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%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Gross monthly salary, Net monthly take-home, Sick pay received per month, Weeks off work so far, Estimated further weeks off.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Claims & Compensation. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

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.

Related calculators

Personal Injury →Accident at Work →RTA Claim →Self-Employed Tax →