Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Calculator

Work out Statutory Sick Pay under the rules in force from April 2026 — payable from day one.

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About this calculator

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum your employer must pay when you're off sick. The rules changed significantly in April 2026: SSP is now paid from your first day of sickness (the three unpaid "waiting days" were abolished), the lower earnings limit was removed so all employees qualify, and the rate is the lower of £123.25 a week or 80% of your average weekly earnings. This calculator applies the new rules to your earnings and working pattern.

The formula

Weekly SSP = the lower of £123.25 or 80% × Average weekly earnings Daily SSP = Weekly SSP ÷ Qualifying days per week Total = Daily SSP × Working days off sick (max 28 weeks)

Worked example

Average weekly earnings £480, working 5 days a week, off sick for 8 working days:

Weekly SSP = min(£123.25, 80% × £480 = £384) = £123.25
Daily SSP = £123.25 ÷ 5 = £24.65
Total = £24.65 × 8 = £197.20

Common mistakes

Applying the pre-2026 rules — the three waiting days no longer exist, so day one is now paid.
Confusing SSP with company sick pay — many employers pay more than the statutory minimum; check your contract first.
Assuming SSP is tax-free — it's paid through payroll and taxed like normal wages.

Frequently asked questions

Two things: SSP became payable from the first day of sickness rather than the fourth, and the lower earnings limit was removed so low-paid workers now qualify — at 80% of their average weekly earnings if that's below the flat rate.

Up to 28 weeks per period of sickness. After that (or if you're not employed) you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance.

The days you normally work. SSP is only paid for qualifying days, and the daily rate is the weekly rate divided by your number of qualifying days.

Assumptions & limitations

Applies the SSP rules in force from 6 April 2026 (£123.25/week). Assumes a single continuous sickness period and that you're an employee. Your employer may pay more under a company sick pay scheme. Not legal advice.