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Claims & Compensation2 min check

Loss of Earnings Calculator

Estimate net past lost earnings from time off work. Future loss uses a simple multiplier and is more complex in real cases.

Short answer

Lost earnings = (net weekly earnings × weeks off work) − (any sick pay actually received). For ongoing/future loss, courts use the Ogden multiplier (life expectancy × discount rate factor) to convert annual loss into a lump sum.
Step 1 of 10%

Your earnings

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£
£
wk
wk

How it works

We multiply your net weekly earnings by your time off, then deduct any contractual or statutory sick pay you actually received (so you're not double-recovering). Self-employed claims use 12-month average net profit from accounts/SA302.

Worked example

Net weekly earnings £550, 12 weeks off, employer sick pay £1,200 received → Loss = (£550 × 12) − £1,200 = £5,400 claim.

Who should use this

  • Employees off work due to injury
  • Self-employed with provable lost income
  • Anyone with bonus/overtime/commission lost as a direct result

Common mistakes

  • ×Claiming gross earnings (only net is recoverable)
  • ×Forgetting to deduct sick pay actually received
  • ×Not getting an SA302 / payslips to evidence pre-injury earnings
  • ×Missing future loss claims for permanent reduced earning capacity

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim if I'm self-employed?

Yes — based on average pre-injury net profit from your last 1–3 years' accounts.

What about lost bonuses?

Yes if reasonably foreseeable based on past performance and contractual entitlement.

Do benefits affect my claim?

Yes — DWP recovers Universal Credit, ESA and similar from the at-fault party under the CRU scheme. Doesn't reduce your damages, but the insurer pays DWP separately.

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