Being unable to work because of illness can create financial uncertainty. Many employees worry about how they will pay bills, cover household costs and manage day to day expenses while recovering.
Statutory Sick Pay, commonly known as SSP, is designed to provide financial support to eligible employees who are unable to work due to sickness.
This guide explains everything you need to know about how to claim Statutory Sick Pay in 2026, including eligibility rules, payment amounts, how the process works, common mistakes to avoid and what additional support may be available.
The information has been reviewed against current UK Government guidance and official sources available at the time of writing.
To claim Statutory Sick Pay in 2026, you must be employed, earn at least the minimum qualifying earnings threshold, be off work sick for at least four consecutive days, and notify your employer according to their sickness reporting procedures.
Unlike many benefits, SSP is not normally claimed through the Department for Work and Pensions. Instead, eligible employees receive SSP directly from their employer through payroll.
Statutory Sick Pay is a legal minimum payment that employers must provide to eligible employees who are unable to work because of illness.
SSP helps replace part of your income while you recover from a physical or mental health condition that prevents you from working.
It is intended to provide short term financial support during periods of sickness absence.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Paid by | Employer |
| Purpose | Income support during sickness |
| Taxable | Yes |
| National Insurance | May apply |
| Maximum duration | Up to 28 weeks |
| Claim method | Through employer |
| Available across UK | Yes |
SSP can cover many different health conditions including:
You may qualify if you:
Both full time and part time employees may qualify.
Agency workers may also qualify depending on their employment arrangements.
To receive SSP, you must satisfy several conditions.
SSP is primarily available to employees.
Most self employed people cannot claim SSP because they do not have an employer paying them through payroll.
You must be unable to perform your normal work duties due to illness or injury.
Employers may ask for evidence of illness if your absence extends beyond the self certification period.
Generally, SSP starts after the first three qualifying sick days.
The first three qualifying days are usually unpaid waiting days.
Payment normally begins from the fourth qualifying day onwards.
Most employers require staff to:
Failure to follow reporting requirements could affect payment.
To qualify for SSP, employees generally need average earnings at or above the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance purposes.
The Government reviews thresholds regularly and they may change.
Your employer will usually assess:
| Weekly Earnings | Likely SSP Eligibility |
| Below threshold | Usually not eligible |
| At threshold | Usually eligible |
| Above threshold | Usually eligible |
Always check current Government guidance for the latest earnings limits.
No.
Unlike many means tested benefits, SSP is not affected by:
This is because SSP is based on employment status and earnings rather than financial need.
| Benefit Type | Savings Affect Claim? |
| Statutory Sick Pay | No |
| Universal Credit | Potentially |
| Pension Credit | Potentially |
| Housing Benefit | Potentially |
The exact SSP rate can change annually following Government reviews.
Eligible employees receive the statutory weekly rate set by the Government.
Payment is usually:
| Situation | Payment |
| First three qualifying days | Usually unpaid |
| From fourth qualifying day | SSP may begin |
| Long term absence | Up to 28 weeks |
Employers may choose to provide additional occupational sick pay schemes that pay more than SSP.
If your employer offers enhanced sick pay, you could receive significantly higher payments.
The process is usually straightforward.
Tell your employer as soon as possible that you are unable to work.
Follow your company’s sickness reporting policy.
Provide enough information for your employer to understand why you cannot work.
For shorter illnesses, employers often accept self certification.
For longer absences, you may need:
If eligible, SSP is paid directly by your employer.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Report sickness |
| 2 | Follow company procedures |
| 3 | Complete self certification |
| 4 | Provide fit note if required |
| 5 | Receive SSP through payroll |
The documents required depend on the length of your illness.
Most employers will explain exactly what evidence they require.
If your employer decides you are not entitled to SSP, they should explain why.
You may receive a form explaining:
Possible reasons include:
Several avoidable mistakes can delay payments.
Always notify your employer promptly.
Follow the correct reporting process.
Provide fit notes when requested.
Savings do not affect SSP eligibility.
Many workers miss out on enhanced employer schemes.
| Mistake | Possible Consequence |
| Late notification | Delayed payment |
| No fit note | Payment issues |
| Ignoring procedures | Claim problems |
| Incorrect information | Delays |
| Missing deadlines | Potential refusal |
Sarah works full time in retail.
She develops severe flu and cannot work for seven days.
She informs her manager immediately and follows company procedures.
Because she meets the earnings requirements, SSP begins after the waiting period.
Michael undergoes knee surgery.
His doctor signs him off for six weeks.
He provides a fit note and receives SSP through payroll while recovering.
Emma experiences severe anxiety and stress.
Her GP provides medical evidence confirming she is unfit for work.
She receives SSP while focusing on recovery.
Usually no. SSP is intended for periods when you are unable to work due to illness.
It may affect the amount you receive because it counts as income.
Generally no. Self employed individuals may need to explore alternative support.
Up to 28 weeks in most cases.
Yes. SSP is usually taxed like normal earnings.
Some agency workers may qualify depending on their circumstances.
Not usually. Self certification may apply initially.
Yes. Many employers offer occupational sick pay schemes.
You may need to explore other benefits such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance if eligible.
Yes. Mental health conditions can qualify if they prevent you from working.
In some circumstances payment adjustments may be possible if errors occur.
Ask for a written explanation and seek advice if you believe the decision is incorrect.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for:
The right combination of support will depend on your income, health condition and household circumstances.
The best sources of information include:
This article has been prepared using current publicly available UK Government guidance relating to Statutory Sick Pay, sickness absence rules, payroll requirements and related welfare support. Rules, payment rates and eligibility criteria may change. Readers should always verify details using official Government resources before making financial decisions.
Understanding how to claim Statutory Sick Pay in 2026 can help reduce financial stress during periods of illness. If you are employed, meet the earnings requirements and follow your employer’s sickness reporting procedures, you may be entitled to SSP while you recover.
Remember that SSP is normally paid directly by your employer through payroll rather than being claimed from the Government. It can provide valuable short term income support when health issues prevent you from working.
If your illness lasts longer or SSP ends, additional support such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Personal Independence Payment may be available depending on your circumstances.
Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.
Information on this site is based on official UK guidance.
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