Statutory Sick Pay Calculator
Calculate your UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) entitlement for the current tax year and preview the new rules coming into effect from April 2026.
Know your rights when you're off work sick and understand how much SSP you're entitled to receive from your employer.
Last updated: April 2026 · Reflects 2026/27 tax year
Current SSP rules — in force from 6 April 2026
Your average weekly earnings over the past 8 weeks
Total consecutive days of sickness (maximum 196 days / 28 weeks)
How many days per week you normally work (used to calculate daily rate)
Enter Your Details
Fill in your earnings and sick days to calculate your SSP entitlement
Understanding Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount employers must pay to eligible employees who are off work due to illness. Here's what you need to know:
Current SSP Rules (2026/27 — from 6 April 2026)
- Weekly Rate: £123.25 per week, OR 80% of your average weekly earnings if lower
- No Earnings Limit: All employees qualify regardless of income — the Lower Earnings Limit has been abolished
- Paid from Day 1: Waiting days abolished — you are paid from your first day of sickness
- Duration: Up to 28 weeks for any single period of sickness
- Qualifying Days: SSP is paid for days you would normally work
Previous SSP Rules (2025/26 — up to 5 April 2026)
- Weekly Rate: £118.75 per week flat rate
- Minimum Earnings: You had to earn at least £125/week on average to qualify
- Waiting Period: First 3 days were "waiting days" (unpaid)
- Duration: Up to 28 weeks maximum
Important: SSP is the minimum your employer must pay. Many employers offer more generous sick pay schemes. Check your employment contract for details. SSP payments are subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.
Official Resources: For full eligibility criteria and official guidance, visit GOV.UK Statutory Sick Pay. To understand how SSP fits into your overall income, use our take-home pay calculator or read about the latest UK tax changes for 2026/27.
Why Knowing Your SSP Rights Matters
Understanding your Statutory Sick Pay entitlement is important because it helps you:
- Know your rights when you're unable to work due to illness
- Budget for periods of sickness and understand your income
- Check your employer is paying you correctly
- Plan your finances if you have a long-term illness
- Understand when you might be eligible for other benefits after SSP ends
- Compare employer sick pay schemes when evaluating job offers
The April 2026 changes will significantly improve support for low-income workers, ensuring that being sick doesn't mean zero income for anyone in employment.
SSP vs Employer Sick Pay
Many employers offer sick pay schemes that are more generous than SSP. Here's how statutory and typical employer schemes compare:
| Feature | SSP | NHS | Typical Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Up to £123.25/wk | Full pay | Varies |
| Full pay duration | None | 1-6 months | 1-13 weeks |
| Waiting days | None (from Apr 2026) | Usually 0 | 0-3 days |
| Max duration | 28 weeks | 12 months | 4-26 weeks |
Check your employment contract for your employer's sick pay policy. When comparing job offers, employer sick pay can be a significant benefit worth considering. Read our guide to SSP changes in 2026.
SSP 2026/27: What's Changed
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay received a major overhaul. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the old and new rules:
| Feature | Old (2025/26) | Current (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting period | 3 days unpaid | Paid from day 1 |
| Earnings limit | Must earn £125+/wk | No minimum |
| Weekly rate | Flat £118.75 | 80% of pay (max £123.25) |
| Low earners | Not eligible | 80% of earnings |
| Max duration | 28 weeks | 28 weeks |
Toggle between the old 2025/26 rules and the current 2026/27 rules using the calculator above to see how the changes affect your entitlement. For the full breakdown, read our complete guide to SSP changes in 2026.
Statutory Sick Pay FAQs
How much is Statutory Sick Pay in the UK?
For 2026/27 (from 6 April 2026), SSP is 80% of your average weekly earnings or £123.25 per week, whichever is lower. The old flat rate of £118.75/week (2025/26) no longer applies, and the Lower Earnings Limit has been abolished so all employees qualify.
Who qualifies for Statutory Sick Pay?
From 6 April 2026, all employees qualify for SSP regardless of earnings, and you are paid from day 1. Under the old 2025/26 rules you had to earn at least £125/week and wait 3 days before SSP started.
How long does SSP last?
SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks (196 days) for any single period of sickness. If you're still off sick after 28 weeks, you may be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Do I get SSP from day 1 of being sick?
Yes. From 6 April 2026, SSP is paid from your first day of sickness — the old 3 "waiting days" rule has been abolished. Under the previous 2025/26 rules, the first 3 days were unpaid waiting days.
How is SSP calculated for part-time workers?
SSP is paid for "qualifying days" - the days you would normally work. If you work part-time, you only receive SSP for the days you would have worked. The weekly rate is divided across your qualifying days.
Is SSP taxable?
Yes, Statutory Sick Pay is treated as earnings and is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance contributions in the usual way. Your employer will deduct these before paying you. See current income tax rates on GOV.UK.
What if I earn more than the SSP rate?
From 6 April 2026, the rate is 80% of your average weekly earnings up to a maximum of £123.25/week, so higher earners receive the full cap. Under the old 2025/26 rules, everyone received the same flat rate of £118.75/week regardless of salary.
Can I get SSP from two jobs?
Yes, if you're off sick and unable to work at both jobs, and you meet the eligibility criteria separately for each job, you can claim SSP from both employers.
What happens after 28 weeks of SSP?
If you're still unable to work after 28 weeks, SSP ends. You may then be eligible to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from the Department for Work and Pensions. Your employer should provide you with form SSP1 to help with your ESA claim.
Does my employer have to pay SSP?
Yes, if you're an employee (not self-employed) and meet the eligibility criteria, your employer is legally required to pay you at least SSP. Many employers offer more generous company sick pay schemes on top of the statutory minimum. Self-employed individuals do not qualify for SSP.