Sickness benefits in the United Kingdom are designed to protect workers’ income when illness prevents them from working. Whether you are employed, self-employed, or on a low income, the UK government provides various forms of support. The most common of these is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), but there are also Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit for those who do not qualify for SSP. Below is a complete and updated guide explaining how much sickness benefit you can get, who qualifies, how long it lasts, and what to do when SSP ends.
What Is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum legal payment employers must provide to employees who cannot work due to illness or injury. It ensures that workers receive at least some income while they recover, even if they’re not earning their normal salary. SSP is paid by your employer through the payroll system and is subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions, just like your usual wages.
How Much Is Statutory Sick Pay in 2025?
As of April 2025, the Statutory Sick Pay rate in the UK is £118.75 per week. This amount is the same for all qualifying employees regardless of how much they usually earn, as long as they meet the eligibility conditions.
If you work five days a week, your employer will calculate your daily SSP rate at £23.75 per day (£118.75 ÷ 5). SSP is only paid for your qualifying days, which are the days you normally work. It’s important to note that SSP is taxable and subject to National Insurance, so your actual take-home amount may be slightly less.
How Long Can You Get SSP for?
You can receive Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks in one continuous period of illness. If your sickness lasts longer than 28 weeks, your SSP will end. In that case, you may be able to apply for New-Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. If you recover and later fall ill again after being back at work for at least eight weeks, a new SSP period may begin, provided you meet the qualifying conditions again.
Who Qualifies for SSP?
To receive SSP, you must meet these specific eligibility rules:
1. Employment status:
You must be an employee or agency worker with a formal contract of employment.
2. Earnings threshold:
Your average weekly earnings must be at least £125 per week (the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance in 2025).
3. Length of sickness:
You must be off work for at least four consecutive days, including weekends and non-working days.
4. Medical evidence:
If you are off work for more than seven days, you must provide a fit note (sick note) from your doctor. If you don’t meet these conditions, you may still be eligible for other benefits such as ESA or Universal Credit.
When You’re Not Entitled to SSP
You won’t receive Statutory Sick Pay if:
- You are self-employed or freelance.
- You earn below £125 per week on average.
- You have used up the full 28 weeks of SSP.
- You are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay or have recently finished your SSP entitlement.
- You’re in custody or taking part in industrial action.
In such cases, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers alternative benefits to support your income.
What Happens When SSP Ends?
Once your 28 weeks of SSP have finished, or if you don’t qualify, you may be able to claim New-Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).ESA is available to people who cannot work due to illness or disability and have made sufficient National Insurance contributions in recent years. It is paid directly by the government, not your employer.
If you don’t qualify for ESA, you may be able to claim Universal Credit, which helps with everyday living costs such as rent, food, and household bills. For those with long-term or severe disabilities, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may also be available to cover extra living and mobility costs.
Contractual or Occupational Sick Pay
Many employers go beyond the statutory minimum by offering occupational sick pay (sometimes called contractual sick pay). This is an enhanced sick-pay scheme that provides full or partial pay for a set period. For example, an employer might pay:
- Full pay for the first four weeks of sickness,
- Half pay for the next four weeks, and
- Then Statutory Sick Pay after that.
The details vary depending on your employer’s policy or collective agreement. Public sector workers and large organisations often offer better sick pay than smaller companies. Always check your employment contract or staff handbook for details about your employer’s sick-pay policy.
What If You’re Self-Employed or on a Low Income?
Self-employed individuals are not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay because they do not have an employer. However, they can apply for New-Style ESA if they’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions.
If you earn below the SSP threshold or don’t qualify for ESA, Universal Credit can help support you financially while you recover. Additionally, if your illness is long-term, you may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help cover the extra costs of living with a health condition.
Financial Challenges of SSP
One of the main criticisms of the UK’s sick-pay system is the low rate of SSP compared to the average cost of living.At £118.75 per week, SSP often replaces only a small fraction of a typical worker’s salary. This can make it difficult for people to cover essential expenses such as rent, bills, and food while recovering.
Research has shown that UK sick pay is among the lowest in Western Europe, both in terms of value and accessibility. Many low-paid workers are excluded because of the earnings threshold or because they’re on zero-hour or part-time contracts. As a result, some workers feel pressured to return to work early, which can slow recovery and even lead to further health problems.
How to Claim Statutory Sick Pay
The process of claiming SSP is straightforward:
- Notify your employer that you’re ill as soon as possible, ideally within seven days.
- Provide proof of illness (such as a GP fit note) if your absence lasts more than seven days.
- Your employer will process SSP automatically through payroll and pay it on your usual payday.
If your employer refuses to pay SSP and you believe you qualify, you can contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to request an official decision.
Check What You’re Entitled to and Secure Your Income Today
If you’re currently off work due to illness or expect to be, don’t wait to act. Check your eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay, Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit today. Visit the official gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay page or speak with your employer’s HR department to confirm your entitlement. Your health should come first — but your finances matter too. Take action now to make sure you receive every benefit you deserve while you recover.
