Statutory Sick Pay explained: how much you can get and how long it lasts

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 28, 2025

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is financial support that employers must pay to eligible employees who are too ill to work. SSP provides a safety net for those temporarily unable to earn an income due to illness or injury.

At a glance

Statutory Sick Pay is currently £118.75 per week for up to 28 weeks (Source: GOV.UK SSP guidance, 2025/28 rates)
SSP is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks.
The standard weekly rate is set by the government.
You must meet eligibility requirements, including earning above a set threshold.
If SSP ends, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.

How much Statutory Sick Pay can you get?

The current weekly rate of SSP is set by the UK government and is subject to change each tax year. As of April 2024, SSP is £118.75 per week. You can check the most up-to-date rate on the UK government SSP page.

SSP is paid for the days you would normally work, starting from the fourth qualifying day of illness. The first three days are known as ‘waiting days’ and are unpaid, unless you have already been off sick recently.

How long does SSP last?

SSP is paid for up to 28 weeks. If you are still unable to work after this period, your employer must issue you with an SSP1 form. This form allows you to apply for other benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.

Who is eligible for SSP?

You may qualify for SSP if:

You are an employee (including agency workers and some casual staff).
You earn an average of at least £125 per week (before tax).
You have been ill for at least 3 consecutive days (including non-working days).
You have informed your employer according to their sickness reporting rules.

If you do not meet these criteria, your employer must give you an SSP1 form to support your application for other benefits.

What if your employer refuses SSP?

If your employer says you are not entitled to SSP, they must explain why in writing and provide you with an SSP1 form. If you disagree, you can contact HMRC’s Statutory Payments Disputes Team for a decision.

What happens when SSP ends?

When your SSP entitlement ends, you may still need financial support. Your next steps could include:

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): if you have sufficient National Insurance contributions.
Universal Credit: if you need income support and meet eligibility requirements.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): if your illness or injury has long-term effects on your daily living or mobility.

Tips to avoid gaps in support

Ask your employer when your SSP will end.
Request your SSP1 form as soon as possible.
Apply for ESA or Universal Credit before your SSP ends.
Keep copies of medical records and evidence of your illness or injury.

SSP is only the first stage of financial support if you are unable to work. Knowing how much you can get, how long it lasts, and what to do next will help you avoid gaps in income.

External references

GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) - provides detailed information on eligibility, application process, and employer responsibilities for SSP.
Acas: Statutory Sick Pay - offers guidance on employee rights to SSP and how employers should handle sick pay for workplace injuries.
Citizens Advice: Sick pay - explains SSP entitlements and what to do if you cannot work due to injury, including disputes with employers.
GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - outlines how SSP interacts with injury compensation claims for financial support.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

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