Answers · UK 2025/26
How much is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for 2025/26 is £118.75 per week, payable for up to 28 weeks. SSP starts on the 4th consecutive day of sickness ("waiting days" 1–3 are unpaid) and ends after 28 weeks of payment.
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UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for 2025/26 is £118.75/week (up from £116.75) — paid by employers to qualifying employees who are too ill to work. Eligibility: employed earnings averaging at least £125/week (the Lower Earnings Limit), at least 4 days off sick in a row including non-working days, and notification to your employer following their rules. Waiting days: the first 3 days of any sickness absence are unpaid ("waiting days") — SSP starts from day 4. 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.