In the United Kingdom (UK), Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is an important policy that ensures employees get financial support if they are unable to work due to illness or disability. SSP is a legal obligation that ensures companies or employers give financial support to their employees during the period of illness. The payment is made by the employer and is a legal requirement.
In this article you will read more details about the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in question and answers format which will help you to understand who is eligible to get SSP?, how much the SSP? is it taxable income? and more
Table of Contents
What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a form of financial support provided by employers to their eligible employees who are unable to work due to illness or disability. It’s a legal obligation that ensures employees to get financial support during illness.
Who is eligible for Statutory Sick Pay?
To be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK, employees must meet certain criteria defined by the UK government which will them to claim SSP. The employee should be a confirmed employee (not a self-employed), should have a contract of employment, and have been sick for at least four consecutive days (including non-working days as per their contract or agreement), the employee should earn an average of £120 per week and they should have notified their employer about the condition within the specified timeframe.
How much is Statutory Sick Pay in the UK?
In UK standard weekly Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) pay rate is £98.20 whereas employers can pay higher sick pay rates if they have their own sick pay scheme if employers want to, however minimum weekly SSP rate is £98.20
Also read: HMRC Form SC2
How long can an employee receive Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is available to qualifying employees for up to 28 weeks. As long as the employee fits the qualifying conditions, this covers both continuous and connected periods of illness.
Does Statutory Sick Pay count as taxable income?
Yes, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is considered taxable income under UK law and is liable to NI contributions as well. Your SSP pay is considered regular income and taxable.
Can employees receive additional sick pay from their employers?
The UK government has defined a minimum SSP rate per week, however, employers have the option to add supplementary sick pay to their employees in excess of SSP.
How does an employee claim Statutory Sick Pay?
To claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), employees must inform their employer about their sickness or incapacity as soon as possible. Employers may have specific procedures or forms to facilitate the SSP claim process. Employees may need to provide medical certificates, known as fit notes, to support their claim for SSP.
Conclusion:
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is an important financial assistance system for employees in the United Kingdom who are unable to work due to illness or disability. It guarantees that employees get a minimal amount of pay during sick leave, assisting them in meeting their financial commitments. Employers and workers may negotiate sickness-related absences more efficiently if they understand the qualifying requirements, payment rates, and claim procedure for SSP.
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