Off sick: what happens to your pay?

Lesson 7 of 12 in our free Life Events guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Life Events is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo's sick for 3 weeks and only gets Statutory Sick Pay. Money's tight. What's the most helpful step?

Fact: “For the first 7 days off sick, you can usually self-certify without a doctor's note.” — After 7 days, your employer can ask for a fit note from a GP or other healthcare professional.
Myth: “Statutory Sick Pay is always the same as your normal pay.” — SSP is £123.25 a week (or 80% of your pay if lower) in 2026/27. Company sick pay may top it up — check your contract.
Fact: “Having an emergency fund matters even more if your job has no company sick pay.” — A buffer covers the gap between normal pay and sick pay.
Telling your employer early and keeping fit notes up to date → Helpful. Keeps your sick pay flowing and your employer in the loop.
Checking if you can claim Universal Credit or other benefits → Helpful. Illness or disability can affect what you're entitled to. Check early.
Hiding bills in a drawer until you feel better → Makes it harder. Totally understandable, but bills grow while they hide. Ask someone you trust to help open them.
Asking lenders about payment breaks or reduced payments → Helpful. Lenders must treat people in difficulty fairly. Early contact helps.