What is Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay is £94.25 per week, it will be increased to £95.85 from April 6th 2020. You’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if you’re too ill to work at your job. SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.
Your employer have their own sick pay scheme, a ‘company’ or occupational sick pay scheme.
Not entitled to sick pay with the company scheme? You’re still entitled Statutory Sick Pay to receive Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
Can I get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
If you’re working for an employer under a contract, you’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if the following apply:
- you’re sick for at least four days in a row. This includes weekends and bank holidays and days that you wouldn’t normally work.
- you’re earnings are normally above the lower limit £118. This will be increased to £120 a week from April 2020.
Can I get Statutory Sick Pay if I’ve just started a new job?
Yes, even if you’ve just started a new job, you’re entitled to the same amount of Statutory Sick Pay.
Can I get Statutory Sick Pay if I’m Self-employed?
If you’re self-employed, you’re not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
If you’re working on a zero hours contract, you may be entitled to SSP if you normally earn above the lower earnings limit.
How do I I find out if I’m above lower earnings limit for SSP?
Find the average of your gross earnings. Use the period between your last normal payday before SSP and a payday at least eight weeks before it. Your gross earnings are your earnings before tax and National Insurance.
How does Coronavirus affect Statutory Sick Pay?
In March 2020, the government announced changes to Statutory Sick Pay. If someone is eligible for statutory sick pay it will allow the payment from the first day someone claims it. Under the previous rules, it would’ve been the fourth day. This is to help people stay and home and self-isolate due to Covid 19.
The new rules also cover anyone who needs to self-isolate themselves from others, in accordance to government policy.
The new rules, introduced from March 13th 2020, will last for a duration of eight months. But, they are subject to review if required.
What if my employer requires a sick note to stay at home due to Coronavirus?
Are you an employee and your employer requires evidence you need to stay at home due to Coronavirus? You will be able to get an isolation note from NHS 111 Online.
If you aren’t entitled to Statutory Sick Pay, you’ll be able to claim Universal Credit and/or Employment and Support Allowance.
If you’re in work and already claim Universal Credit and need to self-isolate report it in your online journal. This includes any changes to the hours you have worked.
How do I claim Statutory Sick Pay?
Your employer will be able to tell you how to claim Statutory Sick Pay.
Statutory Sick Pay is usually paid in the same way as your wages from your employer and into your bank account. If your employer can’t pay your Statutory Sick Pay they must give you a form SSP1. This will explain why the company can’t pay SSP. You can then contact the Jobcentre to ask about claiming Universal Credit.