Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Calculator
SSP is £123.25 a week or 80% of your average earnings, whichever is lower. Work out what you will get.
| Your average weekly earnings | £400.00 |
|---|---|
| 80% of your average weekly earnings | £320.00 |
| Standard weekly rate | £123.25 |
| SSP you get (the lower of the two) | £123.25 |
| SSP for 5 days off sick | £123.25 |
| Most you can get (28 weeks) | £3,451.00 |
SSP is paid by your employer through payroll, so tax and National Insurance are taken off. Your employer may offer more than the statutory amount.
How Statutory Sick Pay works from April 2026
SSP is the minimum your employer must pay if you are too ill to work. From 6 April 2026 it is the lower of £123.25 a week or 80% of your normal weekly earnings. Your employer works out your average weekly earnings over the eight weeks before you were off sick.
SSP is paid for all the full days you are off sick that you would normally have worked, for up to 28 weeks. It is paid through payroll, so tax and National Insurance are deducted.
What changed in April 2026
- SSP is paid from the first day of sickness. The old three waiting days no longer apply.
- The lower earnings limit for SSP has gone, so lower-paid and part-time workers can now qualify.
- The standard rate rose to £123.25 a week.
Daily rate
Your daily rate is your weekly SSP divided by the number of days you normally work. On a £123.25 weekly rate and a five-day week, that is £24.65 a day.
Company sick pay
Many employers pay more than SSP under a company scheme. Check your contract or staff handbook. Your employer can never pay less than the statutory amount.
Sources: GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay, GOV.UK: What you will get. Figures last checked on 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026?
The standard rate is £123.25 a week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings if that is less.
Do I get SSP from the first day?
Yes. From 6 April 2026 SSP is paid from the first day you are off sick.
How long can I get SSP for?
Up to 28 weeks. After that you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
Who pays SSP?
Your employer pays it, along with your normal wages. It is not a benefit you claim from the government.
Can I get SSP if I am self-employed?
No. SSP is only for employees. Self-employed people can claim Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.