Feeling under the weather is stressful enough without the added worry of losing wages. If you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, understanding how to claim sick pay is essential to protecting your income during recovery. Whether you're looking for clarity on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) eligibility or need to navigate the details of your company's occupational sick scheme, the process can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we break down exactly how to claim sick pay step-by-step — from notifying your employer correctly to obtaining a fit note and understanding what you're legally entitled to — ensuring you get the financial support you deserve while you focus on getting better.
Read the full guide below or read the quick 60 Second Solution.
Who Is Eligible for Statutory Sick Pay?
Who Is Eligible for Company Sick Pay?
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Sick Pay
If You Haven’t Received Your Sick Pay
What is Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a minimum legal payment made by employers to eligible employees who are unable to work due to illness or disability, up to a maximum of 28 weeks — with major reforms taking effect from 6 April 2026 that widen access and remove the previous waiting period.
From 6 April 2026, the standard weekly SSP rate is £123.25. However, if you normally earn less than this amount, you will receive the lower of either 80% of your average weekly earnings or £123.25 — whichever is smaller. For example, if you normally earn £100 per week, you would receive £80 (80% of earnings), not the full £123.25.
Who Is Eligible for Statutory Sick Pay?
To qualify for SSP, you must:
- Be classed as an employee
- Have done some work for your employer
- Be off sick for at least 1 full working day
What is Company Sick Pay?
Company sick pay (also called contractual, occupational or enhanced sick pay) is an optional, employer-provided benefit that tops up the legal minimum — Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) — to help employees maintain more of their income during illness. While SSP is a flat weekly amount set by the government (currently £123.25), company sick pay is more generous and is defined by your employment contract.
Who Is Eligible for Company Sick Pay?
Length of Service and Probationary Periods
This is the most common factor. Many companies sick pay schemes do not kick in until you've completed a certain amount of continuous service.
- Probationary periods: A large number of employers only grant access to their enhanced sick pay scheme after an employee has successfully completed their probationary period, which is typically three or six months. During probation, you would likely only be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This is a standard way for companies to manage the benefit.
- Tiered service: Some schemes go further, with the amount or duration of sick pay increasing the longer you've worked there. You might get a few weeks of full pay after a year, and more after several years' service.
Company Policy: Discretionary vs Contractual
The nature of the scheme itself is crucial:
- Contractual sick pay: If the benefit is written into your employment contract, the company is legally obligated to provide it, as long as you meet the defined conditions (like passing probation).
- Discretionary sick pay: Some employers operate a "discretionary" policy. This means they can offer better pay for certain sickness absences, but are not contractually obliged to do so in every case. If the policy is discretionary, this must be clearly stated in your contract or written policy.
How To Find Out If You Are Eligible
Since every scheme is different, here's how to find out if you are eligible at your company:
- Check your employment contract: This is the first and most important place to look. It should clearly state if you have company sick pay, when it starts, and what the rules are.
- Look in the staff handbook or company intranet: Many employers put the full details of their sickness policy in a separate document.
- Speak to your HR department or manager: If the information isn't in writing, ask them directly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Sick Pay
Step 1: Notify Your Employer
This is the most crucial step. Failing to notify your employer correctly could delay or even prevent your sick pay.
- Follow the Correct Procedure: Check your contract or company handbook for the specific method (e.g., calling a designated manager, emailing HR, using an online portal). You must do this within any deadline they set. If no deadline is given, you must tell them within 7 days.
- What to Say: You need to clearly state that you are unwell and unable to work. Some employers may ask you to fill out a self-certification form for the first 7 days of your absence.
Step 2: Provide Evidence Requirements
The amount you get and the evidence you need to provide will change depending on how long you are off sick.
- For the First 7 Days: You do not need a doctor's note for the first 7 calendar days of sickness. This period is called "self-certification".
- After 7 Days: If you're off sick for more than 7 days, you must provide your employer with a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) from a healthcare professional. This could be a GP, hospital doctor, registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist.
If You Haven’t Received Your Sick Pay
If you believe you are eligible for SSP but your employer refuses to pay it or pays you the wrong amount, you can take the following steps:
- Talk to Your Employer: First, ask your employer for an explanation. If they say you are not entitled to SSP, ask for the reason in writing. They are legally required to do this using a form called an SSP1 (or by letter/email).
- Contact HMRC: If you cannot resolve the issue with your employer, you can ask HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make a formal decision. You must contact the HMRC Statutory Payment Dispute Team. You have six months from the date your employer refused to pay to make an appeal.
Last updated: 12/04/2026
60 Second Solution
Step 1: Notify Immediately
Call or email your manager on your first sick day, before your shift starts. Follow your company's exact reporting rules.
Step 2: Provide Proof
- Days 1-7: Complete your employer's self-certification form if asked.
- Day 8+: Get a fit note from your GP or healthcare professional.