How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026–27?

The SSP rate from 6 April 2026 is £118.75 per week. This is paid for qualifying days only — the days you would normally work. It is not paid for the first 3 consecutive days of sickness (the waiting days), unless your period of sickness starts on or after the first day of a linked period.

How long does Statutory Sick Pay last?

SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks in any one period of sickness, or in linked periods of sickness. Once you have received 28 weeks of SSP, your employer is no longer required to pay it. After SSP ends you may be able to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.

What are the 3 waiting days for SSP?

SSP does not start on the first day you are sick. The first 3 consecutive calendar days (or qualifying days) of sickness are called waiting days — you receive no SSP for these. SSP begins on the 4th qualifying day. Waiting days do not apply if your current period of sickness is linked to a previous one that ended within the last 8 weeks.

Yes. Statutory Sick Pay is treated as earnings and is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance contributions in the same way as your normal wages. Your employer deducts tax and NI through PAYE before paying you SSP.

Statutory Sick Pay Calculator

Q: Do I qualify for SSP?

To qualify for SSP you must be classed as an employee (not self-employed), have been sick for at least 4 consecutive days including non-working days, earn at least £123 per week on average (the Lower Earnings Limit for 2026–27), and have notified your employer of your sickness within their required timeframe (or within 7 days if they have no policy).

Enter your sickness dates and working pattern to find out how much SSP you're entitled to, when it starts, and when it runs out. We apply the 3-day waiting period, calculate your qualifying days, and show you a week-by-week breakdown.

📅 2026–27 rates — valid from 6 April 2026 Weekly SSP rate: £118.75 Max duration: 28 weeks Lower Earnings Limit: £123/week See all statutory rates →

First day of sickness

The first day you were too ill to work — including non-working days

Last day of sickness (or today)

Leave as today if you are still off sick

Average weekly earnings (£)

Used to check you meet the £123/week Lower Earnings Limit

Linked period of sickness?

If you were off sick in the previous 8 weeks, the 3 waiting days may not apply again

Statutory Sick Pay Entitlement

PAIRED GUIDE

Statutory Sick Pay Explained

Who qualifies for SSP, how much it pays, how the waiting days work, what happens when it runs out, and what your employer must do.

Read the Guide →

How to Use This Calculator

First day of sickness — the very first day you were too ill to work, even if it falls on a weekend or a day you don't normally work. SSP rules count all consecutive days from this point.
Last day of sickness — enter the date your sickness ended, or leave it as today if you are still off. The calculator will cap the result at 28 weeks (the maximum SSP period).
Working days — select all days you would normally be expected to work. SSP is only paid for these "qualifying days" — not weekends or rest days, unless those are your normal working days.
Average weekly earnings — your gross pay averaged over the 8 weeks before you went off sick. You need to earn at least £123/week (the Lower Earnings Limit) to qualify for SSP.
Linked period — if you were off sick in the previous 8 weeks, your current absence may be treated as a continuation of that period. This means the 3-day waiting period does not apply again.

How SSP Is Calculated

SSP is not paid at your normal wage — it is a flat statutory rate of £118.75 per week for 2026–27. The daily rate is your weekly rate divided by the number of qualifying days in that week.

Qualifying days per week	Daily SSP rate (2026–27)	Weekly SSP total
5 days (Mon–Fri)	£23.75	£118.75
4 days	£29.69	£118.75
3 days	£39.58	£118.75
2 days	£59.38	£118.75
1 day	£118.75	£118.75

The daily rate is higher for part-week workers because SSP is designed to replace the same proportion of earnings across all patterns. The 3-day waiting period means SSP starts on the 4th qualifying day of your sickness period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is SSP in 2026–27?

£118.75 per week from 6 April 2026. This is the flat statutory rate — your employer is not required to top it up to your normal wage, though many do. Check your employment contract for any enhanced sick pay entitlement.

When does SSP start?

SSP starts on the 4th qualifying day of your sickness period. The first 3 qualifying days are called "waiting days" — you receive nothing for these. If your sickness is linked to a previous period (you were off sick within the last 8 weeks), the waiting days do not apply again and SSP starts from day 1.

What are qualifying days?

Qualifying days are the days you are contracted to work. If you work Monday to Friday, those are your 5 qualifying days. Weekends would not be qualifying days for you. SSP is only paid for qualifying days you are absent due to sickness — not for rest days or days off you weren't expected to work.

How long does SSP last?

Up to 28 weeks in any one period of sickness, or in linked periods of sickness. Once your SSP runs out, your employer has no further obligation to pay it. You may be able to claim Universal Credit or New Style Employment and Support Allowance after SSP ends.

Do I qualify for SSP?

You must be an employee (not self-employed), have been sick for at least 4 consecutive days including non-working days, and earn at least £123 per week on average (the Lower Earnings Limit for 2026–27). You must also have notified your employer of your sickness within any deadline they have set, or within 7 days if they have no policy.

Is SSP taxable?

Yes. SSP is treated as earnings and is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance in the same way as your normal wages. Your employer deducts tax and NI through PAYE. You will see SSP on your payslip like any other pay.

What if my employer refuses to pay SSP?

If you believe you are entitled to SSP and your employer refuses to pay, you can ask them for a written statement explaining why. If you remain in dispute, you can contact HMRC, who have the power to decide SSP disputes and require your employer to pay.

Can my employer pay more than SSP?

Yes. Many employers offer enhanced sick pay — for example, full pay for the first 4 weeks, then half pay, then SSP. Check your employment contract or staff handbook. SSP is the legal minimum only. If your employer offers enhanced sick pay, the calculator result is the minimum floor you're entitled to.