SSP Entitlement — Zero Hours Letter Template & Generator

If you need to claim Statutory Sick Pay you are entitled to on a zero hours contract, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong ssp entitlement — zero hours should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Confirm entitlement to SSP if average earnings meet the Lower Earnings Limit
• State SSP is now payable from Day 1 following the Employment Rights Act 2025
• Request immediate payment of SSP
• Give a deadline for response

Your right to Statutory Sick Pay on a zero-hours contract

Zero-hours workers can be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay provided they meet the qualifying conditions — including earning above the relevant threshold on average — the irregular nature of your hours doesn't automatically disqualify you, though the calculation can be more complex than for workers with fixed hours.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of your average earnings and why you believe you meet the qualifying threshold
• Details of your sickness absence and any medical evidence provided
• A clear request for SSP to be paid in line with your entitlement
• A request for confirmation of how your average earnings have been calculated, if disputed

Why average earnings calculations matter so much for zero-hours workers

Because your earnings vary week to week, SSP eligibility and the amount owed depend on correctly calculating your average earnings over the relevant reference period — an incorrect calculation, perhaps based on an unusually quiet period, can wrongly suggest you don't qualify when you actually do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my hours have been very irregular, with some weeks earning nothing at all?
The calculation should still use the correct reference period and method for irregular earnings — it's worth checking this has been applied correctly rather than assuming ineligibility.

Is SSP available from day one of sickness for zero-hours workers too?
Yes — recent changes removing the previous waiting period apply equally to zero-hours workers who meet the earnings qualifying conditions.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.