Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Calculator UK 2026
Work out how much Statutory Sick Pay you are entitled to. Updated for the day-one SSP right introduced on 6 April 2026.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount most employees are entitled to if they are off work sick. From 6 April 2026, changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 mean SSP is now payable from the very first day of sickness — the previous 3 unpaid "waiting days" have been abolished, and the lower earnings limit that used to exclude the lowest earners has been removed entirely.
The current weekly rate is:
- £123.25 per week (2026/27 flat rate), or
- 80% of your average weekly earnings, if that figure is lower than the flat rate
SSP can be paid for a maximum of 28 weeks in any period of sickness (or linked periods of sickness within 8 weeks of each other). This calculator gives you the statutory minimum — your employer may offer enhanced company sick pay on top of this, so check your contract or staff handbook.
Your Details
Before tax. Use your average over the past 8 weeks if pay varies.
How many days you're contracted to work
Total days you have been (or expect to be) off sick
Checks whether the day-one SSP rules (from 6 April 2026) apply. Defaults to today.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Statutory Sick Pay?
You qualify if you are classed as an employee, you have been off sick for at least the qualifying period, and you earn at least some weekly pay. From 6 April 2026, the previous lower earnings limit was removed, so low earners now qualify for a reduced (80%) rate rather than being excluded entirely.
Do I need to wait before I get paid?
Not any more. From 6 April 2026, SSP is payable from your very first day of sickness. Before that date, the first 3 "qualifying days" of any sickness period were unpaid waiting days.
What if I earn very little?
If 80% of your average weekly earnings is less than the flat SSP rate, you will be paid at that lower 80% rate instead of the full flat rate. Previously, employees earning below the lower earnings limit received no SSP at all — this has changed under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
How long can I get SSP for?
SSP is payable for a maximum of 28 weeks within any period of incapacity for work (or linked periods of sickness within 8 weeks of each other).
What happens when my SSP ends?
If you are still unable to work after 28 weeks of SSP, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. Your employer should also discuss your situation with you, including any reasonable adjustments if your condition may amount to a disability.
Can my employer pay me more than SSP?
Yes. Many employers offer enhanced contractual sick pay above the statutory minimum, often on a reducing scale (e.g. full pay for a period, then half pay). Check your contract or staff handbook — SSP is only the legal floor, not a cap.