Am I Eligible For Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) ?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a government-mandated benefit that provides financial assistance to employees who are unable to work due to illness. Understanding whether you're eligible for SSP and how it is paid is crucial for ensuring you receive the support you’re entitled to. 

This guide outlines the key criteria and processes involved with SSP when working at Citrus

What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?

SSP is a financial safety net designed to help employees during periods when they are unable to work due to sickness. It ensures that eligible employees can still receive some income to cover their basic needs while recovering. As of the 2024/2025 tax year, SSP is set at £109.40 per week, paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

Am I Eligible for SSP?

To qualify for SSP, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Minimum Weekly Earnings:

   • Your average weekly earnings must be at least £123 before tax. This amount is calculated based on your regular income from work, such as wages, bonuses, and overtime.
     
     
   • If you earn less than this threshold, you won’t qualify for SSP, but you may be eligible for other benefits, such as Universal Credit.
     
     

2. Providing a Sick Note:

   • A sick note, officially called a fit note, must be issued by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or GP.
     
     
   • This document confirms your inability to work and outlines any necessary adjustments your employer might need to make if you are fit for light or modified duties.
     
     
   • Ensure that the sick note is submitted to your employer promptly. Without it, your employer cannot process your SSP payment.
     
     

3. When Payments Start:

   • SSP payments begin only from the date your employer receives your sick note.
   • For example:
     • If you are off sick starting on the 1st of the month but provide your sick note on the 5th of the month, SSP payments will only start from 5th, not the first day of absence.
     • To avoid delays in payment, ensure your documentation is sent to your employer as soon as possible.

When Does SSP Get Paid?

SSP isn’t paid automatically for every day you are unwell. Certain conditions must be met for your sick days to qualify for SSP:

1. Qualifying Period:

   • SSP is only payable after you have been sick for at least 4 consecutive days. This includes weekends and non-working days. These days are known as the "Qualifying Days."
     
     
   • The first 3 qualifying days are known as “waiting days.” SSP payments do not cover these days unless your employer has a more generous sick pay policy. Payments start from the 4th qualifying day onward.
     
     

2. Partial Sick Days:

   • If you work even a single minute of a shift before going home sick, that day does not count as a qualifying sick day. For example:
     • If you start work at 9 AM but leave at 9:15 AM due to illness, SSP cannot be claimed for that day.

3. Shifts Spanning Two Days:

   • If you work a shift that starts on one day and ends after midnight (on the next day), and you become ill during or after the shift, only the second day will count as a qualifying sick day.

How Long Can SSP Be Paid For?

• SSP can be paid for a maximum of 28 weeks in a single period of sickness or across linked periods of sickness within 8 weeks.
• If your illness continues beyond 28 weeks, you may need to explore other financial support options, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• If you return to work but fall ill again within 8 weeks, the periods of illness are linked, and you don’t need to go through another waiting period.

How to Apply for SSP

1. Notify Citrus:
   Inform us of your sickness as soon as possible.
   
   

2. Submit Required Documentation:
   Provide a valid sick note from your healthcare provider. Delays in providing this could result in delayed payments.
   
   

3. Check Your Pay Slips:
   Ensure that SSP payments are reflected in your pay slips. SSP is paid in the same way as your regular wages, with tax and National Insurance deductions applied.

Key Points to Remember

• SSP is not a replacement for full wages but provides a basic level of financial support during illness.
• Ensure you meet the minimum earnings threshold and provide the necessary documentation promptly.
• If you do not qualify for SSP, You may then explore alternative benefits like Universal Credit or ESA.

Additional Resources

If you’re still unsure about your eligibility or need further assistance, consider the following:

• Contact HMRC: For specific SSP-related queries, you can contact HMRC's statutory payments dispute team.
  
  
• Visit the UK Government Website: The official government website provides up-to-date information on SSP and other employee benefits.
  
  
• Speak to Your Employer: Your HR department or manager should be able to guide you through their specific process for claiming SSP.