Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) provides financial support to an employee when they are off work sick. Those on low pay may be able to receive additional help through the welfare system, depending on their personal circumstances.
You can get £109.40 per week in SSP if you are too ill to work. It is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. Your employer may choose to pay you more than this, but the £109.40 is a legal requirement and your payment should be at least this level. If you think you are not getting the right amount of SSP, talk to your employer. If you are still not happy, contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enquiry line.
It is important to add that SSP is only one form of the wider support offered to support people in times of need. Where an employee’s income is reduced while off sick and they require further financial support, they may be able to claim Universal Credit, as well as the new style Employment and Support Allowance
During the Covid-19 outbreak, workers were entitled to SSP from their first day off work for Covid-related illnesses, in line with the regulations on self-isolation. As there is now no legal obligation to self-isolate, the eligibility criteria for SSP has reverted to four days.