Assumptions and pay data
- Modernised civil service terms: 1 month's full pay and 1 month's half pay in your first year, 2 months of each in your second year, 3 months of each in your third year, 4 months of each in your fourth year and 5 months of each after 4 years.
- Cap: no more than 10 months' sick pay in any rolling four years. Each department sets its own policy.
- Staff who joined before 2013 or 2014, depending on the department, usually keep 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay, capped at 12 months in four years.
- Only service that counts for your pension counts, and earlier sickness absence in the Civil Service is taken into account.
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
UK (department-delegated pay below SCS)Your department or agency (no automatic national progression)Reviewed 4/9/2026
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Guide for Grade 7
This guide summarises occupational sick pay for Grade 7 under Civil Service pay structure at Civil Service. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually paid as part of occupational sick pay, not on top of it.
Sick pay for Grade 7
As Grade 7 at Civil Service, occupational sick pay usually follows Civil Service. With around five years' continuous service, illustrative entitlement might be up to 5 months on full pay and 5 months on half pay in a rolling period. Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days; a fit note is commonly required after that.
Fit notes and rolling periods
Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days. Some employers use a rolling period (for example four years) that limits how much full and half pay you can use. Check your policy for qualifying service and evidence requirements.
Example scenario
Example at 5 years' service: 5 months' full pay and 5 months' half pay, the civil service modernised scale
| Sector terms (example) | Civil Service |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay months (example) | 5 |
| Half pay months (example) | 5 |
Frequently asked questions
How much sick pay do civil servants get?
On modernised terms, 1 month's full pay and 1 month's half pay in your first year, 2 months of each in your second year, 3 months of each in your third year, 4 months of each in your fourth year and 5 months of each after 4 years, with no more than 10 months' sick pay in any four years. Check your department's policy.
How does the four-year cap work?
On modernised terms you cannot get more than 10 months' sick pay in total in any rolling four years, even if each absence is within your yearly entitlement.
I joined before 2014. Which scale applies?
Probably the older one: 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay, capped at 12 months in any four years. The cut-off date depends on your department (28/4/2014 in Defra).
Does moving department reset my service?
No. Service in any department counts, and so does earlier sickness absence anywhere in the Civil Service.
What is 5 months' full pay in pounds for a Grade 7?
The calculator shows months, not pounds. You reach 5 months of each after 4 years. As a guide, at £61,628, the bottom of our illustrative G7 range, 5 months on full pay is about £25,678 and 5 months on half pay about £12,839, before tax and pension. On a higher salary, scale it up.
Do you store my information?
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About this role
What is a Grade 7?
A Grade 7 is a senior civil servant who leads teams or policy areas. They advise senior leaders and manage delivery. Pay is on the G7 scale.
Typical demands, progression and balance
G7 roles offer significant responsibility and influence. Pay and satisfaction depend on department and role. Progression to Grade 6 and SCS is common.
What sick pay am I entitled to?
Contractual sick pay usually depends on length of service. Use the calculator above to see full pay and half pay periods for your sector. Always check your employer's policy and fit-note requirements.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.