| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The UK's Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) system underwent its most significant reform since 1985 from 6 April 2026. Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, SSP is now payable from day one of illness, the Lower Earnings Limit has been abolished, and 1.3 million previously ineligible workers have gained SSP entitlement for the first time. If you've been made to serve unpaid waiting days or told you don't earn enough to qualify — those rules no longer apply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key Facts SSP rate April 2026: £123.25/week | Day one entitlement: Yes — waiting days abolished | Earnings threshold: Removed — all employees qualify | Maximum duration: 28 weeks | Low earners: 80% of average weekly earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
SSP Rates UK 2026-27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The April 2026 SSP Changes: What's New | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SSP Calculator: How Much Will You Get? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How Long Can You Claim SSP? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SSP can be claimed for a maximum of 28 weeks in a linked period of incapacity (PIW). Periods of sickness within 56 days of each other are 'linked' — waiting days (now abolished) and the 28-week maximum are shared across linked periods. After 28 weeks, your employer must issue form SSP1 at least 4 weeks before SSP ends, allowing you to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from DWP. Holiday entitlement continues to accrue throughout sick leave. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
SSP for Zero-Hours and Part-Time Workers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From 6 April 2026, zero-hours and part-time workers qualify for SSP regardless of how little they earn. Previously, if you earned less than £125/week on average, you received nothing during sick leave. Now, you receive 80% of your average weekly earnings from day one. This affects an estimated 1.3 million previously ineligible workers, mostly in hospitality, retail, cleaning, and care sectors. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much is statutory sick pay UK 2026? Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is £123.25 per week from 6 April 2026. This is the flat weekly rate for employees who qualify. From April 2026, major reforms mean: SSP is payable from day one of sickness (the 3 waiting days are abolished), all employees qualify regardless of earnings (the Lower Earnings Limit is removed), and employees earning less than £123.25/week receive 80% of their average weekly earnings instead. Who qualifies for sick pay in the UK 2026? From 6 April 2026, all employees qualify for SSP if they are sick for at least one qualifying day, have an employment contract, and are not already receiving Statutory Maternity Pay. The previous £123/week Lower Earnings Limit has been abolished — part-time workers, zero-hours workers, and low-paid employees now qualify. Self-employed people do not qualify for SSP. How long can you claim sick pay UK? You can claim SSP for up to 28 weeks in a linked period of incapacity for work. After 28 weeks your employer must give you form SSP1, which allows you to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit instead. Holiday entitlement continues to accrue during sick leave, even when you're receiving SSP. Do I get full pay when off sick UK? SSP is the legal minimum — £123.25/week from April 2026. Many employers offer Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) which is more generous — full or partial pay for a set period. Check your employment contract for your employer's sick pay policy. You cannot receive less than SSP if you qualify, but your employer can choose to pay more. What are the new sick pay rules from April 2026? Three major changes from 6 April 2026 under the Employment Rights Act 2025: (1) Day-one entitlement — SSP is payable from the first day of sickness, the previous 3 waiting days are abolished. (2) No earnings limit — all employees qualify regardless of how much they earn. (3) 80% rule — employees earning less than £123.25/week receive 80% of their average weekly earnings rather than the flat rate. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Disclaimer: Always verify with GOV.UK, Ofgem, Acas, and HMRC. Sources: ofgem.gov.uk, uswitch.com, moneysupermarket.com, acas.org.uk, ciphr.com, payfit.com, employeehandbooktemplateuk.co.uk. April 2026. |
Statutory Sick Pay UK 2026: New Rules, Rates & Who Qualifies
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