If you couldn't work because of illness or injury, how long could you keep paying your mortgage and household bills?
It's a question that's easy to put off. But with the rules around Statutory Sick Pay changing this year, it's a good time to think about what financial support you would have if your income suddenly stopped.
What has changed?
Since 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) has been available to eligible employees regardless of how much they earn, and it is now payable from the first full day of sickness absence rather than after a waiting period. (Source: GOV.UK, Statutory Sick Pay guidance, updated April 2026.)
The weekly rate for 2026/27 is £123.25, or 80% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks.
The changes mean more people can qualify for support and receive it sooner. But for many households, there's still a substantial gap between statutory sick pay and their usual income.
Would £123.25 a week cover your essentials?
Think about your regular commitments: mortgage or rent, energy bills, food, childcare, transport, insurance and other household costs.
For someone earning a typical full-time salary, £123.25 a week represents a significant drop in income. Even if your employer offers enhanced sick pay, it's worth checking how long it lasts and what happens once it ends.
This is where income protection can play a role.
Income protection is designed to provide a regular income if you are unable to work because of illness or injury, subject to the policy terms and any waiting period. It can be particularly worth considering if you have a mortgage, limited savings, dependants or an income that your household relies heavily on.
Don't assume you'll be covered
One of the most useful things you can do is check your existing safety net.
Ask yourself:
- How much sick pay does my employer provide?
- How long would it last?
- How many months could my savings cover?
- Could I continue paying my mortgage and essential bills if my income fell significantly?
- Would my household cope if I couldn't work for several months?
- There isn't a single right answer. For some people, savings and generous employer benefits may provide sufficient protection. For others, income protection could provide an important additional layer of financial security.
If you're not sure how you would manage financially if illness or injury stopped you working, we're happy to help. Get in touch, and we can talk through your circumstances, what protection you already have and whether income protection could be worth considering.
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