statutory sick pay, also known as SSP, is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness. It is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom for employers to provide SSP to their employees who meet certain criteria. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about statutory sick pay, including who is eligible, how much you can receive, and how to claim it.
Who is Eligible for Statutory Sick Pay?
To be eligible for SSP, you must meet the following criteria:
– You must be classified as an employee and have done some work for your employer.
– You must have been ill for at least four consecutive days, including non-working days.
– You must earn at least £120 per week.
– You must inform your employer of your illness and provide any necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note.
If you meet all of these criteria, you should be eligible to receive SSP from your employer.
How Much Statutory Sick Pay Can You Receive?
The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, and it is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. This rate is subject to an annual review, so it is important to check the current rate when you are looking to claim SSP.
It is worth noting that SSP is not paid for the first three days of your illness, known as waiting days. However, if you are off work for more than four days, you will be paid SSP from the fourth day onwards. Your employer may have their own sick pay scheme in place that provides more generous benefits, so it is worth checking your employment contract or company policy.
How to Claim Statutory Sick Pay
To claim SSP, you must inform your employer of your illness as soon as possible. This can be done by following your company’s absence reporting procedures or by contacting your line manager directly. You may also be required to provide a doctor’s note or fit note explaining the nature of your illness and how long you are expected to be off work.
Your employer will then assess your claim for SSP and notify you of their decision in writing. If your claim is accepted, SSP should be paid to you in the same way as your usual wages, either weekly or monthly, depending on your employer’s payroll schedule.
It is important to keep your employer updated on your condition and any changes to your circumstances that may affect your eligibility for SSP. Failure to do so may result in delays or even a loss of entitlement to SSP.
What Happens After 28 Weeks?
If you are still unable to work after receiving SSP for 28 weeks, you may be eligible for other benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA is a government benefit that provides financial support for individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
To claim ESA, you will need to undergo a Work Capability Assessment to determine your eligibility. If you are deemed eligible, you will receive a higher rate of benefit than SSP and may also qualify for additional support, such as help with housing costs.
In summary, statutory sick pay is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness. To be eligible for SSP, you must meet certain criteria, including being classified as an employee, earning at least £120 per week, and providing necessary documentation of your illness. SSP is paid at a rate of £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks and is subject to waiting days at the beginning of your illness. If you are still unable to work after 28 weeks, you may be eligible for other benefits, such as ESA. If you find yourself in need of SSP, be sure to inform your employer promptly and follow their procedures for claiming benefits.