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UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Calculator
Since 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from day one of sickness — the old 3-day unpaid "waiting days" rule has been scrapped, and the earnings threshold for eligibility has gone too. It's paid at a flat weekly rate spread across the days someone normally works. Get a quick, plain-English estimate here.
SSP is capped at 28 weeks per period of sickness. You're within the cap.
How much is Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay is a flat weekly amount set by the government, paid by the employer for qualifying days of sickness. The daily amount is the weekly rate divided by the number of days the employee normally works that week — so someone on a 5-day week gets a fifth of the weekly rate for each payable day. The weekly rate changes every April, so always confirm the current figure on gov.uk before relying on any estimate.
Are there still SSP "waiting days"?
No — not since 6 April 2026. Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, the old rule where the first 3 qualifying days of sickness were unpaid "waiting days" has been scrapped: SSP is now payable from the very first qualifying day of absence. The earnings threshold for eligibility (the old Lower Earnings Limit) has also been removed, so SSP now applies more widely regardless of how much someone earns. If you're checking a sickness spell that started before 6 April 2026, the old 3-waiting-day rule may still apply to that period — this calculator assumes day-one SSP under the current rules.
How long can you get SSP for?
SSP can still be paid for up to 28 weeks for a single period of incapacity for work — that maximum duration hasn't changed. Beyond that, entitlement to SSP ends and other support (such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance) may apply. This tool flags when the payable days you enter would exceed the 28-week cap.
Does this tool store my details?
No. Everything you type stays in your browser and is worked out on your own device — nothing is uploaded, saved or sent anywhere. Close the tab and it's gone. This is a rough guide to help you sense-check a figure, not a payroll system or professional advice.
Working out the wider cost of a member of staff? See our employee true cost calculator, which includes sick days alongside NI, pension and other overheads.
Please note: this tool gives a guide or estimate only. It may not be 100% accurate and is not professional advice — always check the figures before you rely on them. Rates, thresholds, allowances and rules can change without notice and may be out of date by the time you use this tool. Verify against HMRC / GOV.UK or your accountant before acting. Since 6 April 2026 SSP is paid from day one (no waiting days) and the earnings threshold has been removed — the SSP weekly rate itself still changes every April, so confirm the current figure on gov.uk before you rely on this. Everything you type stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded, saved or sent anywhere.
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