Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount your employer must pay you when you are off work due to illness or injury. It is set by law. Your employer pays it — not the government. SSP is paid for up to 28 weeks. To qualify, you must be an employee earning above the Lower Earnings Limit.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who pays SSP | Your employer (not the government) |
| Maximum duration | 28 weeks per period of illness |
| Waiting days | SSP does not start until the 4th day of illness |
| Who qualifies | Employees earning above the Lower Earnings Limit |
| Weekly rate (2026/27) | Up to £123.25 per week |
| Lower Earnings Limit | Removed from April 2026 — Employment Rights Act 2025 |
Quick Overview
✅ SSP is a legal minimum — your employer must pay it by law
✅ Your employer pays SSP, not the government
✅ SSP lasts for up to 28 weeks per period of illness
⚠️ SSP does not begin on your first day of illness — there is a 3-day waiting period
⚠️ Self-employed people cannot claim SSP — it is only for employees
📌 Some employers pay more than SSP — this is called "contractual sick pay"
📌 After 28 weeks, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance
💡 The Life in the UK test asks who pays SSP and how it is funded
Statutory Sick Pay is one of the employment rights covered in the Life in the UK test. The test focuses on key facts: who pays, how long it lasts, and who qualifies.
Use the free practice questions to test your knowledge of workers' rights.
Who Pays Statutory Sick Pay?
Your employer pays SSP. The government sets the minimum weekly rate and the rules, but the money comes from your employer — not from HMRC or the government directly.
This is different from other state benefits. Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance are paid by the government. SSP is an employer obligation.
If you are self-employed, you cannot claim SSP. Self-employed people do not have an employer to pay it.
Who Qualifies for SSP?
To receive SSP, you must:
- Be an employee (not self-employed or a contractor)
- Earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit per week on average [VERIFY: current figure at GOV.UK]
- Have been off work for 4 or more consecutive days (including weekends)
- Be off work due to illness or injury
The first 3 days of illness are "waiting days" — SSP is not paid for these days. Payment starts from the 4th qualifying day.
How Long Does SSP Last?
SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks for a single period of illness. After 28 weeks, your employer's SSP obligation ends.
If you are still too ill to work after 28 weeks, you may be able to apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from the government.
If you recover, return to work, and then fall ill again within 8 weeks, the two periods are linked — the 28 weeks is counted as one continuous period.
Contractual Sick Pay vs SSP
SSP is the legal minimum. Many employers pay more than SSP — this is called contractual sick pay or enhanced sick pay. Contractual sick pay must be at least as much as SSP.
| Statutory Sick Pay | Contractual Sick Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Set by | Law (government) | Employment contract |
| Minimum amount | Yes — SSP rate | Must be at least SSP |
| Duration | Up to 28 weeks | Varies by employer |
| Who pays | Employer | Employer |
If your employment contract says nothing about sick pay, you receive SSP at the legal minimum rate.
SSP and the Life in the UK Test
The Life in the UK test covers SSP as part of the chapter on everyday life in the UK. Key facts tested include:
- Who pays SSP? The employer
- Is it a legal requirement? Yes — all qualifying employees are entitled to it
- Does it start on day one? No — there is a 3-day waiting period
- Can self-employed people get it? No
These four points cover most SSP questions in the test. The exact weekly rate is not typically tested — focus on the principles.
Use chapter practice questions to work through all employment rights topics.
Common Mistakes
❌ Thinking the government pays SSP SSP is paid by your employer. The government sets the rules and minimum rate, but the employer funds the payment. This is one of the most common wrong answers on this topic.
❌ Thinking SSP starts from the first day of illness There is a 3-day waiting period. SSP begins on the 4th qualifying day of illness. If you are off for 1, 2, or 3 days, you receive no SSP.
❌ Thinking self-employed people can claim SSP Self-employed people are not employees, so there is no employer to pay SSP. Self-employed workers who cannot work due to illness may be able to claim other benefits instead.
❌ Confusing SSP with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. ESA is a government benefit that may apply after SSP ends. They are different payments from different sources.
❌ Thinking all employers must pay the same enhanced sick pay SSP is the legal minimum. Employers can choose to pay more through contractual sick pay. Not all do. If your contract does not mention enhanced sick pay, you receive SSP only.
Expert Tips
1. "Employer pays" is the answer that surprises people most. If a test question asks who pays SSP, the answer is the employer — not HMRC, not the government, not the NHS.
2. The 4-day rule is tested. SSP starts on the 4th qualifying day, not the first. Three waiting days come first.
3. 28 weeks is the key duration figure. The test does not ask about Employment and Support Allowance in the same question — just remember that SSP lasts up to 28 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is statutory sick pay in the UK?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum sick pay your employer must pay when you are off work due to illness. It is set by law. Your employer pays it — not the government. It lasts for up to 28 weeks.
Who pays statutory sick pay?
Your employer pays SSP. The government sets the minimum rate and eligibility rules, but the money comes from your employer directly, not from a government fund.
How long does statutory sick pay last?
SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks per period of illness. After 28 weeks, your employer's legal obligation to pay SSP ends. You may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance after that.
Does statutory sick pay start on day one of illness?
No. There is a 3-day waiting period. SSP starts from the 4th qualifying day of illness. If you are off for fewer than 4 days, you receive no SSP.
Can self-employed people get statutory sick pay?
No. SSP is only for employees. Self-employed people and contractors who cannot work due to illness are not entitled to SSP. They may be able to claim other government benefits instead.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
Statutory Sick Pay is a legal entitlement under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992. The rules are administered by HMRC. SSP is covered in the Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents as part of the chapter on everyday life.
Official Resources
- Statutory Sick Pay — GOV.UK — current rates, eligibility and how to claim
Our Free Tools
SSP is covered in the Everyday Life chapter — use chapter practice questions to test yourself on all workers' rights topics including SSP, maternity pay, and the minimum wage. The cheat sheet has a quick-reference summary of key employment facts.
Take a free mock exam to test yourself across all chapters before you book.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest SSP rate and eligibility threshold.