Key facts
•Statutory sick pay (SSP) is paid by employers to certain employees who are unfit for work.
•SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks.
•SSP is a non-means-tested benefit.
•Your entitlement to SSP is not based on your national insurance contribution record, but your usual earnings must be above a certain amount to qualify.
•If you qualify, SSP is the minimum amount your employer should pay while you are sick. You may be entitled to more under your contract.
•If you disagree with your employer’s decision on your entitlement to SSP, or if your employer has failed to make a decision, you can challenge this (see
Chapter 60).
Future changes
The government has said it is proposing to extend SSP to those earning less than the lower earnings limit (see
here) and to make it more flexible so that it would also be payable to those on a phased return to work. See and CPAG’s
Welfare Rights Bulletin for updates.