2026 Statutory Sick Pay Changes
From 6 April 2026, SSP starts from the first full qualifying day (3 waiting days removed) and has no Lower Earnings Limit threshold. SSP is lower of 80% AWE or £123.25/wk.
Statutory Sick Pay Calculator 2026/27
Calculates SSP based on average weekly earnings, qualifying days, and start date
2026 Statutory Sick Pay vs Statutory Maternity Pay
| Statutory Benefit | 2026/27 Weekly Rate | Duration | Key Eligibility Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) | Lower of 80% AWE or £123.25/wk | Up to 28 weeks | Starts Day 1; no LEL test for absences from 6 April 2026. |
| Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Wks 1–6 | 90% of Average Weekly Earnings | First 6 weeks | 26 weeks continuous employment by qualifying week. |
| Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Wks 7–39 | Lower of £194.32/wk or 90% AWE | Remaining 33 weeks | Total 39 weeks entitlement. |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
For sickness absences starting on or after 6 April 2026, eligible employees can receive SSP regardless of how much they earn. SSP is normally paid at 80% of average weekly earnings or the statutory weekly rate of £123.25, whichever is lower. The 3-day waiting period and the old Lower Earnings Limit were removed from 6 April 2026.
For sickness absences starting on or after 6 April 2026, SSP is payable from the first full day of sickness absence that is a qualifying day. The old 3 waiting days rule no longer applies to new absences.
SSP is paid for qualifying days (days normally worked). The statutory weekly amount is divided by the number of qualifying days in the working week to determine the daily rate.
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at £194.32 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
An employee normally needs to have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week (15th week before expected week of childbirth) and earn at least the LEL threshold.
Absences starting on or after 6 April 2026 use the new rules. Absences that started before 6 April remain subject to transitional rules.
Official 2026/27 HMRC Sources
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2026/27 Key Rates
SSP Weekly Cap£123.25 / wk
SSP Earnings Rate80% of AWE
SMP Standard Rate£194.32 / wk
SMP Max Duration39 Weeks