You may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which is £116.75 a week for up to 28 weeks.


Eligibility and form SSP1


To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) employees must:

  • have an employment contract
  • have done some work under your contract
  • have been sick for more than 3 days in a row (including non-working days) - known as a ‘period of incapacity for work’
  • earn an average of at least £123 per week
  • give you notice and proof of illness when needed

Exceptions

You will not qualify if you:

  • have received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks)
  • are getting Statutory Maternity Pay

Linked periods of sickness

If you have regular periods of sickness, they may count as ‘linked’. To be linked, the periods must:

  • last more than 3 days in a row
  • be 8 weeks or less apart

You’re no longer eligible for SSP if you have a continuous series of linked periods that lasts more than 3 years.

Fit notes and asking for proof


You must give your employer a fit note if you’re off work for more than 7 days in a row (including non-working days).

You can get a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) from the following healthcare professionals:

  • GP or hospital doctor

  • registered nurse

  • occupational therapist

  • pharmacist

  • physiotherapist

The note can be printed or digital.

If you’re not eligible or your SSP ends

You may be able to apply for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You can use form SSP1 to support your application.

If your SSP is ending your employer must send you form SSP1 either:

  • within 7 days of your SSP ending, if it ends unexpectedly while you’re still sick
  • on or before the beginning of the 23rd week, if your SSP is expected to end before your sickness does

If you do not qualify for SSP your employer must send you form SSP1 within 7 days of your first day off sick.


To claim SSP:

 

Download the SC2 form here.

Email the completed SC2 to the payroll team

They will calculate how many sick days are payable and pay them accordingly. 


HMRC employees’ enquiry line

Telephone: 0300 200 3500

Textphone: 0300 200 3519

Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm