Understanding statutory sick pay (SSP) is essential for UK employers and employees to ensure compliance and financial preparedness. SSP is a legal requirement for UK employers to pay eligible employees who are unable to work due to illness. With the 2025/26 SSP rate now set at £116.75 per week, it’s important to calculate your obligations or entitlements accurately.
Whether you're a UK employer looking to manage payroll or an employee planning for time off, this free calculator helps determine the correct SSP based on current legislation. Accurate SSP calculation helps avoid underpayment or overpayment and ensures transparency for all parties involved.
How the calculation works
The UK Statutory Sick Pay Calculator uses the official 2025/26 SSP rate of £116.75 per week to estimate the total sick pay an employee is entitled to receive. The calculation multiplies the weekly rate by the number of weeks the employee is absent due to illness, up to the maximum of 28 weeks per sickness episode.
Eligibility for SSP is based on factors such as the employee’s average weekly earnings (AWE), whether the sick leave was notifiable, and if the employee meets the minimum income threshold. The calculator assumes the employee is eligible and uses the standard rate unless otherwise specified. This tool does not apply to employees who are self-employed, under 16, not on average earnings of at least £123 per week, or who are on specific types of leave not covered by SSP legislation.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the number of weeks the employee has been or will be off sick.
- Select whether the employee is eligible for SSP (based on income and employment criteria).
- Click the 'Calculate' button to receive the estimated SSP amount.
- Review the results and use the breakdown to prepare for payroll or understand your entitlements.