Getting sick can happen to anyone  -  but when it does, it’s important to know your rights. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is designed to provide financial support when illness prevents you from working.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather for a few days or facing a longer-term health condition, understanding how SSP works can help you manage your finances and recovery with less stress.

What is statutory sick pay?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a legal minimum payment your employer must pay you if you’re too ill to work  - as long as you meet certain eligibility criteria.

As of 2025, SSP is £99.35 per week and can be paid for up to 28 weeks. It’s paid in the same way as your regular wages (weekly or monthly), with tax and National Insurance deducted as usual.

Key SSP Details

Information

Weekly rate

£99.35 per week

Maximum duration

Up to 28 weeks

Who pays it

Your employer (not the government)

Payment method

Same as your usual wages

Tax & NI

Deductions still apply

Qualifying days and waiting days

The days you normally work and are off sick are called your qualifying days.
You’ll start receiving SSP after the first 3 qualifying days  -  known as ‘waiting days’.

You’ll only be paid for those first 3 days if either of these applies:

  • Your sickness started before 25 March 2022 and was COVID-19 related, or
  • You received SSP in the last 8 weeks and already served your waiting days during that period.

Top tip:
Keep track of your sick days and any previous SSP claims  -  this can make the process smoother if you need to claim again within a few weeks.

Do you qualify for statutory sick pay?

To qualify for SSP, you must meet all of the following conditions:

Qualification

Requirement

Employment status

You’re classed as an employee (not self-employed)

Duration of illness

You’ve been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)

Earnings

You earn an average of at least £123 per week before tax

Notice

You’ve informed your employer you’re sick within their set deadline or within 7 days if none is stated

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speak directly to your employer or check the government’s online SSP eligibility tool.

How to claim Statutory Sick Pay

  1. Tell your employer you’re off sick as soon as possible (within your company’s policy or 7 days).
  2. Self-certify your sickness for the first 7 calendar days, no doctor’s note is needed.
  3. If you’re off for more than 7 days, you’ll need a fit note (formerly known as a sick note) from your GP or NHS 111.

Your employer will pay SSP automatically if you meet the eligibility criteria  -  you don’t need to apply separately.

Step

What You Need to Do

1

Notify your employer you’re unwell

2

Follow your workplace’s sickness policy

3

Self-certify for up to 7 days

4

Provide a doctor’s note if off longer

5

Receive SSP via your usual payroll

If you’re not eligible - or SSP ends

If you don’t qualify for SSP or your payments stop after 28 weeks, there are other forms of support available:

Support Type

Description

Where to Apply

Universal Credit

Financial support for those on low income or out of work

Apply on GOV.UK

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

For those with a health condition or disability affecting their ability to work

Apply on GOV.UK

Ben Support Services

Free, confidential advice for people in the automotive industry

ben.org.uk/get-help

Tip:
Keep all paperwork - fit notes, payslips, and employer correspondence - as you may need them for benefit claims or appeals.

If your organisation wants to better support employees’ health and wellbeing, partner with Ben.
We provide resources, training, and tailored wellbeing programmes to help staff thrive  -  even through tough times.

Email: partnerships@ben.org.uk
Visit: www.ben.org.uk/get-involved

Final thought

Illness shouldn’t mean financial crisis. Knowing your rights, and where to turn for help, can make all the difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling with health, work, or finances, Ben is here to help.

Call: 08081 311 333
Visit: www.ben.org.uk/get-help

Together, we can build healthier, fairer workplaces for everyone.