SSP eligibility and duration
Who qualifies for SSP
2026/27Every employee, from the first day of sickness
Since 6 April 2026 there is no minimum earnings level and no waiting period. You need to be classed as an employee (or agency worker with employee-type rights) and be off sick from work you'd normally do.
The checklist
| Test | Rule |
|---|---|
| Employment status | Employee or agency worker under a contract of service — self-employed people are outside SSP |
| Earnings | No minimum. Under ~£154/week you get 80% of your normal earnings instead of the flat rate |
| Sickness | Off sick for at least one full working day; paid for each day you'd normally work |
| Duration | Up to 28 weeks per spell (or linked series of spells) |
| Linking | Spells 8 weeks or less apart join into one — the 28-week clock continues rather than resetting |
| Proof | Self-certification for 7 calendar days, fit note thereafter |
When SSP stops
SSP ends at 28 weeks, when linked spells span 3 years, or when employment ends. Your employer must issue form SSP1 (within 7 days of SSP ending, or 7 weeks before the 28-week limit if you're still sick) so you can claim ESA or Universal Credit seamlessly.
Common questions
Why '~£154' for the 80% rule?
80% of weekly earnings falls below the £123.25 flat rate when earnings are under £123.25 ÷ 0.8 ≈ £154.06 — below that, you get the 80% figure; above it, the flat rate.
Can my employer refuse SSP?
Only on eligibility grounds, and they must give you form SSP1 explaining why within 7 days. Disputes go to HMRC's statutory payments dispute team.
Do I get SSP for a phased return (part-week sickness)?
You're paid SSP only for the days you're off; days worked are paid normally. Ask about a written phased-return plan so pay and SSP days are clear.
I have two jobs — SSP from both?
Potentially yes: each employment is assessed separately, so you can be too ill for a physical job and claim SSP there while still doing a desk job elsewhere.
Sources for the figures on this page
Last checked 3 July 2026How we keep these current: methodology & update policy.