Statutory Sick Pay Calculator UK 2026/27
For employees and employers — work out exactly how much SSP is due
SSP rules for 2026/27
- Rate: the lower of £123.25/week or 80% of average weekly earnings (AWE)
- Day-one entitlement: from 6 April 2026, SSP is paid from the first day of sickness — the previous 3 unpaid waiting days have been abolished
- No earnings threshold: the Lower Earnings Limit has been removed — all employees qualify regardless of how much they earn
- Maximum duration: up to 28 weeks of SSP per period of incapacity for work (PIW); periods within 56 days of each other are “linked” and count towards the same 28-week total
Worked example
An employee earning £500/week works Monday–Friday and is off sick for 10 qualifying days:
| Average weekly earnings | £500.00 |
| 80% of AWE | £400.00 |
| Flat weekly rate | £123.25 |
| SSP rate used (lower of the two) | £123.25 (flat rate applies) |
| Daily rate (£123.25 ÷ 5 qualifying days) | £24.65 |
| SSP for 10 sick days | £246.50 |
How the calculation works
- Compare 80% of average weekly earnings to the £123.25 flat rate — whichever is lower is the SSP weekly rate
- Divide the weekly rate by the number of qualifying days (days normally worked) to get the daily rate
- Multiply the daily rate by the number of qualifying sick days to get the total SSP due
- Part-time workers receive SSP at the normal full weekly rate calculation — not a pro-rata reduction, since the qualifying days method already accounts for working pattern
Frequently asked questions
The SSP rate is £123.25 per week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. This applies from 6 April 2026.
Yes — from 6 April 2026, the 3 unpaid waiting days were abolished. SSP is now payable from the first qualifying day of sickness absence.
No — the Lower Earnings Limit was removed from 6 April 2026. All employees now qualify for SSP regardless of how much they earn, though low earners receive 80% of their average weekly earnings rather than the full flat rate.
Up to 28 weeks per period of incapacity for work. If you have multiple periods of sickness within 56 days of each other, they are "linked" and count towards the same 28-week maximum.
📄 Official sources
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Results are estimates based on 2026/27 HMRC and DWP rates and are intended as a guide only. They do not constitute financial, tax, or employment law advice. Always verify with HMRC, ACAS, or a qualified adviser for your specific circumstances.