Sick pay calculator
Sick Pay Calculator UK 2026/27
Calculate your Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) under the new April 2026 rules — paid from day 1 with no minimum earnings threshold.Calculate UK statutory sick pay (SSP).
Your details
NEW: Day 1Before tax and deductions.
How many days you normally work each week.
Total days you need to claim for. SSP starts from day 1.
Your results
Total Statutory Sick Pay
£74Average weekly earnings
£577Weekly SSP
£123Daily SSP
£25Sick days
3How it's calculated
Average weekly earnings: (££2,500 × 12) ÷ 52 = £577
Weekly SSP (lower of 80% AWE or £123.25 cap): £123
Daily SSP: £123 ÷ 5 days = £25
Total: £25 × 3 sick days = £74
No waiting days from April 2026
Previously, you had to wait 3 qualifying days before SSP started. From 6 April 2026, SSP is payable from day 1 of sickness.
2026/27 SSP Changes — Before vs After
The April 2026 reforms significantly expanded sick pay for UK workers.
| Rule | Before April 2026 | From 6 April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| When SSP starts | After 3 waiting (qualifying) days | From day 1 |
| Minimum earnings threshold | £123 per week (Lower Earnings Limit) | None — all workers eligible |
| Weekly SSP rate | Lower of 80% AWE or £116.75 | Lower of 80% AWE or £123.25 |
| Duration | Up to 28 weeks | Up to 28 weeks (unchanged) |
| Part-time workers | Only if earnings above £123/week | All workers eligible regardless of hours |
Frequently asked questions about sick pay
How much is statutory sick pay in 2026?
Statutory Sick Pay for 2026/27 is the lower of 80% of your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) or £123.25 per week. Your AWE is calculated as (monthly salary × 12) ÷ 52. For example, if you earn £2,500/month, your AWE is approximately £576.92, and your weekly SSP would be the 80% figure (£461.54) since it is below the cap.
When does sick pay start in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, SSP starts from day 1 of sickness. The previous 3-day waiting period (qualifying days) has been abolished. You no longer need to wait before receiving sick pay.
Do part-time workers get sick pay?
Yes. From April 2026, the minimum earnings threshold has been removed. Previously, you needed to earn at least £123 per week to qualify. Now all workers are eligible for SSP regardless of their hours or earnings, as long as they are classified as employees.
How long can I get sick pay?
SSP is payable for up to 28 weeks (approximately 7 months) in any period of incapacity for work. After 28 weeks, you may need to apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or other benefits.
What is the average weekly earnings limit?
There is no minimum earnings limit from April 2026. Previously, you had to earn at least £123 per week (the Lower Earnings Limit) to qualify for SSP. This threshold has been abolished, so all eligible workers can claim SSP regardless of their earnings level.
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How We Calculate This
Tax year
2026/27 (6 April 2026 – 5 April 2027)
Last reviewed
30 August 2026
SSP formula
AWE = (monthly salary × 12) ÷ 52 · Weekly SSP = min(80% AWE, £123.25) · Daily SSP = weekly ÷ working days
Sources
Results are estimates. Your payslip may include employer-specific deductions. SSP is subject to Employer NIC rules and may differ for employees in their first year of employment.