UK Statutory Sick Pay Calculator (2026)
Enter your average weekly earnings and how many weeks you have been off sick to see your estimated Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), using the rules effective 6 April 2026. Free, instant, and calculated entirely in your browser; no email or phone number required.
Estimated Total SSP
£493.00
Over 4 weeks · estimate only
Weekly rate
£123.25
Maximum period
28 weeks
Your earnings are high enough that the £123.25 weekly cap applies instead of 80% of earnings.
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid at 80% of average weekly earnings, up to a weekly cap of £123.25, whichever is lower. It is payable from the first day of sickness absence, with no waiting days and no lower earnings limit, for up to 28 weeks. This is an estimate of the statutory minimum; your employer may run a more generous contractual sick pay scheme on top of, or instead of, SSP, and HMRC or an employment tribunal makes the binding calculation in a dispute.
How Statutory Sick Pay Works
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid at 80% of average weekly earnings, up to a weekly cap of £123.25, whichever figure is lower. It is payable from the very first day of sickness absence; there are no waiting days, and no lower earnings limit an employee has to clear to qualify. SSP runs for a maximum of 28 weeks in one period of incapacity for work. See gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay for the official current rate.
Many employers pay more generous contractual sick pay on top of, or instead of, SSP; this calculator estimates the statutory minimum only. Read the full statutory sick pay guide for eligibility detail, fit notes, and how SSP interacts with other benefits.
Who Is Eligible
SSP is generally available to employees who are too ill to work, whether full-time or part-time, provided they have an employment contract and have done some work under it. This tool does not check eligibility; it only calculates the amount the statutory formula would produce from the earnings and weeks you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Statutory Sick Pay per week?
From 6 April 2026, SSP is 80% of average weekly earnings, capped at £123.25 per week, whichever is lower.
How many days do I have to wait before SSP starts?
None. Under the rules effective 6 April 2026, SSP is payable from the first day of sickness absence, with no waiting days.
Is there a minimum earnings level to qualify for SSP?
No. The lower earnings limit that previously excluded very low earners has been removed under the rules effective 6 April 2026.
How long does Statutory Sick Pay last?
SSP is paid for a maximum of 28 weeks in a single period of incapacity for work. After that, an employee may need to claim other benefits.
Can my employer pay more than SSP?
Yes. Many employers run a contractual sick pay scheme that pays more than the statutory minimum, sometimes at full pay for a period. Check the sickness absence policy in the employment contract or staff handbook.
Does this tool store or send my information anywhere?
No. All of the math runs in your browser. Nothing you type into this calculator is saved, transmitted, or used to contact you.
This calculator estimates Statutory Sick Pay using the published formula effective 6 April 2026. It is general information, not legal advice, and RecordingLaw.com is not affiliated with any UK government body. Your employer or HMRC makes the binding calculation for your actual entitlement.
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