SC2 Form: How to Self-Certify Sickness and Ask for Statutory Sick Pay

It's the self-certification form most UK employers recognise, and GOV.UK updated its guidance on 15 October 2026. Here's what it covers, when you need it, and the change to SSP from 6 April 2026 that affects how it works.

When you'd use the SC2

GOV.UK says the form can be used to self-certify a sick absence or alongside a fit note. In practice, the split looks like this:

How long you're off	Evidence
Up to 7 days in a row (including non-working days)	Self-certify, for example with the SC2
More than 7 days in a row	A fit note, or other evidence your employer agrees to

An employer can only ask for a fit note if you're off for more than 7 days in a row, counting non-working days, so the first week is where self-certification does its job.

What the form asks for

The SC2 is now an online form, and you can't save your progress, so get your details together before you start. It asks for:

• Details of your sickness, including the dates you were sick
• The date of your last working day before your sickness began

When you've finished, you give it to your employer, who uses it to check whether you're eligible. GOV.UK tells you to keep a copy for yourself, which is worth doing in case there's a dispute later.

The change from 6 April 2026

GOV.UK's SC2 guidance was updated to say that from 6 April 2026, you must be off work sick for at least one full working day to be eligible for SSP. Your employer only needs to pay SSP for the days you normally work.

SSP itself is up to £123.25 a week, or 80% of your normal weekly earnings if that's lower, as of October 2026. It's paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks, in the same way as your normal wages. My full guide to Statutory Sick Pay covers the rates, linked periods and who doesn't qualify.

The detail most people miss: your employer can't force the SC2 on you

Many people think the SC2 is mandatory. It isn't. The employer guide says employees should tell their employer they're sick within the time limit the employer sets, or within 7 days if there isn't one, and that an employer can't insist they tell them in person or on a special form.

Flip that around and the SC2 is a tool for you: if your employer wants something in writing, GOV.UK says you can use form SC2. Your contract may set out its own sickness procedure too, and GOV.UK tells you to check it and follow anything agreed.

Timing: the deadline that can cost you SSP

You must usually tell your employer you can't work before the deadline they set, or within 7 days if they haven't set one. If you tell them late, you could lose some of your SSP. So send the SC2, or whatever your employer accepts, as soon as you know you're off, not when you return.

How to fill in and send the SC2, step by step

1. Check your contract for any agreed sickness procedure.
2. Note the dates you were sick and your last working day before the sickness began.
3. Complete the online SC2 in one go, since you can't save progress.
4. Give it to your employer within their deadline, or within 7 days if they don't have one.
5. Keep a copy.
6. If you're still off after 7 days in a row, get a fit note.

SC2, fit note and SSP1: which form does what

Form	Who fills it in	What it's for
SC2	The employee	Self-certifying a sick absence and asking the employer for SSP
Fit note	A healthcare professional	Medical evidence when you're off for more than 7 days in a row
SSP1	The employer	Explaining why SSP isn't payable or has ended

They work as a sequence. The SC2 covers the first stretch, a fit note takes over after 7 days in a row, and SSP1 only appears if SSP stops or was never payable. If your employer agrees, other evidence can replace a fit note, such as an Allied Health Professional Health and Work Report from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

If your employer says no

If you don't qualify for SSP, your employer must send you form SSP1 within 7 days of your first day off sick, explaining why. If you think you're not getting the right amount, talk to your employer first. If that doesn't resolve it, GOV.UK points you to the HMRC Statutory Payment Disputes Team.

My verdict

The SC2 is quick and worth using whenever you're off sick for up to a week and your employer wants it in writing. Fill it in early, keep a copy, and remember the 2026 rule: you need at least one full working day off sick before SSP applies.

Frequently asked questions

What is an SC2 form?

It's HMRC's employee's statement of sickness, which you can use to self-certify a sick absence and ask your employer for Statutory Sick Pay.

Is the SC2 form compulsory?

No. Your employer can't insist you tell them on a special form, but if they need something in writing, GOV.UK says you can use the SC2.

How long can I self-certify sickness?

For up to 7 days in a row, including non-working days. After that, your employer can ask for a fit note.

Can I save the SC2 and finish it later?

No. GOV.UK says you fill it in online and can't save your progress, so gather your dates first.

How much is Statutory Sick Pay?

Up to £123.25 a week or 80% of your normal weekly earnings, whichever is lower, as of October 2026, for up to 28 weeks.

What changed for SSP in April 2026?

From 6 April 2026, you must be off work sick for at least one full working day to be eligible for SSP.

What's the difference between the SC2 and SSP1?

The SC2 is the employee's statement of sickness. SSP1 is the form the employer sends when SSP isn't payable or has ended.

Where does the SC2 go once I've filled it in?

You give it to your employer, who uses it to check your eligibility. Keep a copy for yourself.