When to claim

To claim SSP you must have been ill for at least four days in a row, including weekends and bank holidays. The days that count for this purpose do not all have to be qualifying days. The first three qualifying days of any illness count as “waiting days” — so if you are ill for no more than four days, SSP is payable for the fourth qualifying day only.

If you have been sick for two spells or more, each lasting at least four days in a row, with eight weeks or less between them, this will be counted as one period of incapacity for work. As a result, you will not have to go through any waiting days for the second and subsequent periods of sickness.

However, if you have had a period of illness with a previous employer, this cannot be “linked” to a period of illness with your new employer. In fact, your new employer’s obligation to pay SSP may be reduced by the number of days’ SSP you have already received.