Your average gross earnings over the 8 weeks before sickness began.
Days you normally work each week.
Reg. 07380272 · England & Wales · Est. 2010
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£246.50
Total SSP for 10 paid days
Everything you need to know about SSP in the UK
What is Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is paid by your employer when you are too ill to work. The current rate is £123.25/week and it can be paid for up to 28 weeks. SSP is paid on your normal pay days and is subject to tax and National Insurance in the usual way. You do not need to claim SSP from HMRC — your employer pays it as part of your normal wages.
What are waiting days?
From 2026/27, SSP is payable from the first qualifying day with no waiting days. However, if you have already received SSP within the last 8 weeks (a "linked" period of sickness), the waiting days do not apply again and SSP starts immediately.
What are qualifying days and eligibility requirements?
Qualifying days are the days of the week you normally work. For most employees this is Monday to Friday (5 days), but if you work a different pattern your qualifying days will match your actual working days. To qualify for SSP you must be classed as an employee, have done some work for your employer, earn an average of at leastno minimum weekly amount from April 2026, and have been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days).
What happens after 28 weeks?
After 28 weeks your SSP entitlement ends. Your employer will give you form SSP1 which you can use to apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from the Department for Work and Pensions. ESA provides financial support while you are unable to work due to illness or disability. You should apply for ESA before your SSP runs out to avoid a gap in payments.
HMRC-Aligned: This calculator uses official HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year (6 April 2025 – 5 April 2026). Results are indicative — for complex situations, consult a qualified adviser or contact your employer's HR department.
This calculator uses official rates and thresholds from:
Last verified: February 2026 · Tax year 2025/26. Results are indicative — consult a qualified accountant for personalised advice.
Reviewed by M. Samiuddin Quadri, ACCA — Chartered Certified Accountant at Gladstone & Co. · Updated for the 2025/26 tax year.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms