Statutory Pay

Statutory Sick Pay Calculator

Find out exactly how much sick pay you're entitled to under the new April 2026 rules (Day-1 rights, no earnings limits).

Your Sick Leave Details

£

Average over the 8 weeks before you were sick.

A qualifying day is a day you normally work.

Total SSP Entitlement

£246.50

Before tax and National Insurance deductions.

SSP Weekly Rate£123.25
Daily SSP Rate£24.65
Waiting Days (New Rules)0 Days (Day 1 Right)

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 (5 days)£123.25
Week 2 (5 days)£123.25

New SSP Rules for 2026/27

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduced the biggest changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in decades. If you are off sick on or after 6 April 2026, the following new rules apply:

  • Day 1 Rights (No Waiting Days): Previously, you had to be off for 4 days in a row, and the first 3 days were unpaid. Now, SSP is paid from the very first day you are off sick.
  • No Lower Earnings Limit: Previously, you had to earn at least £123/week to qualify. Now, all employees qualify, including those working very few hours.
  • Fairer Rates for Low Earners: The standard rate is £123.25 a week. If your average earnings are lower than this, your SSP will be 80% of your average weekly earnings instead.

How to claim SSP

You don't need to apply to HMRC. Your employer pays SSP in the same way, and at the same time, as your normal wages (e.g. weekly or monthly).

You must tell your employer you are sick. Usually, they require you to do this within 7 days, but check your employment contract. For the first 7 days, you can self-certify. If you are off for more than 7 days, you will need a fit note (sick note) from a doctor or allied health professional.

Occupational Sick Pay (OSP)

Many employers offer their own sick pay scheme, known as occupational or company sick pay. This is often more generous than SSP (for example, paying your full salary for the first 3 months).

Your employer cannot pay you less than the statutory amount. If they have a company scheme, it will be detailed in your contract.

How is average weekly earnings calculated?

Your employer will look at what you earned in the 8 weeks before your sickness began. They divide your total gross pay during that period by 8 to get your average weekly earnings.

SSP is treated like normal income, which means your employer will still deduct National Insurance and Income Tax if your total income is above the relevant thresholds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026/27?
The standard rate is £123.25 per week. However, under the new April 2026 rules, if you earn less than this, you will receive 80% of your average weekly earnings instead.
Are there still 3 waiting days for SSP?
No. The Employment Rights Act 2025 abolished the 3 waiting days. SSP is now a Day 1 right, meaning you get paid from your very first qualifying day off sick.
Do I qualify for SSP on a zero-hours contract?
Yes. The Lower Earnings Limit was removed in April 2026. All employees and workers, including those on zero-hours or part-time contracts, now qualify for SSP regardless of their earnings.