Statutory sick pay calculator
United Kingdom · 2026/27 tax yearWork out how much Statutory Sick Pay you will get, using the new rules that started on 6 April 2026: no waiting days and no minimum earnings.
What changed in April 2026
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from your first day off sick. The three unpaid "waiting days" have gone, and so has the lower earnings limit, so people on low pay can now get SSP too.
| From 6 April 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Weekly rate | £123.25, or 80% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower |
| When it starts | From the first day off sick |
| Minimum earnings needed | None |
| Longest it lasts | 28 weeks |
SSP is paid for your qualifying days, which are normally the days you usually work. The daily rate is the weekly rate divided by the number of qualifying days in your week.
Example
You earn £500 a week and work 5 days a week. 80% of £500 is £400, which is more than £123.25, so you get the full £123.25 a week, or £24.65 a day. Two weeks (10 working days) off sick gives £246.50. If you earned £120 a week, you would get 80% of that, £96 a week, or £192 for the same 10 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is SSP taxed?
Yes. SSP is paid through your employer's payroll like normal wages, so income tax and National Insurance are taken off if your total pay is high enough.
Can my employer pay more than SSP?
Yes. Many employers offer company sick pay, often full pay for a set number of weeks. SSP is the legal minimum.
What happens after 28 weeks?
SSP stops. You may be able to claim Universal Credit or new style Employment and Support Allowance instead.
This calculator gives an estimate for guidance only. Source: GOV.UK Statutory Sick Pay.
Last checked and updated: October 2026 (rules from 6 April 2026)