Statutory Sick Pay calculator 2026/27
At a gross annual salary of £50,000 you get SSP of £24.65 a day (£123.25 a week — the statutory cap, since 80% of average weekly earnings would be higher) — £246.50 in total for 10 sick qualifying days. Enter your gross annual salary, the number of qualifying days per week and the number of sick qualifying days to see your SSP.
Total: £246.50
Average weekly earnings (AWE): £576.92 · Weekly SSP: £123.25
| Employer | |
|---|---|
| Sickness benefit | £246.50 |
| Total | £246.50 |
This is an indicative calculation that applies across the whole UK (including Scotland — SSP is a nationwide benefit). AWE is simplified here from annual salary; the precise calculation is based on average earnings over the 8 weeks before sickness began. It does not replace a ruling from HMRC or professional payroll advice.
How SSP is calculated in the UK from April 2026
From 6 April 2026, new SSP rules apply under the Employment Rights Act 2025: the benefit is paid from the first day of sickness (waiting days have been removed), and the Lower Earnings Limit has been abolished — lower-paid employees are now eligible too.
Weekly SSP = min(£123.25; 80% of Average Weekly Earnings — AWE). This calculator derives AWE simply as annual salary / 52.
SSP is paid entirely by the employer, for a maximum of 28 weeks. It is only paid for agreed qualifying days — so entering the correct number of working days per week matters.
Daily rate = weekly SSP / qualifying days per week; the total is the daily rate × the number of sick qualifying days.
Examples: annual salary → total SSP for 10 sick days (5 days/week)
| Gross annual salary | Total SSP (10 days) |
|---|---|
| £25,000.00 | £246.50 |
| £35,000.00 | £246.50 |
| £50,000.00 | £246.50 |
| £80,000.00 | £246.50 |
| £120,000.00 | £246.50 |
| £150,000.00 | £246.50 |
Frequently asked questions
How much is SSP at an annual salary of £50,000?
£246.50 for 10 sick days (£24.65 a day) — SSP is capped at £123.25 a week, so it comes out the same at this salary and higher.
How much is SSP at an annual salary of £35,000?
Also £246.50 for 10 sick days — even at this salary, 80% of average weekly earnings already exceeds the statutory cap of £123.25 a week.
How much is SSP at an annual salary of £120,000?
Still £246.50 for 10 sick days — above the £123.25-a-week cap, SSP doesn't increase further regardless of salary.
What changed with SSP from April 2026?
SSP is now paid from day 1 of sickness (no waiting days), and the Lower Earnings Limit was abolished — lower-paid employees are now eligible too.
How much is SSP in the 2026/27 tax year?
Weekly SSP is min(£123.25; 80% of average weekly earnings).
How long is SSP paid for?
A maximum of 28 weeks, paid entirely by the employer.
What are qualifying days?
The working days agreed between employee and employer — SSP is only paid for these days, not calendar days.
Can an employer pay more than SSP?
Yes, many employers provide a higher occupational sick pay scheme on top of the statutory SSP minimum.
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Last updated: 18 July 2026