Depression & SSP

acs_2

Can anyone help me please. If someone is signed off work with depression, are they still entitled to SSP? if so, is this the standard rate or an increased rate...if such a thing exists.

thanks in advance

Pennywise2012

SSP entitlement isn't affected by the nature of the illness, so yes you're entitled, but no you don't get an increased rate.

acs_2

Thanks for that. Do you know how its claimed for? through the employer?

McKneff

You should self certify for the first week with your employer and then get fit notes to pass on to your employer who will pay you your SSP.

Remember the first 3 days of sickness are called 'waiting days' so you dont get paid for them.

You can download a self certification form online.

acs_2

Thanks. is it unheard of for an employer try and avoid paying SSP?

Pennywise2012

What McKneff said! If you have any company sick pay policy in place, you'll get that first, then the SSP. The money is paid via your normal pay packet, and it shows on your wage slip. (i.e. it's not like claiming benefits where DWP pay you separately)

Unheard of, cos the employer gets the money back and they legally have to pay it you. There's no benefit to them to withhold it.

Uncertain

Pennywise2012 wrote: »

cos the employer gets the money back

Bit of a myth that!

Smaller employers get some or all of the money back indirectly. Larger companies have to foot the bill themselves.

Regardless of that they are legally obliged to pay it in virtually all circumstances but there is a means of getting it via HMRC should the employer fail to pay.

ohreally

acs wrote: »

is it unheard of for an employer try and avoid paying SSP?

I heard of an employer recently who claimed they wouldn't be paying their employee SSP. The sought advice from their "legal adviser" and very reluctantly paid SSP.