Statutory Sick Pay Calculator

A statutory sick pay calculator determines the SSP amount payable to eligible UK employees, based on current rates and qualifying conditions.

Key Takeaways

• SSP rate: £116.75 per week (2025/26)
• 3 waiting days before SSP begins
• Maximum 28 weeks SSP payment
• Earnings must be at least £123 per week
• Fit notes required after 7 days absence

SSP Rules

Eligibility

• Employed by employer
• Average earnings at least £123 per week
• Sick for more than 3 days in a row (including non-working days)
• Not self-isolating (unless COVID-related)

Payment Rules

• Waiting period: 3 consecutive days (waiting days)
• Maximum duration: 28 weeks
• Weekly rate: £116.75 (2025/26)
• Daily rate: £116.75 ÷ number of qualifying days

Qualifying Days

• Normal work days - days employee would normally work
• Include days employee would have worked if not sick
• Exclude days employee would not have worked anyway

Calculator

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Criteria	Requirement	Employee
Employment status	Employed	[Yes/No]
Average weekly earnings	At least £123	[Amount]
Length of absence	More than 3 days	[Days]
Waiting period	3 days completed	[Yes/No]

Step 2: Calculate Payment

Calculation	Value
Weekly SSP rate	£116.75
Number of qualifying days	[days]
Daily SSP rate	£116.75 ÷ [days]
Days to be paid	[days]
Total SSP payable	£[amount]

Example Calculation

• Employee earns: £300 per week
• Qualifying days: 5 days per week
• Absence: 10 days (including 2 weekend days)
• Waiting days: 3 days (first 3 qualifying days)
• Days paid: 5 days (remaining qualifying days)
• Daily rate: £116.75 ÷ 5 = £23.35
• Total SSP: 5 × £23.35 = £116.75

Payment Periods

Week 1

• Days 1-3: Waiting days (no pay)
• Days 4-7: SSP payable (if qualifying days)

Week 2 onwards

• Full week: £116.75 (if qualifying days)
• Part week: Pro-rata for qualifying days

Maximum Payment

• 28 weeks: Maximum SSP duration
• Total maximum: 28 × £116.75 = £3,269
• After 28 weeks: No more SSP payable

Managing SSP

For Employers

1. Check eligibility - earnings and employment status
2. Record absence - start date and duration
3. Calculate payment - using SSP rules
4. Pay SSP - on normal pay day
5. Keep records - for 7 years minimum

For Employees

1. Report absence - notify employer promptly
2. Provide medical evidence - fit note after 7 days
3. Check entitlement - ensure SSP calculated correctly
4. Understand limits - 28 weeks maximum
5. Seek advice - if rights not respected

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Short-Term Absence

• Situation: Employee off for 5 days
• Calculation: 3 waiting days, 2 days SSP
• Payment: 2 × daily rate
• Documentation: Self-certification for first 7 days

Scenario 2: Long-Term Absence

• Situation: Employee off for 10 weeks
• Calculation: Full SSP for qualifying days
• Payment: Weekly rate for qualifying days
• Documentation: Fit notes required

Scenario 3: Recurring Absence

• Situation: Employee has multiple short absences
• Calculation: Separate waiting periods for each
• Payment: SSP for each absence separately
• Documentation: Record each absence separately

Compliance Checklist

• Employee eligibility verified
• Average weekly earnings calculated
• Waiting period applied (3 days)
• SSP calculated correctly
• SSP paid on normal pay day
• Records maintained for 7 years
• Fit notes obtained after 7 days
• Employee informed of entitlement