# How to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK

> How-to · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

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## Quick answer

SSP is £116.75 a week (2025/26; check live rate) paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks if you're off sick more than 3 days. You're entitled if you earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123/week in 2025/26).

SSP is paid by your employer, taxed like wages and starts from the 4th 'qualifying day' (a day you'd normally work) you're off sick. The self-employed can't claim SSP — see 'New Style' ESA or Universal Credit instead.

## Steps

### 1. Tell your employer you're off sick

Follow your employer's sickness policy. You generally must notify within 7 days (or whatever the contract says).

### 2. Self-certify for the first 7 days

Use the employer's self-certification form (or HMRC SC2) for absences of up to 7 calendar days. No fit note is needed in this window.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-sick-pay-employees-statement-of-sickness-sc2

### 3. Get a fit note after 7 days

If sick more than 7 days (including weekends), provide a fit note from a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other authorised healthcare professional.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave

### 4. SSP starts on the 4th qualifying day

The first 3 qualifying days are 'waiting days' (unpaid for SSP). From day 4, SSP is paid in the next normal pay run.

### 5. If your employer refuses, escalate

Ask them in writing for an SSP1 form explaining why. If you disagree, contact HMRC's Statutory Payment Disputes Team.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

## Common pitfalls

- Some contracts pay more than SSP ('Occupational Sick Pay') — check your contract
- If you earn under the Lower Earnings Limit you don't qualify for SSP
- SSP can be paid by more than one employer if you have multiple jobs that each qualify

## Frequently asked questions

### I'm self-employed — what do I get instead?

Statutory Sick Pay is only for employees. The self-employed can apply for New Style ESA (contributions-based) or Universal Credit (means-tested) depending on circumstances.

### How long does SSP last?

Up to 28 weeks per period of incapacity, after which you may need to claim ESA or Universal Credit.

### Is SSP taxable?

Yes — it's paid through PAYE and treated like wages.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Statutory Sick Pay](https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay)
- [GOV.UK — Statutory Sick Pay eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.