Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK is currently a flat weekly amount set by the government, and it changes around every April at the start of the new tax year. The key rate you care about is the government’s weekly SSP rate, paid for up to 28 weeks, as long as you meet the eligibility rules.

Below is a clear breakdown in a blog-style format, following your requested structure.

How much is Statutory Sick Pay?

Current SSP weekly rate

  • For the 2025–26 tax year, the flat SSP rate is about ÂŁ118–£123 per week , depending on the exact date and transitional rules.
  • The rate was ÂŁ118.75 a week for 2025–26, and from April 2026 the government has signalled an increase to around ÂŁ123.25 per week (subject to final approval).
  • SSP is normally payable for up to 28 weeks of qualifying sickness.

Think of SSP as a basic state-backed minimum your employer must pay you when you’re too ill to work, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions.

Quick Scoop: key facts

  • What you get (per week):
    • 2025–26: ÂŁ118.75 per week.
* Indicative 2026 rate: £123.25 per week from April 2026 (pending Parliament sign‑off).
  • How long for:
    • Up to 28 weeks of sick leave.
  • When it normally starts (current rules):
    • SSP is usually paid from day 4 of sickness ; the first 3 days are “waiting days” and are unpaid under the old system.
  • Who usually qualifies (current system):
    • You are an employee (including many part‑time workers).
* You earn at least the **Lower Earnings Limit** (around £123–£125 a week in recent years).

* You are sick and off work for at least 4 days in a row (including non‑working days).

What’s changing from April 2026?

There are important reforms planned/announced that affect how much you get and who can get SSP.

  • No minimum earnings rule:
    • The current rule that you must earn above the Lower Earnings Limit (around ÂŁ125 a week) will be removed, so all employees can qualify , regardless of earnings.
  • Paid from day one:
    • SSP will become payable from the first day of sickness , instead of starting on day 4, removing the three unpaid waiting days.
  • New calculation method for low earners:
    • For lower earners, SSP will be the lower of :
      • 80% of normal weekly earnings; or
      • The flat SSP rate (e.g. ÂŁ123.25 from April 2026, subject to confirmation).
  • Flat rate still published annually:
    • The government will continue to publish a single weekly SSP rate each year , and employees will receive either 80% of their average weekly earnings or that flat rate, whichever is lower.

How much will you actually see?

Because SSP is a flat rate (capped), it often ends up being less than your normal pay , especially if you usually earn more than that weekly amount. A simple way to think about it:

  • If you earn more than the SSP weekly rate:
    • You just get the flat SSP rate (e.g. ~ÂŁ118–£123 per week, depending on the exact year).
  • Under the reformed system for low earners :
    • If 80% of your normal weekly earnings is less than the SSP rate, you get that lower 80% figure instead.

Many employers also offer occupational/company sick pay on top of SSP, which can be much more generous (sometimes full pay for a period), but that depends entirely on your contract and workplace policy.

Mini FAQ and forum-style notes

“Is SSP enough to live on?” For a lot of people, no – it’s often significantly lower than normal take‑home pay, which is why topics around “how much is statutory sick pay” trend regularly on UK forums whenever new rates or reforms are announced.

Common points people discuss:

  1. Eligibility shocks
    • People discover they don’t qualify under current rules because they earn under the threshold or are classed as self‑employed.
  1. Waiting days frustration
    • The three unpaid waiting days are a common complaint, which is precisely what the planned reforms aim to remove.
  1. Company sick pay vs SSP
    • Many threads advise checking your contract or staff handbook , because your employer might top up SSP or have a totally separate scheme.

SEO bits (for your post)

  • Natural focus phrases to weave into your article:
    • “how much is statutory sick pay right now in the UK”
    • “statutory sick pay changes from April 2026”
    • “latest news on SSP reforms and Employment Rights Bill”
    • “forum discussion: is statutory sick pay enough to live on”
  • A possible meta description (under 160 characters):
    • “Find out how much Statutory Sick Pay is in the UK, what the latest SSP rate is, and how new 2026 reforms could change what you get when you’re off sick.”

Bottom note (as you requested):
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.