Question 1

What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is **£116.75 per week**, paid by your employer for up to **28 weeks** if you are too ill to work. You must earn at least £123 per week before tax to qualify.

Question 2

How is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) calculated?

Accepted Answer

SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks: 1) First 6 weeks: **90% of your average weekly earnings** (AWE) before tax, 2) Remaining 33 weeks: **£184.03 per week** (or 90% of AWE, whichever is lower).

Question 3

Does claiming Statutory Sick Pay or Statutory Maternity Pay breach 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF) visa rules?

Accepted Answer

NO! SSP, SMP, Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP), and Adoption Pay are statutory employment entitlements paid by employers, NOT state public funds. Visa holders on Skilled Worker, Health Care, or Spouse visas can legally receive these payments.

Question 4

What is Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) for fathers and partners?

Accepted Answer

Statutory Paternity Pay is **£184.03 per week** (or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower) for up to 2 weeks for eligible working partners.

Question 5

What is the Minimum Qualifying Earnings threshold for statutory pay?

Accepted Answer

To qualify for SSP, SMP, or SPP, an employee must earn an average of at least **£123 per week** (the Lower Earnings Limit) during the 8-week relevant calculation period.

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