Use SC2 to self-certify sickness and ask your employer for SSP. Give the completed statement to your employer.
Fit note — medical evidence
For more than 7 calendar days off, your employer can ask for evidence from an authorised healthcare professional.
SSP1 — employer decision
Your employer completes SSP1 if you cannot get SSP or your 28-week entitlement is ending.
Before you start the SC2 form
1
Check your employer's sickness procedure
Follow the notice deadline and reporting method in your contract or staff policy. If there is no employer deadline, the statutory fallback is generally 7 days.
2
Gather the form details
Have your National Insurance number, phone number, sickness start and end dates, last working day, and clock or payroll number ready.
3
Complete it in one session
The GOV.UK service does not save progress, so finish the statement and retain a copy before leaving the service.
4
Give it to your employer
Do not send SC2 to HMRC or DWP. Your employer checks your SSP eligibility and pays qualifying SSP through payroll.
Privacy reminder
Do not enter your National Insurance number or medical details on UKTax.tools. This page explains the process and links to the official HMRC service; the form itself is completed on GOV.UK.
Frequently asked questions
What is an SC2 form?
SC2 is HMRC's online employee statement of sickness. You can use it to self-certify a sickness absence and ask your employer for Statutory Sick Pay. It records your sickness dates and employment details; it is not a medical fit note.
Do I need an SC2 form for one day off sick?
From 6 April 2026, being sick for at least one full working day can create an SSP period. GOV.UK says SC2 can be used to ask for SSP, but you should follow your employer's sickness-reporting procedure because an employer cannot insist on one special form in every case.
Do I need a fit note as well as SC2?
You do not normally need a fit note for 7 calendar days or less, including weekends and bank holidays. For a longer absence, your employer can ask for a fit note. GOV.UK says SC2 can also be used alongside a fit note.
Can I save the SC2 form and finish it later?
No. GOV.UK says the online SC2 form cannot save your progress. Gather your National Insurance number, phone number, sickness dates, last working day and clock or payroll number before starting.
Where do I send the completed SC2 form?
Give the completed statement to your employer, not HMRC or DWP. Your employer uses it to check SSP eligibility. Keep a copy for your own records.
What is the difference between SC2 and SSP1?
The employee uses SC2 to report sickness and request SSP. The employer completes SSP1 when the employee is not entitled to SSP or when SSP is ending, so the employee can support a benefit claim.
