Guides › Public Services › Statutory Sick Pay 2026: Paid From Day One
Statutory Sick Pay 2026: Paid from Day One
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from the first full day you are off sick, and the lower earnings limit has been removed, so all employees can qualify. It is the lower of £123.25 a week or 80% of your average weekly earnings, for up to 28 weeks. You can self-certify for the first 7 days. If your employer refuses to pay, contact HMRC's statutory payment dispute team.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Sick Pay from April 2026
The Changes
From 6 April 2026 the three unpaid waiting days were abolished, so SSP is paid from the first full day of sickness. The lower earnings limit was removed, so all employees qualify regardless of income. source
How Much and How Long
The lower of 80% of your average weekly earnings or £123.25 a week for 2026 to 2027, usually worked out daily. Up to 28 weeks in a period of sickness. Periods within 8 weeks of each other are linked. source
Evidence
You can self-certify for the first 7 days. After that you may need a fit note from a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. source
If Your Employer Will Not Pay
Contact HMRC's statutory payment dispute team. From 6 April 2026 the new Fair Work Agency also enforces SSP. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 7 daysSelf-certifyThen a fit note may be needed
- 28 weeksMaximum SSPIn one period of sickness
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Tell your employer you are sick as their policy requires.
Step 2 of 5
Self-certify for the first 7 days.
Step 3 of 5
Get a fit note if off longer.
Step 4 of 5
Check your payslip shows SSP.
Step 5 of 5
Ask HMRC to step in if your employer will not pay.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Acas
Free, impartial advice on sick pay and other work rights.
HMRC Statutory Payment Disputes
If your employer refuses to pay SSP.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Your contract may give you more than SSP: check your contract or staff handbook.
Rules here are for England and Wales. Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits from Social Security Scotland, and Northern Ireland benefits are run through nidirect.
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If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- litrg.org.uk/tax-guides/employment/what-national-minimum-wage/will-i-get-paid-if-i-am-work-sick Checked 16 October 2026