Close to the start of the pandemic the rules regarding the payment of SSP were relaxed in relation to coronavirus absences and a rebate scheme introduced to help small employers recoup some of the costs of SSP. A "coronavirus absence" does not mean that the employee must be infected with coronavirus and includes periods of self-isolation resulting from contact with someone who has tested positive or prior to surgery. Note that self-isolation resulting from returning from another country does not count as eligible. The usual 3 waiting days are ignored but a period of incapacity for work (PIW) must still exist to be eligible.
An employer (with less than 250 employees) can claim up to 2 weeks SSP per employee in respect of coronavirus absences. At current rates this amounts to a maximum of £192.70 per employee. The 2 week limit applies for the duration of the scheme not for each tax year that it covers.
Note that the scheme has been closed on 30 September 2021. Only claims for absences between 13 March 2020 and 30 September 2021 will be eligible.
