Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

What is it?

SSP is paid to sick employees by their employer, for up to 28 weeks.

You are entitled to it if you have:

* had average earnings of at least £90 a week
* been sick for at least 4 days in a row including weekends and bank holidays

If YES to both, let your employer know. He will check if you are entitled to SSP.

You can get SSP for up to 28 weeks in one spell of sickness. Spells with 8 weeks or less between them are counted as one spell.

If you have more than one job you may be entitled to SSP from each employer.

If your SSP ends and you are still sick, you may be able to get Incapacity Benefit.

You are entitled to £75.40 weekly SSP if your average earnings before deductions such as tax and National Insurance (NI) are £90 a week or more

To claim, ask your employer about SSP.

Other relevant benefits

Incapacity Benefit

Pension Credit
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Benefit

DISCLAIMER - Although every effort is made to ensure the information on these pages is accurate and up to date, we cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences. The information should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law. If you wish to know more about your benefit rights, you should seek independent advice.