Statutory Sick Pay Calculator
2026 SSP: up to £123.25/week, paid from day one — find out your full entitlement
SSP Questions
Who qualifies for Statutory Sick Pay?
From 6 April 2026, all employees qualify for SSP regardless of how much they earn. The lower earnings threshold has been removed under the Employment Rights Act 2025. You must be classed as an employee (not a worker or self-employed) and have been ill for at least one day. Agency workers, directors, and zero-hours contract employees can also qualify.
How long does SSP last?
SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks for a single period of incapacity. After 28 weeks, you'll need to claim Universal Credit or other benefits. If you return to work and fall sick again within 8 weeks, the two periods are linked and count as one continuous period for SSP purposes.
How is SSP calculated in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, SSP is the lower of £123.25 per week or 80% of your average weekly earnings. This means higher earners receive the flat cap of £123.25, while lower earners (below ~£154/week) receive 80% of their pay. SSP is now paid from day one — the old 3 waiting days rule no longer applies.
Can my employer pay more than SSP?
Yes. Many employers offer enhanced "contractual" sick pay that pays your full salary or a percentage of it for a set period (e.g., full pay for 13 weeks, then half pay for 13 weeks). Check your contract. SSP is simply the statutory minimum your employer must pay by law.
Enter your sick leave details to calculate your SSP entitlement.
2026 SSP Key Figures
- Weekly cap: £123.25 or 80% of pay
- Maximum duration: 28 weeks
- Waiting days: None — paid from day 1
- Earnings threshold: None — all employees qualify
- Linked periods: within 8 weeks
UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Explained — 2026 Rules
Statutory Sick Pay is the minimum amount your employer must pay you when you are too ill to work. From 6 April 2026, the rules changed significantly under the Employment Rights Act 2025. SSP is now paid from the very first day of illness — the previous three waiting days have been abolished. The rate is the lower of £123.25 per week or 80% of your average weekly earnings, paid for up to 28 weeks.
The earnings threshold has also been removed, meaning all employees qualify for SSP regardless of how much they earn. Previously, workers earning less than a set weekly amount were excluded entirely. This change particularly benefits part-time and lower-paid workers who were previously ineligible.