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Statutory Sick Pay Calculator

You can use our Statutory Sick Pay calculator to work out the amount you need to pay employees who are on long-term sick leave. 

Daily SSP Rate: £0.00

Qualified Sick Pay Days: 0

Total SSP Payable: £0.00

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How to Calculate Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Using a Statutory Sick Pay Calculator

Basically, if you’re too unwell to drag yourself into work, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is there as a lifeline—albeit a modest one. Your employer pays it, not the government, unless you’re lucky enough to work somewhere with a more generous sick pay scheme. The standard SSP rate is the same across the UK, so it doesn’t matter if you work for a tech giant or a small business—you’ll get the same amount.

You can claim SSP for up to 28 consecutive weeks, provided you continue to submit the necessary sick notes. If you manage to stay healthy for 56 days, your “sickness clock” resets. So, if you fall ill again after two months, you can start a fresh 28-week entitlement.

As for the pay: from April 2025, SSP will rise slightly from £116.35 to £118.75 per week. Not exactly a windfall—roughly the equivalent of a coffee and a half—but it’s better than nothing. This still only represents about 18% of the average UK weekly wage, which is why many workers feel it barely covers essentials.

If your employer doesn’t provide enhanced sick pay, this small increase is still welcome. Knowing the rules, how to claim, and what you’ll receive is important. Being off sick is stressful enough without worrying about missing pay.

Let’s break down exactly what you can expect at this new rate so that if you ever need to call in sick, you won’t be left guessing.

What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?

SSP ensures that if you’re too ill to work, your employer pays you for up to 28 weeks. Unlike company-specific sick pay schemes, SSP is standard across the UK. If you stay healthy for 56 days after a period of sickness, your SSP entitlement resets, giving you a fresh start.

From 6 April 2025, the weekly SSP rate rises slightly to £118.75. While it’s only a small increase, it still represents less than a fifth of the average UK weekly earnings. Knowing your entitlement beforehand can help you manage finances if illness strikes.

For precise calculations, you can use a SSP Calculator to see your daily and weekly pay based on your salary and sick days.

How is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) calculated in the UK, and what are the current rates?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) provides financial help for UK employees who cannot work due to illness. Employees can get SSP for up to 28 weeks, which helps them keep a basic income when they are sick.

Starting in April 2024, the weekly SSP rate is £116.35. This amount is about 18% of the average UK wage. In April 2025, this rate is scheduled to rise to £118.75 per week.

Right now, employers begin paying SSP from the fourth day of illness, but changes to the Employment Rights Bill may allow SSP to start from the first day of sickness.

Calculating SSP is simple. It is a fixed weekly rate applied for each eligible day of sickness. This ensures employees get steady support while they recover.

Use our SSP calculator

Our SSP calculator makes it quick and easy to figure out daily entitlements. It calculates the amount due based on the weekly SSP rate and the employee’s qualifying days.

With the 2025/26 tax year coming up, this tool is particularly helpful for staying compliant with the updated rules.

How it works:

  • Enter the relevant details, such as periods of sickness and qualifying days.
  • The calculator instantly gives the correct SSP amount, helping to save time and reduce mistakes.

This tool is beneficial for both employers and employees, ensuring accurate calculations every time.

At the top of this page, you’ll find the SSP calculator ready to use. Once you’ve used it, you can easily determine who qualifies for SSP.

Who Is Eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?

To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), employees must earn at least £123 per week before tax. This helps support those who depend on their income when they can’t work due to illness.

Eligibility also includes:

  • Agency workers
  •  Casual workers
  •  Zero-hours contract employees

Important updates:

  • From April 2025, the threshold will increase to £125 per week.
  • The lower earnings limit is expected to be removed in the future, but official timelines are not confirmed.

For a full understanding of SSP, it’s important to consider:

  • Periods of incapacity for work (PIW)
  • Connected episodes of illness
  • How part-time employees receive SSP

This ensures fair treatment and proper calculations for all eligible staff.

What Is a Period of Incapacity for Work (PIW)?

A Period of Incapacity for Work (PIW) is the time an employee cannot work due to illness and may qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

Key points:

  • A PIW begins on the first day an employee is sick and lasts 3 or more consecutive days, including non-working days.
  • Multiple sickness periods can be seen as connected events if they happen within 8 weeks of each other. This connection can affect SSP eligibility.
  • Only the days the employee would usually work count for SSP purposes.

Understanding PIWs helps both employers and employees accurately determine SSP entitlement and ensures fair sick pay management.

What Are Connected Periods of Sickness?

If an employee has multiple sickness episodes that happen close together, these can be considered one continuous period for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

Key points:

  • Sickness periods are connected if they are no more than 8 weeks apart.
  • If an employee becomes sick again within 8 weeks of their previous illness, it counts as part of the same sickness period.
  • This means the 3 waiting days do not restart for each new episode, allowing employees to receive SSP without unnecessary delays.

Understanding connected periods helps employers calculate SSP fairly and accurately, ensuring employees get the sick pay they deserve.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are entitled to ssp just like full-time staff, provided they meet the minimum earnings threshold. From April 2025, this threshold rises to £125 per week.

Employers must ensure SSP is calculated correctly for part-time staff to comply with employment law and avoid disputes or tribunal claims.

Using HR or payroll software, or a ssp calculator , makes it easier to:

  • Ensure accurate SSP payments

  • Stay compliant with legal requirements

  • Treat employees fairly

Getting SSP calculations right helps build trust with staff and guarantees they receive the sick pay they are legally entitled to.

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Frequently asked questions

1. What Is SSP?

SSP, or Statutory Sick Pay, is a benefit for employees who are unable to work due to illness. Eligibility and payment depend on the employee’s earnings and circumstances.

2. What Is the Maximum Duration for Claiming SSP?

Employees can receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks, either as a single continuous period or across connected periods of illness.

3. How to Work Out the Daily SSP Rate?

To calculate the daily SSP rate, divide the weekly SSP amount by the number of days the employee normally works each week. This gives the accurate daily rate for their sick pay.

4. Do Part-Time Employees Qualify for SSP?

Yes, part-time employees are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), provided they meet the standard eligibility criteria.

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