Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) & Sick Notes: What You Need to Know

What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?

Statutory Sick Pay is the minimum sick pay UK employees are entitled to by law if they're too ill to work. It's paid by your employer, not the government.

Who Qualifies for SSP?

You qualify if:

• You're an employee (not self-employed or a contractor)
• You earn at least £123 per week (before tax)
• You've been off sick for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)
• You tell your employer you're sick within their deadline (usually within 7 days)

What Evidence Do You Need for SSP?

The evidence you need depends on how long you're off sick:

How Much SSP Will You Get?

For 2025, SSP is paid at £110.00 per week for up to 28 weeks. Important points:

• Waiting days: The first 3 qualifying days are unpaid
• Qualifying days: Usually your normal working days (e.g., if you work Mon-Fri, those are your qualifying days)
• Daily rate: £110.00 ÷ number of qualifying days per week

SSP Payment Example

If you work Monday to Friday (5 qualifying days) and are off sick for 10 consecutive days:

• Days 1-3: No SSP (waiting days)
• Days 4-10: SSP paid (7 days × £22.00 = £154.00)

When Does SSP Start and End?

SSP Starts When:

• You've been sick for 4 consecutive days (including weekends/non-working days)
• These are called "Period of Incapacity for Work" (PIW)

SSP Ends When:

• You return to work
• You've received SSP for 28 weeks
• Your employment ends
• You start receiving certain benefits (like Employment and Support Allowance)

Creating Your Self-Certification for SSP

For the first 7 days of sickness, you need to provide self-certification to your employer to support your SSP claim. This should include:

• Your full name and job details
• Date your sickness began
• General reason for absence (e.g., "flu symptoms", "back pain")
• Expected return date (or confirmation it's ongoing)
• Your signature and date

Common SSP Questions

Can I get SSP for less than 4 days off?

No. SSP only applies to absences of 4 or more consecutive days. However, you still need to follow your employer's absence reporting procedures.

What if my employer pays more than SSP?

Many employers offer contractual sick pay that's more generous than SSP. Check your employment contract. If you receive contractual sick pay, SSP is usually included within it.

Can my employer refuse SSP if I only self-certify?

No. For days 1-7, self-certification is legally sufficient. Your employer cannot demand a GP fit note for this period and must pay SSP if you meet the criteria.

What if I'm off sick multiple times?

If you have separate periods of sickness 8 weeks or less apart, they're "linked" and count as one PIW. This affects your waiting days and the 28-week maximum.

What happens after 28 weeks of SSP?

After 28 weeks, SSP stops. Your employer must give you form SSP1 explaining why SSP has ended. You may then be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Do zero-hours workers get SSP?

Yes, if you meet the earnings threshold (£123 per week average) and other criteria. The fact you're on a zero-hours contract doesn't exclude you.

What If Your Employer Won't Pay SSP?

If your employer refuses SSP when you believe you're entitled:

1. Request a written explanation
2. Contact ACAS for free advice: 0300 123 1100
3. You can challenge the decision through HMRC
4. Consider an employment tribunal claim if discrimination is involved