Hi, my name is janetnoonomalley! What can I claim

janetnoonomalley

i was diagnosed with breastfeeding cancer oin August 2019 I was on sap for 28weeks and it expired. I retuned to work on March 9th 2020 I was at work for 7 days my last day for working was 17th March due to the government advising people with underlying health problems to self isolate. I have no income or wages now could you please advise me what I should do. I was back at work and had to stop because of the Coronavirus 
thankyou
Janet Noon O Malley

poppy123456

HI and welcome,

If you are unable to work because of a health condition then you need to look at claiming New style ESA to start with. To claim this you need to have paid NI Contributions in tax years April 2017 to March 2019. It pays £73.10 per week. It's not means tested so living with a partner that works, savings/capital will not affect the amount you can claim. See link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Universal Credit is means tested, if you live with a partner that works then you'll need to claim as a couple. If you're claiming any tax credits this will stop and transfer to UC. If you're claiming housing benefit to help with any rent then it will continue to be paid for 2 weeks and then transfer to UC. There's a 5 week wait for your first payment but you can ask for an advance payment but do be aware it will need to be paid back from future UC payments.

If you claim New style ESA and UC then your New style ESA will be deducted £1 for £1 from your UC entitlement. https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Council tax reduction isn't part of UC and needs to be claimed from your local council.

LouiseH

Hi @janetnoonomalley welcome to the site. I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

Best wishes,
Louise

Abs_Scope

Hi @janetnoonomalley- Welcome you to the community. We are here to help and support you as much as we can. Great advice from @poppy123456. We have pages which are grouped under particular subject headings - you may find this useful