Don't know where I stand with the benefits system

suegriffith

CMC ARTHRITIS IN HANDS  ARTHRITIS IN KNEES AND FEET

suegriffith

Would like someone to talk to me about this

surfygoose

Hi. That must be painful to live with. How are you? Do you have good support around you and friends and family?

suegriffith

well i have had 2 reports 1 from doctor and 1 from occupational theripist both think it is very unlikely i would return to work been on SSPsince 12th december 2022 my employer is making things difficult so i feel that i should give up work due to ill health but i dont know where i stand with the benefits system 

surfygoose

I think someone else will know more about this than me but definitely keep hold of all reports you have received about your condition and how it affects you, as if you do find yourself applying for benefits based on your condition then the letters from professionals are really important evidence for you.

Adrian_Scope

suegriffith said:

well i have had 2 reports 1 from doctor and 1 from occupational theripist both think it is very unlikely i would return to work been on SSPsince 12th december 2022 my employer is making things difficult so i feel that i should give up work due to ill health but i dont know where i stand with the benefits system 

Hi @suegriffith. Are you currently claiming any benefits at all?

suegriffith

YES UNIVERSAL CREDIT

poppy123456

suegriffith said:

YES UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Have you reported a change of circumstances and reported your health condition? You will need to provide a fit note within 7 days of that and continue to send them without any gaps until a decision is made on your work capability assessment.

If you have the correct amount of NI credits for tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22 you'll be able to claim New style ESA. You won't be financially better off because it's deducted in full from any UC entitlement. It's worth claiming it though because it's not means tested like UC is. You can't be paid anything until your SSP has ended but you can't start a claim 3 months before and payments will start the day after your SSP ends. You will need your SSP1 form and a fit note.

There's also PIP (unless you're living in Scotland and then it's ADP) it's not awarded based on any diagnosis and it's not means tested so davings/capital and other benefits/income do not affect the amount you maybe entitled to. See link. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/