Statutory sick pay
SSP is paid to employees who are sick and unable to work for at least four consecutive days. SSP is not paid during the first three days of illness. Clients cannot get ESA while they are entitled to SSP, but can claim UC to top up any SSP if their income and capital are sufficiently low.
Clients must have average earnings of at least the NI lower earnings limit to qualify.
SSP is claimed from the client’s employer and is paid in the same way as their normal pay. It is paid at a standard rate for a maximum of 28 weeks for each episode of illness. If a client is still off work sick after SSP has expired, they may then qualify for ESA (or UC). SSP is not means tested, but it counts as earnings for means-tested benefits and tax credits.
SSP is taxable.