SSP RATE 2022: These guidelines explain the eligibility criteria and how to claim Statutory Sick Pay.

The amount you get paid if you are off sick is not a constant. Even though it is a legal entitlement, the illness benefits rates can vary from one job to another.

Employers operate different types of company sick pay policies. But in some cases you may not qualify for their occupational sickness scheme.

That is why the government administers Statutory Sick Pay. It helps those who need to take time off from work because of illness.

As a rule you will get paid through the company sick pay scheme. But, if you cannot get it, your employer should still pay you SSP 2022 – providing you qualify.

Statutory Sick Pay is a weekly payment for those who are too ill to work. So, how long do you get Statutory Sick Pay for? In fact, your employer should continue paying SSP for up to 28 weeks.

Employees must receive at least the statutory amount. In some cases, they will get more if their company runs an ‘occupational scheme‘. Check your contract of employment for further details on company sickness pay.

Note: Different SSP rules apply with agricultural sick pay for those working in farming or crofting.

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Statutory Sick Pay Amount 2022

UK employment laws state that those who qualify will get £99.35 a week Statutory Sick Pay. If your illness continues you can get the SSP weekly rate for up to 28 weeks.

You get the statutory illness benefit only for the days that you would have worked. But, you cannot get it for any of the first 3 days you are away from work.

The exception would be for those who received SSP within the previous 8 weeks. In this case you may be eligible to claim SSP again if your illness returns.

Note: Statutory Sick Pay rates start on a Sunday for calculating weekly payments. Having more than one job means you are likely to get SSP from each of your employers.

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How is Statutory Sick Pay Paid?

As a rule your employer will pay SSP the same way as they do for your normal wages. In most cases that means the payment will be weekly or monthly. They will also deduct any relevant tax and National Insurance from your pay packet.

You should first discuss the matter with your employer if you feel you are not getting the right amount of SSP. If that fails you can contact HM Revenue and Customs enquiry line.

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Statutory Sick Pay Eligibility Criteria

There are some basic conditions to qualify for Statutory Sickness Pay. To meet the eligibility criteria, employees who are ill must:

• Have a legal standing as an employee. As a rule, that means you have performed work for your employer and you have a contract for doing so.
• Have had the illness for at least four (4) consecutive days (in a row and it can include non-working days).
• Be earning at least £123 per week (before tax) as a regular salary.
• Inform your employer that you have sickness and will be away from work.

Note: All agency workers have the same right for SSP and will have sick pay entitlements to the payments. In some cases you may also qualify for SSP while taking holiday entitlement from work.

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SSP 2022/23 Exceptions

Workers will not qualify for Statutory Sickness Pay if they:

• Have already received the maximum SSP amount (28 weeks).
• Are getting Statutory Maternity Pay.
• Are sick and on strike due to union action.
• Are imprisoned or detained in legal custody.
• Are in the armed forces or an agricultural worker.

Some people may still qualify even when they recently started working. In this case, they may not have logged eight (8) weeks of pay. Your employer can help you with further information on this matter.

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How to Claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

You must inform your employer that you are away from work because of an illness. You can use the employee’s statement of sickness form SC2 to inform your employer.

In some cases they may request this in writing. But, you should do it before any contractual deadline date agreed with your employer.

Employees can use Statutory Sick Pay form SC2 to claim sick pay entitlements from their employer. Inform them within seven (7) days if you do not have any such agreement in your contract.

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Further Help with SSP Guidelines

Your employer may be able to help if you are not satisfied with their decision. Discuss it with them if:

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