Answers · UK 2025/26
How many weeks of Statutory Sick Pay can I get in 2026/27?
You can get Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks for 2026/27, paid at £123.25 a week. It is paid by your employer for qualifying days of sickness, and you must normally earn at least £125 a week on average to qualify.
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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for 2026/27 is paid at £123.25 a week and can last for a maximum of 28 weeks for any single period of sickness or linked periods. It is paid by your employer for the qualifying days you would normally have worked, once you have been off sick. Traditionally SSP was not paid for the first three qualifying days, known as waiting days, and only started from the fourth day, though reforms have been changing the rules around waiting days and the lower earnings limit, so check the current position with your employer. To qualify you generally need to be classed as an employee, be off sick for the required number of consecutive days, earn on average at least the lower earnings limit of £125 a week, and tell your employer within their deadline. If your sickness continues beyond 28 weeks, SSP stops and you may need to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance instead. SSP is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance through PAYE because it counts as earnings. Many employers offer enhanced company sick pay that is more generous than the statutory minimum, sometimes full pay for a number of weeks. If you do not qualify for SSP, your employer should give you form SSP1 so you can claim other benefits. Use the Take-Home Pay calculator to see the net value of sick pay against your normal salary.
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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.