Key takeaways
- If the person you care for is eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) their employer will calculate how much they are entitled to each week
- Many workplaces have their own sick pay policies. Known as Occupational Sick Pay, these often offer a higher rate of sick pay than SSP
- There are other forms of financial assistance, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), that the person you are caring for can apply for if they are not eligible for SSP or have received the maximum amount
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that can bring with it not only physical and emotional challenges but also financial anxiety. If the person you are caring for is working, they may be concerned about how they’ll manage if they need to take time off. While you will both be aware of sick pay, the entitlement for those with cancer and the amount they can receive is often confusing. This guide discusses the key forms of sick pay to be aware of.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Statutory Sick Pay, commonly referred to as SSP, is a mandatory financial support system in the United Kingdom. It provides financial assistance to employees who are unable to work due to illness, including cancer. Employers pay SSP in the same way they pay wages, such as weekly or monthly, for up to 28 weeks.
Eligibility criteria for SSP
As of September 2024, to qualify for Statutory Sick Pay employees must:
- Be an employee (which includes agency workers) and have done some work for your employer
- Have average earnings that meet the Lower Earnings Limit of £123
- Have been ill for at least four days in a row, including non-working days such as weekends and public holidays
Employees will not qualify for SSP if they have already received the maximum amount or are in receipt of Statutory Maternity Pay. They will no longer be eligible if they have a continuous series of linked periods of sickness lasting more than three years. Employees who are off work for more than seven days must give their employer a fit note, also known as a sick note, from a healthcare professional.
Where an employee is not eligible for SSP or they have received the maximum amount, employers should assist employees in claiming employee benefits by completing relevant documentation such as the SSP1 form.
Occupational Sick Pay
Many employers offer Occupational Sick Pay, also known as contractual sick pay. Occupational Sick Pay is not mandatory and is at the discretion of the employer. This form of sick pay differs from employer to employer but is normally higher than the statutory amount employers must pay. If the employer provides Occupational Sick Pay, SSP will usually count towards it.
Eligibility for Occupational Sick Pay
The eligibility criteria for Occupational Sick Pay can vary significantly from one employer to another. Typically, they will need to:
- Be an employee
- Have been with their current employer for a specified length of time
- Meet any other criteria outlined in their employment contract or company policies
Employees diagnosed with cancer may automatically be eligible for Occupational Sick Pay but it depends on the employer’s policies. One employer may pay the full amount of their employee’s wage for the same length as they receive SSP. Another may pay full wages for six weeks and then drop this to SSP.
How much is Occupational Sick Pay?
The amount and duration of Occupational Sick Pay offered will depend on the employment contract. Many employers offer full or partial pay for a specified period, which can be several weeks, months or even years. Your loved one can find information about their workplace’s Occupational Sick Pay in their employment contract or by consulting their employer’s HR department.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Aside from sick pay for employees with cancer, there are other forms of financial support that they may be eligible for. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), for instance, is a government-provided benefit for individuals who have limited capability for work due to a health condition or disability, including cancer. It provides financial assistance for those who do not qualify for SSP or who have exhausted their SSP entitlement. If the person you care for is nearing the end of life, it’s possible to apply for ESA under special rules that fast-track the application process.
Eligibility for ESA
To be eligible for ESA, your loved one must:
- Be aged 16 to 65
- Have an illness or disability that affects how much they can work
- Have worked as an employee or been self-employed
- Have paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually within the last two to three years
- Pass a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to determine the level of support they are entitled to
Universal Credit (UC)
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit provided by the UK government. It provides financial support for individuals and families on a low income, including those who are unable to work due to illness or disability, such as cancer. As with ESA, individuals who are nearing the end of life can apply for Universal Credit under special rules.
Eligibility for Universal Credit
The person you are caring for may be eligible for Universal Credit if they have cancer and:
- Cannot work due to their health
- Are over the age of 18 but under the State Pension age
- Them and their partner have less than £16,000 in savings
How much is Universal Credit?
The amount of Universal Credit received will depend on their specific circumstances, such as income, savings and housing costs. For individuals with health conditions like cancer, there are additional elements like the Limited Capability for Work or Work-Related Activity Element, which can increase the entitlement.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit intended to help individuals with health conditions or disabilities meet the extra costs associated with daily living. It’s available to those aged 16 to State Pension age.
Eligibility for PIP
To be eligible for PIP, the person you are caring for must:
- Have a health condition or disability that causes difficulties with daily living or mobility
- Have had these difficulties for at least three months (with expectations to continue for at least nine months)
How much is PIP?
If eligible, how much PIP your loved one will receive depends on how much their cancer affects their ability to do everyday activities (daily living) and their mobility.
While we have ensured that every article is medically reviewed and approved, information presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to one of our healthcare professionals or your primary healthcare team.
References
‘Occupational and Statutory Sick Pay’, mariecurie.org.uk, Sept 2024, https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/benefits-entitlements/other-support/sick-pay
‘Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)’, gov.uk, Sept 2024, https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay
‘Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)’, gov.uk, October 2023, https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
‘Universal Credit’, macmillan.org.uk, Sept 2024, https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support/universal-credit
‘Universal Credit’, gov.uk, Sept 2024, https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
‘Personal Independence Payment’, macmillan.org.uk, Sept 2024, https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support/personal-independence-payment
‘Guidance on company sick pay scheme’, foi.tfl.gov.uk, Sept 2024, https://foi.tfl.gov.uk/FOI-3847-1920/Guidance%20on%20company%20sick%20pay.pdf