From 26 May, the government will accept claims from SMEs with staff who have been off sick with coronavirus, those who are self-isolating and unable to work from home or those who are shielding because they are at “high risk” of severe illness from Covid-19.
The SSP rate is currently £95.85 a week, having been increased from £94.25 on 5 April. The scheme covers all employees, including those on agency or zero hour contracts.
Claims are made online and can be backdated to 13 March. Employers are eligible if they have a PAYE scheme started before 28 February this year and with fewer than 250 employees before the same date.
Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Therese Coffey, said: “This rebate will put money back in the pockets of millions of employers, ensuring they can hit the ground running as the economy re-opens.”
