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 your entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay
• State that since 6 April 2026 SSP is paid from the first full day of sickness, with no waiting days and no minimum earnings
• Request immediate payment of SSP
• Give a deadline for response

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

Since 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from the first full day of sickness, with no waiting days and no minimum earnings requirement — so being on a zero hours contract, or earning a small amount, does not stop you qualifying. What changes is how much you get: SSP is £123.25 a week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower.

What to include before you send it

• The days you were off sick and when you told your employer
• 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, the amount of SSP depends on correctly working out your average earnings over the relevant reference period — an incorrect calculation, perhaps based on an unusually quiet period, can mean you are paid less than you should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my hours have been very irregular, with some weeks earning nothing at all?
Low or no earnings in some weeks no longer stop you getting SSP, but they affect how much you get — check the average has been worked out over the correct reference period.

Is SSP available from day one of sickness for zero-hours workers too?
Yes — since 6 April 2026 SSP is paid from the first full day of sickness for zero-hours workers too, and there is no minimum earnings requirement.

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