Answers · UK 2025/26
How much is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for 2026/27 is £123.25 per week, payable for up to 28 weeks. From April 2026 the 3 waiting days are removed and SSP is payable from day 1 (capped at the lower of £123.25 or 80% of average weekly earnings).
Full answer
UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for 2026/27 is £123.25/week (up from £118.75) — paid by employers to qualifying employees who are too ill to work. Eligibility: employed earnings averaging at least £129/week (the Lower Earnings Limit) and notification to your employer following their rules. From April 2026 (Employment Rights Act 2025) the previous 3 unpaid "waiting days" are abolished — SSP is now payable from day 1 of sickness, capped at the lower of £123.25 or 80% of your average weekly earnings. You can re-link absences within 8 weeks if you become unwell again. Maximum SSP period: 28 weeks per period of incapacity. SSP is taxable and counts as earnings for NI. Many employers offer enhanced contractual sick pay (full pay for X weeks, half pay for Y weeks). When SSP runs out, you may qualify for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. Self-employed people are not eligible for SSP — they should apply for new-style ESA.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.