Statutory Sick Pay Calculator
Instantly estimate your UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) entitlement based on your gross earnings, number of sick days, and qualifying working days.
Calculate Your SSP Entitlement
Enter your gross pay, typical working days, and the number of days you have been off sick to see if you qualify and how much you should receive.
SSP Entitlement Estimator
Based on the 2024/2025 tax year Lower Earnings Limit (£123/week) and SSP rate (£116.75/week).
How it Works
Understanding SSP rules
Check Earnings Limit
Your average weekly earnings must be at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123 for 2024/2025) to qualify for any SSP.
Identify Qualifying Days
SSP is only paid for days you are normally contracted to work. These are called “qualifying days”.
Apply Waiting Days
The first 3 qualifying days of sickness are unpaid “waiting days”, unless you have already served them in a linked period of illness.
Calculate Daily Rate
The weekly SSP rate (£116.75) is divided by your qualifying days per week to find your daily rate, which is then multiplied by payable days.
UK SSP Rates & Rules
A general overview of the current Statutory Sick Pay thresholds and rules set by HMRC.
| Rule / Threshold | 2024/2025 Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly SSP Rate | £116.75 | Maximum statutory amount paid per week of sickness. |
| Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) | £123.00 | Minimum average weekly earnings required to qualify for SSP. |
| Waiting Days | 3 qualifying days | Unpaid days at the start of a period of incapacity for work. |
| Maximum Duration | 28 weeks | The maximum number of weeks SSP can be paid in a single linked period. |
| Linked Periods | 8 weeks | If you fall sick again within 8 weeks of returning to work, waiting days do not restart. |
Sick Pay FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about UK Statutory Sick Pay, eligibility, and employer obligations.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount of money your employer must legally pay you if you are too ill to work. It is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks in a single period of sickness, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
To qualify for SSP, your average weekly earnings must be at least the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL). For the 2024/2025 tax year, the LEL is £123 per week. If your average weekly earnings are below this threshold, you are not entitled to SSP.
Waiting days are the first 3 qualifying days of sickness in a period of incapacity for work. SSP is not paid for these first 3 days. You only start receiving SSP from the 4th qualifying day onwards, unless you have already served your waiting days in a linked period of sickness (within the last 8 weeks).
You can self-certify your illness for the first 7 days of sickness (including non-working days). After 7 days, your employer can legally require you to provide a fit note (Statement of Fitness for Work) from a GP or hospital doctor to continue receiving SSP.