to PIP regardless of whether you can work. See our PIP guide.

Self-Employed and SSP

If you're self-employed, you are not entitled to SSP — it's employer-paid, and you have no employer. Options if you're self-employed and can't work due to illness:

  • Universal Credit — you can claim if your income drops below a certain level
  • Income protection insurance — a policy that pays a percentage of your income if you can't work; worth considering when healthy
  • New Style ESA — if you've paid enough Class 2 NI contributions

If Your Employer Refuses to Pay SSP

If your employer says you don't qualify and you think you do:

  1. Ask your employer for a written explanation
  2. Contact HMRC's SSP dispute resolution service: 0300 200 3500
  3. Get free advice from Citizens Advice or Acas
Check your contract first: Many employers offer enhanced sick pay — full pay for a number of weeks or months — especially in the public sector. Check your contract or staff handbook before assuming you'll only get SSP.