Your employer pays it with your wages. Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.
Quick facts
- Amount
- £123.25 a week or 80% of pay
- How long
- Up to 28 weeks
- Paid by
- Your employer
- Fit note
- After 7 days off
- If it ends
- Universal Credit or New Style ESA
Who can get it — the full rules
To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) you must:
- be classed as an employee
- have done some work for your employer
- have been ill for at least one full working day
Agency workers may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
You will not qualify if you have received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks) or are getting Statutory Maternity Pay.
How you are paid
You’ll be paid SSP for all the full days you’re off sick that you normally would have worked.
If you have more than one job, you may get SSP from each employer.
You cannot get less than the statutory amount. You can get more if your company has a sick pay scheme (or ‘occupational scheme’) - check your employment contract.
Telling your employer
You must usually tell your employer you’re unable to work before the deadline they set (or within 7 days if they have not set one).
You must give your employer a fit note if you’re off work for more than 7 days in a row (including non-working days).
If you are not eligible or your SSP ends
You may be able to apply for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You can use form SSP1 to support your application.
See New Style ESA and Universal Credit. In Northern Ireland, see Statutory Sick Pay in Northern Ireland.
Common questions
How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026?
£123.25 a week or 80% of your normal weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
How long is SSP paid for?
Up to 28 weeks.
Can I get SSP from two jobs?
Yes. If you have more than one job, you may get SSP from each employer.
When do I need a fit note?
If you’re off work for more than 7 days in a row, including non-working days.