Statutory Sick Pay

SSP is paid to an employee by their employer because that employee is unable to work due to illness or disability.

An employer is liable to pay up to 28 weeks unless your contract of employment ends before this time. SSP is taxable.

To qualify for SSP:

your period of incapacity for work must last at least four days in a row
you earn enough to be entitled.

Periods of incapacity for work can be linked by 8 weeks and accumulate towards the 28 weeks.

SSP will cease when

you return to work
you have received your maximum entitlement of 28 weeks
your contract of employment ends
or for pregnant women, you become entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay
you have been taken into legal custody
or your linked periods of SSP have spanned three years.

SSP is currently paid at £81.60pw and should be paid in the same way as your normal earnings.

If you employer runs an occupational sick pay scheme, any sick pay you receive under the scheme will count towards your SSP entitlement however if their sick pay scheme does not pay the equivalent of the SSP scheme then the employer must make up the difference to that rate.

Your employer may have their own form which needs to be completed or an SC2 Self Certification is acceptable and can be printed from www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/sc2.pdf

After the first seven days you will need to obtain a GP's certificate called 'statement of fitness to work' or a 'fit note'.

If you are likely to be unable to work, for a period greater than 28 weeks, then your employer should provide you with the form SSP1 to enable you to claim Employment and Support Allowance.

On the SSP1 form, the employer needs to complete the first date of your period of incapacity and the last date for which SSP is payable. If your employer holds a certificate which covers you beyond the last date of SSP then this needs to be returned with the SSP1 form. Likewise, if your employment ends before 28 weeks of SSP has been paid then the above procedure also applies.

If you require any advice or assistance in making a claim please call our Benefit Advisor, Ruth Broad on 01872 266711 or email her at rbroad@cornwallblind.org.uk

Advice can also be sought from the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.