Coronavirus Employment Law
3rd April 2020
Last updated: 16th October 2025 at 15:12pm
2 min read

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will repay employers the current rate of SSP that they pay to current or former employees for periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March 2020.

If you’re an employer who pays more than the current rate of SSP you can only claim the current rate amount.

The repayment will cover up to 2 weeks starting from the first day of sickness, if an employee is unable to work because they either:

  • have coronavirus
  • cannot work because they are self-isolating at home

Employees do not have to give you a doctor’s fit note for you to make a claim.

Who can use the scheme

The scheme can be used by employers if they:

  • are claiming for an employee who’s eligible for sick pay due to coronavirus
  • had a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started on or before 28 February 2020
  • had fewer than 250 employees on 28 February 2020

The scheme covers all types of employment contracts, including:

  • full-time employees
  • part-time employees
  • employees on agency contracts
  • employees on flexible or zero-hour contracts

The Government will advise then the scheme will end.

Connected Companies and charities

Connected Companies and charities can also use the scheme if their total combined number of PAYE employees are fewer than 250 on or before 28 February 2020.

Records you must keep

You must keep records of all the statutory sick payments that you want to claim from HMRC, including:

  • The reason why an employee could not work
  • Details of each period when an employee could not work, including start and end dates
  • Details of the SSP qualifying days when an employee could not work
  • National Insurance numbers of all employees who you have paid SSP to

You’ll have to keep these records for at least 3 years following your claim.

The online service you’ll use to reclaim SSP is not available yet. HMRC will announce when the service is available and this guidance will be updated.

If you have any immediate or urgent issues get in touch with us to discuss your options in these tough and uncertain times. 

Essex 01245 410201  |   Suffolk 01473 360160   |   Norfolk  01603 791256

Check out more from Coronavirus Support Hub

“Helping our company be inspired and driven.”

“We haven't looked back since we started working with Mad HR, quite a few years ago now! Most recently we have been working with Rachel who has helped inspire our senior leadership team and ensure as a company we are all working to achieve the same goals. Rachel brings a wealth of experience and has a great understanding of our company and dynamics, everyone looks forward to our sessions with her. With her help and guidance we are continuing to take huge steps forward in our progression as a company.”

Book a Free HR Consultation

If you need access to commercial and friendly experts to chat through any HR concerns or challenges your business is facing, you have come to the right place!

Book now

News & Events

Clients & Partners

Join us across our channels:

Having an HR Emergency?

Get fast, confidential help from our HR helpline.

Speak to an expert