Being unable to work because of illness can be worrying, particularly if you are concerned about paying your bills. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is designed to provide eligible employees with financial support while they are off work due to illness.
Understanding how Statutory Sick Pay works can help ensure you receive the money you are entitled to without unnecessary delays. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you could receive, how to claim, common mistakes to avoid, and where to find additional support.
Whether you are taking a few weeks off because of surgery or recovering from a longer illness, this guide explains everything you need to know in simple language.
You do not normally submit an application to the Government for Statutory Sick Pay. Instead, you tell your employer that you are unable to work because of illness. If you meet the qualifying conditions, your employer pays Statutory Sick Pay through their payroll. You may need to provide evidence of your illness, such as a fit note from your GP if you are absent for longer than seven calendar days.
Statutory Sick Pay is a legal minimum payment that employers must pay eligible employees who are unable to work because they are sick.
It provides temporary financial support while you recover from an illness or injury.
Unlike Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance, Statutory Sick Pay is paid directly by your employer rather than the Government.
It is usually paid in the same way as your normal wages, with Income Tax and National Insurance deducted where applicable.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Paid by | Employer |
| Purpose | Financial support during sickness absence |
| Taxable | Yes |
| National Insurance | Usually deducted |
| Maximum payment period | Up to 28 weeks |
| Paid through payroll | Yes |
You may qualify if you:
You may still qualify if you work:
To receive Statutory Sick Pay, several conditions must be met.
You must be unable to carry out your normal work because of illness, injury or certain medical conditions.
The sickness period must last at least four consecutive calendar days.
These are known as qualifying days.
Most employers require you to report your illness as soon as possible.
Failing to follow your employer’s reporting procedure could delay payment.
If your illness lasts:
Yes.
To qualify, you must earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance contributions.
This figure is reviewed by the Government each tax year.
Your employer will determine whether your average weekly earnings meet the required threshold.
Examples of earnings include:
No.
Unlike many means tested benefits, Statutory Sick Pay does not take your savings into account.
Whether you have:
your savings do not affect your eligibility.
Instead, entitlement depends on your employment status and earnings.
Statutory Sick Pay is paid at a standard weekly rate set by the UK Government.
The amount normally changes each tax year.
Your employer calculates your payment based on:
Payments are usually made on your normal payday.
| Time Off Sick | Possible Outcome |
| Four days | Waiting period applies before payment begins where applicable |
| Two weeks | SSP usually paid through payroll |
| Twelve weeks | SSP continues if eligibility remains |
| Twenty eight weeks | Maximum SSP period reached |
If your illness continues after Statutory Sick Pay ends, you may be able to claim other benefits.
Unlike many benefits, there is no Government application form.
Instead, follow these steps.
Tell your employer you are sick as soon as possible.
Follow your employer’s sickness reporting procedure.
Provide self certification if requested during the first seven days.
Provide a fit note if your illness lasts longer than seven calendar days.
Your employer checks:
If eligible, your employer pays Statutory Sick Pay through payroll.
No separate payment is made by the Department for Work and Pensions.
You may need:
Different employers may request slightly different documentation.
Many payment delays happen because simple steps are missed.
Avoid these common problems.
Tell your employer as soon as possible.
Follow your employer’s sickness reporting rules.
Longer absences usually require medical evidence.
Self employed people generally cannot receive Statutory Sick Pay.
These are separate forms of financial support.
Sarah works full time in retail.
She develops pneumonia and cannot work for three weeks.
She informs her employer immediately, provides a fit note after one week and receives Statutory Sick Pay through payroll.
David works part time.
He earns above the Lower Earnings Limit.
Following surgery, he is off work for six weeks.
He qualifies for Statutory Sick Pay despite working part time.
Emma is self employed.
She becomes ill for two months.
She cannot receive Statutory Sick Pay because she is not an employee, although she may qualify for other financial support depending on her circumstances.
| Situation | Outcome |
| Full time employee | May qualify |
| Part time employee | May qualify |
| Agency worker | May qualify depending on employment status |
| Self employed | Normally not eligible |
| Sick for three days | Usually does not qualify |
| Sick for several weeks | May receive SSP |
Yes. In some circumstances you may receive both, although Universal Credit calculations will take your income into account.
Yes.
Income Tax and National Insurance may be deducted.
Only if you do not meet the legal eligibility conditions.
They should explain why and provide appropriate documentation if SSP is refused.
No.
A fit note is usually only needed after seven calendar days of sickness.
Yes.
Provided they meet the earnings and employment requirements.
Up to 28 weeks if you remain eligible.
You may qualify for Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or other support depending on your circumstances.
Holiday rules can vary depending on your circumstances, but employees continue to build up statutory holiday while off sick.
Yes.
Pregnancy related illness can qualify under the normal SSP rules.
Ask them for written confirmation explaining why.
You can also seek advice from HM Revenue and Customs if you believe the decision is incorrect.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for:
Receiving Statutory Sick Pay does not automatically prevent you from qualifying for other support.
Useful official resources include:
| Resource | Purpose |
| GOV.UK | Official guidance on Statutory Sick Pay |
| HM Revenue and Customs | Employer responsibilities and SSP disputes |
| NHS | Medical advice and fit notes |
| Department for Work and Pensions | Information about related benefits |
| Citizens Advice | Independent benefits guidance |
This article has been prepared using current UK Government guidance relating to Statutory Sick Pay, employer responsibilities, payroll regulations and related welfare benefits.
Benefit rules, payment rates and earnings thresholds can change during each tax year. Readers should always check the latest official guidance before relying on financial information or making important decisions.
Understanding how to apply for Statutory Sick Pay is essential if illness prevents you from working. Although there is no separate Government application process, you must notify your employer promptly, provide any required medical evidence and meet the qualifying employment and earnings conditions.
Most eligible employees receive Statutory Sick Pay automatically through their employer’s payroll, helping to provide financial support during periods of sickness. If your illness continues beyond the maximum payment period or you are not eligible for SSP, other benefits such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance may be available.
Taking action early, keeping your employer informed and providing the necessary documentation can help ensure your payments are made without unnecessary delays.
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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