What is SSP & How Long It Last? Complete Guide for United Kingdom

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum weekly payment UK employers must provide eligible employees unable to work due to illness, set at £118.75 per week from April 2025 for up to 28 weeks. If sickness disrupts your income, SSP bridges the gap after 3 waiting days, protecting finances during recovery. Services like GetMedicalCertificate.com deliver required fit notes quickly online to prove eligibility and extend claims. This complete guide details SSP rules, duration, claims, and every aspect for full understanding without gaps.

What is SSP?

SSP is employer-paid sick pay mandated by law for employees off work due to health issues, covering qualifying days (normal workdays) after 3 waiting days. It applies to physical or mental illnesses, paid like wages with tax/NI deducted, and many companies offer enhanced occupational schemes on top. Key elements include a flat £118.75 weekly rate (2025), eligibility for those earning £125+/week average, and linkage to fit notes after 7 days. Supporting medical certificates from platforms like GetMedicalCertificate.com validate ongoing incapacity. It’s your legal safety net until recovery or ESA/UC transition.

When Do You Need SSP?

You qualify for SSP when sickness lasts 4+ consecutive days (including non-working days), you’re an employee earning £125+/week, and notify your employer timely. It kicks in after 3 waiting daysself-certify first 7, fit note from day 8for flu, stress, injuries, or chronic conditions.

  • Triggers: Any incapacity preventing work duties.

  • Exclusions: Self-employed, low earners under £125/week.

  • Duration start: From first qualifying day post-waiting period.

GetMedicalCertificate.com Sick Leave Certificates support SSP evidence.

Legal Requirements Under UK Employment Law

Legal Requirements Under UK Employment Law  

SSP stems from the Statutory Sick Pay Act 1994, requiring employers to pay up to 28 weeks total (not necessarily consecutive) if eligible. Employers recover costs via NI rebates; no dismissal for SSP claims alone.

  • Notification: Within 7 days or employer deadline.

  • Records: Fit notes mandatory post-7 days.

  • SSP1 form: Issued if ineligible, for ESA/UC claims.

  • Online fit notes fully comply.

Step-by-Step: Claiming SSP with GetMedicalCertificate.com Fit Notes

GetMedicalCertificate.com provides instant certificates (€34.99) to secure/extend SSP. 

In Step 1: you notify your employer of sickness within their deadline (usually 7 days) and self-certify days 1-7 via SC2 or company form.
In Step 2: you complete the secure questionnaire on GetMedicalCertificate.com detailing symptoms, onset, job impact, and absence duration for your Sick Leave Certificate.
In Step 3: you make secure online payment and receive a confirmation email instantly.
In Step 4: a licensed doctor reviews via chat link no video and approves based on details.
In Step 5: you receive PDF fit note emailed minutes later with doctor credentials for SSP submission.
In Step 6: you submit the note to HR by day 8, track payments on payslips, and renew as needed up to 28 weeks.

Required Information and Validity

You must provide employer notification, self-cert form days 1-7, fit notes day 8+, NI number, and earnings proof; notes valid with doctor verification. SSP lasts max 28 weeks per claim period.

Costs, Refunds, and Alternatives

SSP is free to claim (employer-paid); fit notes cost €34.99 online vs NHS free. Non-refundable digital only.

Benefits and Limitations

Benefits: Quick fit notes ensure SSP continuity, 24/7 access. Limitations: 3 waiting days unpaid, 28-week cap.

What to Do After Claiming SSP

After claiming, you monitor payslips for £118.75 weekly on qualifying days. You submit renewed fit notes every 4-12 weeks. You discuss phased return or adjustments with employer. You transition to ESA/UC post-28 weeks if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I self-certify initially for SSP?
    Yes, self-certify first 7 days then provide fit notes.

  • Is video needed for fit notes?
    No, text chat via GetMedicalCertificate.com.

  • What if employer rejects SSP claim?
    Appeal via SSP1 form to DWP.

  • Does SSP apply to mental health?
    Yes, the same as physical illness.

  • Can SSP be backdated?
    Up to 1 month with fit note proof.

  • Is SSP taxable?
    Yes, paid like wages.

  • Can I claim SSP abroad?
    Yes, with UK employer and fit notes.

Final Thoughts

SSP provides £118.75/week for up to 28 weeks sickness absence, requiring fit notes post-7 days. GetMedicalCertificate.com fast-delivers documentation form, chat, PDF for uninterrupted claims. Secure your pay; claim confidently today.