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What Is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount of sick pay that employers are legally required to pay eligible employees and workers who cannot work due to illness or injury. This includes injuries caused by workplace accidents or incidents that occur outside of work.
As of May 2024, SSP is paid at £116.75 per week and can be paid for up to 28 weeks. It is designed to help cover basic living costs while you recover and are unable to work.
SSP is paid directly by your employer, not the government, and is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.
Who Is Eligible for Statutory Sick Pay?
You may qualify for SSP if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You have been off work sick for at least four consecutive days, including non-working days
- You earn an average of £123 or more per week before tax
- You have informed your employer about your illness or injury within their required timeframe (or within seven days if no policy exists)
- You are classed as an employee or worker under UK employment law
If eligible, SSP is usually paid from the fourth day of sickness. However, in certain situations—such as linked periods of sickness—you may be paid sooner.
When SSP Starts and How Long It Lasts
SSP is normally paid from the fourth qualifying day you are off work and continues for up to 28 weeks. If you return to work and later become sick again with the same condition, those periods may be linked, meaning you may not need to wait another four days to receive SSP.
If your SSP ends and you are still unable to work, you may be able to apply for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.
Who Does Not Qualify for SSP?
You will not be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if you:
- Are self-employed
- Earn less than £123 per week
- Are a member of the armed forces
- Are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance
- Have already received SSP for the maximum 28 weeks
- Are off work due to a pregnancy-related illness in the final four weeks of pregnancy
If you are not eligible, your employer must provide you with form SSP1, which allows you to apply for alternative benefits.
What If Your Employer Refuses to Pay SSP?
Sometimes employers refuse SSP due to misunderstanding or administrative errors. If this happens, you should:
Request Written Reasons
Ask your employer for a written explanation using form SSP1. They must provide this within seven days and return any medical evidence you submitted.
Raise a Formal Grievance
Follow your employer’s grievance procedure and try to resolve the issue internally first.
Contact HMRC
If the issue remains unresolved, contact HMRC’s Statutory Payments Disputes Team within six months of the date SSP should have started. HMRC can investigate whether your employer’s refusal is lawful.
Employment Tribunal
If all other options fail, you may be able to take your employer to an employment tribunal after completing the ACAS early conciliation process.
Statutory Sick Pay and Personal Injury Compensation
Receiving SSP does not stop you from making a personal injury compensation claim if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
This is important because SSP often does not cover:
- Full loss of earnings
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Travel expenses
- Long-term care or home adaptations
A personal injury claim can provide additional financial support to cover these costs. Any SSP you receive is taken into account when calculating compensation, ensuring your claim is fair and accurate.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours
Free, Honest Legal Advice
You receive clear guidance from a trained legal adviser with no obligation. We explain your rights in plain English so you understand exactly where you stand before taking any next step.
No Win, No Fee Representation
There are no upfront costs and no financial risk. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. This allows you to focus on recovery without worrying about legal fees.
Access to Experienced Injury Specialists
We work with solicitors who specialise in workplace injury and serious accident claims. Your case is handled by professionals who understand complex claims and know how to secure fair compensation.
Clear Communication at Every Stage
We keep you informed from start to finish. No legal jargon. No confusion. You always know what is happening with your claim and what to expect next.
Full Support from Start to Settlement
From your first call to final resolution, we handle the entire process for you. We gather evidence, manage communication, and protect your interests so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Statutory Sick Pay
1. How long can I receive Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay can be paid for up to 28 weeks. If you are still unable to work after this period, you may be eligible for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
2. Do I need a doctor’s note to claim SSP?
For the first seven days, you can self-certify your illness or injury. After that, your employer can require a fit note from your GP or hospital to continue SSP payments.
3. Can I receive SSP and claim compensation at the same time?
Yes. SSP does not prevent you from making a personal injury compensation claim if your injury was not your fault. Compensation can cover losses that SSP does not, such as long-term care or full loss of earnings.
4. What if my employer says I am not entitled to SSP?
Your employer must give you a written explanation using form SSP1. If you disagree, HMRC can review the decision, and further action may be possible if SSP was wrongly refused.
5. Am I entitled to SSP if I work part-time or on a zero-hours contract?
Many part-time, casual, and zero-hours workers are eligible for SSP, as long as earnings and other criteria are met. Each case depends on your work pattern and pay history.
6. What happens when SSP ends but I still cannot work?
If SSP ends and you are still unfit for work, you may be able to claim other state benefits. Claims 24 Hours can guide you on next steps and whether a compensation claim could provide further support.
Contact Claims 24 Hours
If you are unsure about your Statutory Sick Pay rights or believe your injury was caused by negligence, getting early advice can make a real difference.
Our team is here to listen, explain your options clearly, and help you move forward with confidence. There is no obligation, and your enquiry is completely confidential.
Call Claims 24 Hours today on +44 20 7043 3779
Speak directly with a trained legal adviser and get clear answers about SSP, compensation, and your next steps.