SSP Calculator for Zero Hours & Irregular Workers

Yes, zero hours workers can qualify for Statutory Sick Pay if they meet the eligibility criteria. You must be classed as an employee (not self-employed) under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, have been ill for at least 4 consecutive days, and your Average Weekly Earnings over the previous 8 weeks must be at least £123 per week (the Lower Earnings Limit (as set annually by HMRC under the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001) for 2025/26). Even if some of those 8 weeks had zero earnings, you may still qualify if your average meets the threshold.

For zero hours and irregular workers, SSP eligibility is based on your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) over the 8 weeks immediately before the sickness period began. You add up your total gross earnings over those 8 weeks and divide by 8. If the result is at least £123 (the Lower Earnings Limit (as set annually by HMRC under the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001) for 2025/26), you qualify for SSP at the flat rate of £116.75 per week for {TAX_YEAR}. Note that weeks with zero earnings are still counted in the 8-week calculation.

Waiting days are the first 3 days of a period of sickness. You do not receive SSP for these days — SSP only starts from the 4th qualifying day of sickness. However, if you have a linked period of incapacity (a previous sick period that began within 8 weeks of the current one), waiting days may not apply again. This means if you were recently sick and return to sick leave quickly, SSP may start from day 1 of the new sick period.

You can receive SSP for a maximum of 28 weeks. After 28 weeks, SSP stops and your employer must give you an SSP1 form so you can apply for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit. The 28-week limit applies per period of sickness or linked periods of sickness that began within 8 weeks of each other.

If you believe you are entitled to SSP and your employer refuses to pay it, first ask your employer for a written explanation — they must provide form SSP1 if they believe you do not qualify. If you disagree, you can formally dispute it with HMRC. Contact HMRC's employer helpline on 0300 200 3200. HMRC has the power to investigate and enforce SSP payment where an employer has incorrectly refused to pay.