If illness stops you working, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum your employer must pay you - and the rules changed on 6 April 2026, so if you've checked this before, it's worth another look. This guide covers the current rate, who qualifies, when payments start, and how to claim, plus what to do if you're not eligible.

How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026/27?

From 6 April 2026, SSP is £123.25 a week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings - whichever is lower. This is a change from the old flat rate: previously, anyone earning below a set threshold got nothing at all. Now, lower earners get a proportionate payment instead of missing out entirely.

SSP is paid by your employer through normal payroll, so tax and National Insurance are deducted as usual. It can be paid for up to 28 weeks.

Do you qualify for Statutory Sick Pay?

You'll usually qualify if:

  • You're classed as an employee (not self-employed) and have done some work for your employer
  • You've been ill for at least 4 days in a row, including non-working days (this is called a "period of incapacity for work")
  • You tell your employer you're sick before their deadline, or within 7 days if they haven't set one

What's changed: there's no longer a minimum earnings threshold to qualify at all - previously, if you earned below roughly £125 a week you got no SSP. That's been abolished, so more lower-paid and part-time employees are now covered, even if their payment is lower than the full rate.

When does SSP start - is there still a waiting period?

No - the 3 unpaid "waiting days" have been removed. Previously, SSP only started on day 4 of your sickness; now, once you've met the 4-day qualifying period, payment covers you from day 1 of your absence.

Important: this only applies to sickness absences starting on or after 6 April 2026. If your absence started before that date, the old rules (and old rate) apply for that period.

How to claim Statutory Sick Pay

  1. Tell your employer as soon as you can, following their sickness policy (or within 7 days if they don't have one)
  2. Self-certify for the first 7 days - most employers accept a simple form or online declaration
  3. If you're off for more than 7 consecutive days (including weekends), get a fit note from a GP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist
  4. Your employer calculates and pays SSP automatically through your normal payroll

If you're not eligible for SSP

You won't qualify for SSP if you're self-employed, if your illness lasts fewer than 4 days, or if you've already had 28 weeks of SSP for a linked period of sickness. If that's you, you may still be able to get support through:

  • Universal Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Ben's support services, for anyone working in the automotive industry - call 08081 311 333 or visit ben.org.uk/get-help

Final thought

Illness shouldn't mean financial hardship on top of everything else. If you're struggling - whether or not you qualify for SSP - Ben is here to help the automotive industry. Call 08081 311 333 or visit ben.org.uk/get-help.

Frequently asked questions about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

What is Statutory Sick Pay?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum amount your employer must pay you if you're too ill to work. It's paid through your normal payroll, so it's taxed like your regular wages.

How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026?

From 6 April 2026, SSP is £123.25 a week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings if that's lower. It's paid for up to 28 weeks.

How does SSP work now the rules have changed?

You still need to have been ill for at least 4 days in a row to qualify. But once you qualify, payment now starts from day 1 of your sickness rather than day 4 - the old 3-day unpaid waiting period has been scrapped. There's also no minimum earnings threshold any more, so more people qualify than before.

How do I claim Statutory Sick Pay?

Tell your employer you're sick as soon as possible, following their sickness policy (or within 7 days if they don't have one). Self-certify for the first week, and provide a fit note from a healthcare professional if you're off for more than 7 days. Your employer then pays SSP automatically through payroll.

Are there still waiting days for SSP?

No. From 6 April 2026, the 3 unpaid waiting days were removed. If your sickness absence started before that date, the old rules with waiting days still apply to that absence.

Who pays Statutory Sick Pay?

Your employer pays SSP directly, as part of your normal wages. It isn't paid by the government directly to you.

What if I don't qualify for Statutory Sick Pay?

You may be able to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance instead. If you work in the automotive industry, Ben can also help you find the right support - call 08081 311 333.