What to do if you stop receiving sick pay before you can return to work

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 16, 2025

If you are off work due to illness or injury, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) provides short-term financial support. However, SSP is only paid for a maximum of 28 weeks.

If your sick pay stops before you are well enough to return to work, there are steps you can take to ensure you still have an income.

At a glance

SSP lasts up to 28 weeks.
You may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit once SSP ends.
Your employer must give you an SSP1 form if you are not eligible for SSP or it is coming to an end.
Seek advice early to avoid gaps in financial support.

How long does Statutory Sick Pay last?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks if you are too ill to work. The maximum weekly rate is set by the government and changes annually. You can check the current rate on the UK government SSP page.

What happens when SSP ends?

If you are still unfit to work when your SSP runs out, you will need to consider alternative benefits. Your employer is legally required to give you an SSP1 form either:

Within 7 days of your SSP ending, or
Within 7 days of deciding you are not eligible for SSP.

You will need the SSP1 form when applying for other benefits.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You may be able to claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if your SSP has ended. ESA provides financial support if you are unable to work due to illness or disability, and personalised help if you are able to work in the future.

To qualify, you must have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions. You can find more details on eligibility at the UK government ESA page.

Universal Credit

If you do not qualify for ESA, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. This benefit is means-tested and takes into account your household income and savings. Universal Credit can provide support with living costs and housing.

Learn more about how to apply on the UK government Universal Credit page.

Other sources of support

In addition to ESA or Universal Credit, you may also be entitled to:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP): if your illness or injury has a long-term impact on your daily living or mobility.
Council Tax Reduction: if your household income is lower due to your illness.
Housing Benefit (if eligible): or housing support through Universal Credit.

Steps you should take

Confirm with your employer when your SSP will end and request your SSP1 form.
Check your eligibility for ESA or Universal Credit.
Gather supporting documents such as medical evidence, payslips, and proof of savings.
Apply for the appropriate benefit as soon as possible to avoid gaps in your income.

When to seek advice

If you are unsure about your options, you can seek free advice from organisations like Citizens Advice or speak directly to your solicitor if your illness or injury was caused by a workplace accident.

Getting advice early helps to make sure you do not miss out on financial support that you are entitled to.

External references

GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) - explains the rules for SSP, including when payments stop and what happens if you cannot return to work due to injury.
Citizens Advice: Sick pay - provides advice on what to do when SSP ends, including options for alternative benefits after a workplace injury.
GOV.UK: Financial help if you're disabled - details additional financial support options, such as Employment and Support Allowance, when SSP stops due to prolonged injury.
Acas: Advice on employment law - offers guidance on workplace rights and next steps when sick pay ends after a work-related injury.

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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