Fylde MP Mark Menzies has shared details of Statutory Sick Pay for those who are ill, or self-isolating, during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Menzies said: “The Government has made changes to make it easier to get Statutory Sick Pay should you have to self-isolate.
“The most important thing is to make sure you do not go into work if you have come into contact with someone who has Covid-9, or if you have symptoms yourself.
“This guidance is from the www.gov.uk website which is full of information for everyone.”
Who is eligible for SSP
You can get £94.25 per week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.
If you cannot work while you are self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you could get SSP for every day you’re in isolation. You must self isolate for at least four days to be eligible.
If your illness is not related to coronavirus (COVID-19), you must be eligible for SSP and have been off work sick for four or more days in a row (including non-working days) to get SSP.
You cannot get less than the statutory amount. You can get more if your company has a sick pay scheme (or ‘occupational scheme’) - check your employment contract.
To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) you must:
- be classed as an employee – ie have an employment contract – and have done some work for your employer
- earn an average of at least £118 per week
- have been ill for at least four days in a row (including non-working days)
How many days you can get SSP for depends on why you are off work.
You must tell your employer you’re self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19) or sick for another reason before the deadline they set (or within 7 days if they have not set one). You could lose some of your SSP if you do not.
Agency workers are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
You will not qualify if you:
- have already received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks)
- are getting Statutory Maternity Pay
You can still qualify if you started your job recently and you have not received eight weeks’ pay yet. Ask your employer to find out more.
Linked periods of sickness
If you have regular periods of sickness, they may count as ‘linked’. To be linked, the periods must:
- last four or more days each
- be eight weeks or less apart
You’re no longer eligible for SSP if you have a continuous series of linked periods that lasts more than three years.
Fit notes and asking for proof
You only have to give your employer a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) if you’re off sick for more than seven days in a row (including non-working days).
If you’re self-isolating and cannot work because of coronavirus (COVID-19) you can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online at https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/ if you’re off work for seven or more days. You do not have to go to your GP or a hospital.
If you’re off sick for any other reason, you can get a fit note from your GP or hospital doctor. If your employer agrees, a similar document can be provided by a physiotherapist, podiatrist or occupational therapist instead. This is called an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Health and Work Report.
What you'll get
You can get £94.25 a week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks.
If you cannot work while you’re self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you could get SSP for every day you’re in isolation. You must self-isolate for at least four days to be eligible.
If you were self-isolating before March because you had symptoms, your SSP will begin from the fourth day.
If you’re off sick for another reason
You can get SSP from the fourth day you’re off sick.
The days you’re off sick when you normally would have worked are called ‘qualifying days’. If you’re eligible, you’ll get SSP for all your qualifying days, except for the first three. These are called ‘waiting days’.
You only get paid for waiting days if you’ve already received SSP within the last eight weeks, and that included a three-day waiting period.
How you’re paid
SSP is paid by your employer in the same way as your normal wages, for example weekly or monthly.
If you have more than one job you may get SSP from each employer.
Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.
If you think you are not getting the right amount of SSP, talk to your employer. If you’re still not happy, contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enquiry line.
If you are not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay
You may be able to apply for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You can use form SSP1 to support your application.
If your SSP is ending your employer must send you form SSP1 either:
- within seven days of your SSP ending, if it ends unexpectedly while you’re still sick
- on or before the beginning of the 23rd week, if your SSP is expected to end before your sickness does
If you do not qualify for SSP your employer must send you form SSP1 within seven days of you going off sick.
How to claim
To claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), tell your employer by their deadline (or within 7 days if they do not have one). Check with your employer how you should tell them.
You’ll need an ‘isolation note’ if you cannot work for 7 or more days because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
You only need a ‘fit note’ (or sick note) if you’re off sick for more than 7 days (including non-working days).
If you’re disagree with a decision regarding SSP
Talk to your employer if you think:
- their decision not to pay you SSP is wrong
- you’re not getting the right amount of SSP
You can ask them for a reason. If this does not sort the problem, contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
If your dispute is related to coronavirus (COVID-19)
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline
Telephone: 08000 241222
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges
If your dispute is about something else
HMRC statutory payment dispute team
Telephone: 03000 560 630
Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm
Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges
If you’re a textphone user, contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) employees’ enquiry line.
HMRC employees’ enquiry line
Textphone: 0300 200 3212
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Find out about call charges