How to claim SSP UK 2026/27

By PaySlipCheck Editorial · Reviewed by PaySlipCheck Editorial Standards Team · 14 June 2026 · 5 min read

Claiming Statutory Sick Pay in the UK is normally automatic — you notify your employer within their reporting deadline, provide self-certification for days 1-7 + a fit note from day 8, and SSP is paid through payroll like normal salary. But specific rules govern notification deadlines, self-certification vs fit notes, eligibility thresholds + linked absence periods. If your employer refuses SSP unlawfully — or your eligibility is disputed — HMRC's Statutory Payments Disputes Team makes a binding ruling. This guide walks through the full claim process, the SSP1 escalation form + what to do if you're wrongly denied SSP or receive less than you should.

Verified against 2 official sources · Last reviewed 14 June 2026
On this page
  1. Step 1 — Notify employer
  2. Step 2 — Self-certify days 1-7
  3. Step 3 — Fit note from day 8
  4. Step 4 — Employer pays SSP via payroll
  5. If employer refuses SSP
  6. SSP1 form
  7. Universal Credit interaction
  8. In short

Step 1 — Notify employer

  • Notify within your employer's deadline (default: 7 days)
  • Follow employer's absence reporting procedure (call, email, portal)
  • Late notification may reduce SSP payable

Step 2 — Self-certify days 1-7

For sickness of 7 days or fewer, self-certification is sufficient. No fit note required.

Some employers provide their own self-certification form; others accept a written confirmation.

Step 3 — Fit note from day 8

For sickness beyond 7 days, obtain a fit note ('Statement of Fitness for Work') from: - GP - Hospital doctor - Registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist, or physiotherapist (since July 2022)

Give to employer promptly.

Step 4 — Employer pays SSP via payroll

  • SSP added to normal payslip
  • PAYE + NI + pension applied
  • Days 4-7 of first period: SSP
  • After 7 days: SSP continues with fit note

If employer refuses SSP

Reasons employer can lawfully refuse: - You don't meet eligibility (earn <£123/week, employed <8 weeks) - Late notification (reduced but not zero SSP) - Received SSP already for 28 weeks in linked periods - Currently receiving Statutory Maternity/Paternity Pay

If refused unlawfully: 1. Ask employer for reason in writing (form SSP1) 2. Contact HMRC Statutory Payments Disputes Team 3. HMRC will investigate + rule 4. If HMRC agrees you should have SSP, employer must pay (or HMRC may pay directly)

SSP1 form

Employer must issue if refusing SSP or when your SSP ends. Enables you to claim ESA.

Universal Credit interaction

While receiving SSP, may still qualify for Universal Credit if low household income. SSP + UC combined.

In short

Claim SSP by notifying employer + fit note from day 8. Dispute via HMRC SSP1. UC available if household income low.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly do I need to tell my employer I'm sick?

Within employer's deadline (default 7 days). Follow their absence procedure.

When do I need a fit note?

From day 8 of continuous sickness. Days 1-7 self-certification. Fit note from GP or other registered health professional.

What if my employer says I don't qualify for SSP?

Ask for reason in writing (form SSP1). If disagree, contact HMRC Statutory Payments Disputes Team. Ruling is binding.

Can I get SSP for multiple short absences?

Yes — waiting days apply to each period unless within 8 weeks of previous SSP (linked periods). Same 28-week overall entitlement.

Do I get SSP if I work part-time?

Yes if you earn at least £123/week (Lower Earnings Limit). £116.75/week SSP paid regardless of your weekly earnings above LEL.

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  • Attachment of earnings — AEO = court order requiring employer to deduct debt from wages. Protected earnings threshold applies.
  • Auto-enrolment duties — Auto-enrolment = employer duty since 2012. 8% total minimum. Re-enrolment every 3 years.
  • Bank holidays — No statutory right to bank holiday off. Contract decides. 2026 UK has 8 bank holidays.

Related salary breakdowns

Glossary terms used on this page

Quick definitions for the key terms above.

  • PAYE — The UK system through which employers deduct Income Tax and National Insurance from employees' pay before paying it to them.

Sources

All figures on this page are sourced from official UK government publications. We don't cite secondary commentary or other calculator sites.

  1. GOV.UK - Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
  2. ACAS - Employment rights + statutory notice

All tax figures on this page use the same configuration that powers our calculators — see our editorial standards for the review process.

Last reviewed: 14 June 2026. Next review due 14 December 2026.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information based on published HMRC and gov.scot figures. It is not personal tax or financial advice. For your specific situation, please consult a qualified accountant or contact HMRC directly.