Capium is still currently waiting for an official response from HMRC with regards to the guidelines and step changes required to be made in our Payroll module with regards to adding claiming COVID-19 SSP from Day 1.
Having said this, we do have a workaround detailed below in the meantime. Please follow the below procedure to add the appropriate SSP amount for the respective period.
Help/Guide
Step 1 - Add SSP normally:This will give you a normal SSP amount. Please refer to the below screenshot
Navigation: Manage Payroll >> Additional >> Employee Leave >> SSP >> Add Leave
Above calculated SSP will be shown based on the normal SSP rules given by HMRC
Step 2 - Enter Additional SSP amount
Navigation: Manage Payroll >> Process Payroll
Before approving the Gross Pay, select the calculator icon to add additional Emlployee Payment entries.
Once you click the calculator, you will see the below pop-up. Select 'Add Payment' then select SSP from the drop-down menu for 'Payment Type'. The figure here will be the difference in the 4 days where SSP would normally not be paid.
Once added, process the Payroll using the normal method of approving the Gross Pay, running Pension Assessment then Process Payroll.
Coronavirus SSP – FAQs
Who is eligible for SSP due to coronavirus?
The UK government advises that “those who follow advice to stay at home and who cannot work as a result will be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP), even if they are not themselves sick.” Having said this, only those who meet the specified eligibility criteria for normal SSP, will be given SSP. You must also self-isolate for at least four days to be eligible.
How much SSP will I be paid if I am off work due to coronavirus?
Those who qualify for SSP can receive up to £95.85 per week while they are off work due to coronavirus.
How long can I get SSP for if I am off work due to coronavirus?
SSP can be paid for up to a maximum of 28 weeks, by your employer.
From which day of sickness does SSP due to coronavirus begin?
The UK government has changed the SSP policy slightly, so that those who are off work due to the coronavirus will be eligible for SSP from day one (instead of day four). You must self-isolate for at least four days, however.
Do I need proof of COVID-19 related sickness or symptoms to receive SSP?
The government recommends that employers use their discretion regarding asking employee’s for evidence of need to self-isolate. If an employer determines that a sick note is required, “those with symptoms of coronavirus can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online, and those who live with someone who has symptoms can get a note from the NHS website.”
What happens if I was self-isolating before March 13th, when the policy was retrospectively applied?
Those who were self-isolating before the UK government policy began being honoured, on March 13th, will still be eligible for SSP if they were experiencing symptoms, however this will be paid from the fourth day of absence instead of the first. Anyone who was self-isolating because a member of their household was experiencing symptoms, will not be eligible for SSP if they were self-isolating before March 13th.
What can I do if I am off work due to coronavirus, and I am not eligible for SSP?
Anyone who is off work due to the coronavirus, who is not eligible for SSP, can apply for Universal Credit and/or Employment and Support Allowance. Instructions and more information about applying for these can be found on the gov.uk website.
Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/what-youll-get
https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/how-to-claim
Reclaiming SSP paid to affected individuals from HMRC :
The Government has announced that they will allow certain employers (i.e. those with less than 250 employee) to reclaim up to 14 days SSP per eligible employee affected by COVID-19. On 3 April 2020 they published further guidance about who would be eligible for the scheme. Details of how the scheme will work have not yet been finalised.
Please see the GOV.UK page Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19) for the latest information.We would advise you to keep detailed records of all SSP payments that you make to affected employees so that you can reclaim SSP once a mechanism has been introduced by HMRC in order for you to do so.