Answers · UK 2025/26

How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is £123.25 a week for 2026/27, paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. You must earn at least £125 a week on average to qualify, and SSP is taxable like normal pay through PAYE.

Last updated: 1 June 2026Last reviewed: 1 June 2026How we verify

Full answer

Statutory Sick Pay for the 2026/27 tax year is £123.25 a week, payable for up to 28 weeks of sickness. To qualify you must be classed as an employee, earn at least an average of £125 a week (the Lower Earnings Limit), and be off sick for at least 4 days in a row, including non-working days. SSP is paid by your employer through PAYE, so Income Tax and National Insurance are deducted in the normal way. Worked example: an employee off sick for three full weeks would receive 3 × £123.25 = £369.75 gross. SSP is paid for qualifying days only, and the first three days are usually unpaid "waiting days" unless you were recently sick. Many employers provide enhanced company sick pay on top of SSP — check your contract. The rate is set UK-wide so it is the same in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, although the tax deducted follows Scottish rates for Scottish taxpayers. If you cannot get SSP, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit instead. Use the Take-Home Pay calculator to see how a period on SSP affects your monthly net income.