Self-Employed Sick Pay UK: Why There Isn't Any

There is no statutory sick pay for the self-employed. Statutory Sick Pay is an employee benefit, and a sole trader is not an employee. If you fall ill the main fallback is New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), a contribution-based benefit that depends on your National Insurance record.

Self-employed sick pay: what you actually get (2026/27)

Your situation	What you get when you are off sick
Sole trader / self-employed	No Statutory Sick Pay. SSP is for employees only
Main fallback	New Style ESA (contribution-based) if your National Insurance record qualifies
ESA assessment phase, under 25	Up to GBP 75.65 a week for the first 13 weeks
ESA assessment phase, 25 or over	Up to GBP 95.55 a week for the first 13 weeks
ESA main phase, work-related activity group	Up to GBP 95.55 a week after the assessment phase
ESA main phase, support group	Up to GBP 145.90 a week after the assessment phase
The NI gatekeeper	New Style ESA needs enough NI, usually in the last 2 to 3 tax years; credits count
Class 2 NI 2026/27	Treated as paid above the GBP 7,105 small profits threshold; voluntary at GBP 3.65 a week below it
On a low income too	Universal Credit (means-tested) may top up or replace ESA, depending on savings and household income
Limited company director on PAYE	May qualify for SSP through the company payroll, unlike a sole trader
The only true income replacement	Income protection insurance, which pays a percentage of your usual income