Compare different sick pay scenarios
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What This Site Does
Sick Pay Calculator is a free online tool that helps UK employees and employers calculate Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) entitlements quickly and accurately.
Who It's For
- Employees who need to understand their SSP entitlement during illness
- Employers calculating SSP payments for staff members
- HR professionals managing sick pay calculations
- Anyone wanting to understand UK sick pay rights and rates
How It Works
- Enter your details: Input your average weekly earnings and number of sick days
- Check eligibility: See instantly if you qualify for SSP based on current UK rules
- Get your calculation: Receive a detailed breakdown showing waiting days, qualifying days, daily rate, and total SSP
- Save scenarios: Compare different sick leave scenarios using the history feature
- Track sick leave: Monitor multiple periods of sick leave throughout the year
- Calculate return dates: Find out when you'll be back at work after sick leave
Privacy: All calculations happen in your browser. We don't store or transmit your sick pay data.
About Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount employers must pay employees who are off sick for 4 or more consecutive days (including non-working days).
Current SSP Rate (2026)
£116.75 per week for up to 28 weeks
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be an employee (not self-employed)
- You must earn at least £123 per week (before tax)
- You must have been off sick for at least 4 consecutive days (including non-working days)
- You must have told your employer within their deadline (usually within 7 days)
- SSP is not paid for the first 3 days you're off sick (called "waiting days")
How SSP is Calculated
- SSP is paid for the days you would normally work (your "qualifying days")
- The weekly rate is divided by the number of qualifying days you work
- Most employees work 5 days a week, so SSP is typically £23.35 per day
- SSP is subject to tax and National Insurance like normal pay
Maximum SSP Period
You can get SSP for up to 28 weeks (about 6 months). After that, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Important: Your employer may pay more than SSP (called "contractual" or "company" sick pay). Check your employment contract or speak to your HR department.
When You Might Not Get SSP
- You earn less than £123 per week on average
- You've already received 28 weeks of SSP from your employer
- You're receiving Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance
- You didn't tell your employer in time or provide proof of sickness if required
- You're in custody or doing work during your sick leave
Providing Evidence
For sickness lasting:
- Up to 7 days: You can usually self-certify (no doctor's note needed)
- More than 7 days: You'll need a fit note (previously called a sick note) from your doctor