When illness prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), depending on your earnings and employment situation.

SSP offers basic financial support to employees during sickness. 

To qualify for SSP, you must: 

- Have started working for your employer. 

- Be sick for at least four consecutive days, including non-working days. 

- Earn at least £123 per week on average before tax. 

SSP starts from the fourth day of sickness at £116.75 per week, lasting up to 28 weeks. Follow your employer’s procedures for reporting sickness as outlined in your contract or staff handbook. 

You can’t receive SSP if you: 

- Are self-employed. 

- Have already received SSP for 28 weeks within the last eight weeks. 

- Were paid Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in the last 12 weeks. 

SSP and Maternity Leave 

You cannot receive SSP if you’re on Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance (MA).

Even without SMP or MA, SSP isn’t available for the first 18 weeks of maternity leave, starting from childbirth or if you’re off sick for a pregnancy-related reason in the four weeks before your due date. 

Part-time and Agency Workers 

Part-time, zero-hours contract, and agency workers can qualify for SSP if they earn at least £123 per week on average and their employer deducts tax and National Insurance.

If you fall ill while temping, you may receive SSP until your job ends. If you have another job lined up, SSP might continue until that job ends.

However, if you don’t have a job when you get sick, you cannot receive SSP. 

Zero-Hours Contracts and Qualifying Days 

Zero-hours contract workers can receive SSP. If denied, ask your employer for an explanation. ‘Qualifying days’ are consistent workdays each week.

List the days you’ve worked regularly over the past eight weeks or more to determine your qualifying days.

If there’s a disagreement, seek advice on what to do if your employer refuses to pay sick pay. 

Contractual Sick Pay (CSP) 

Your employer might offer Contractual Sick Pay (CSP) in addition to SSP. CSP details are in your contract, staff handbook, or intranet.

CSP can start from your first day of sickness and must be at least £116.75 per week. If CSP isn’t provided, SSP begins from the fourth day of sickness. 

Always check your employment contract and communicate with your employer to clarify any uncertainties.

By being informed, you can ensure you receive the support you need during illness. 

Visit Citizens Advice North Herts at northhertscab.org.uk or Citizens Advice Stevenage at stevenagecab.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice Hertfordshire Adviceline number 0800 144 88 48.