Monday 9th February 2026, the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) have further clarified added areas of transitional arrangements with the new SSP rules that commence from 6th April 2026.
Prior guidance has been confirmed:
- Calculating 80% average weekly earnings
- ‘Below the LEL’ Emoloyees who are newly eligible on 6th April 2026
- Employees who are serving waiting days on 6th April 2026
- Employees in receipt of SSP prior to 6th April 2026 who could see reduced entitlement
- Additional Q&A
So what has been added?
The DWP has confirmed an added protection for employer for those cases where an employee has been off sick for ‘a very long time.
This protection is to prevent employees who have been off sick for an extended period of time with a lower likelihood of returning to work, from suddenly becoming eligible to SSP.
Continuous sickness that started before
22nd September 2025
An employee who, on 6th April 2026, had a continuous sickness absence (meaning they have done no work and received no pay) starting before 22nd September 2025 will technically be eligible for SSP, but their rate will be £0 per week.
However, if they returned to work on or after 22nd September 2025 but later resumed their sickness absence as part of a linked PIW within 8 weeks, then they will be eligible for SSP with pay.
DWP guidance
For the latest DWP SSP Transitional Guidance see:
PAYadvice.UK 9/2/2026