I might need to stop working due to ill health. Very stressed looking at all the benefit claims

teddyblue
teddyblue Community member Posts: 4 Listener
edited March 2022 in Benefits and income
Good evening everyone .

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  • teddyblue
    teddyblue Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    There is a big possibility I might need to stop working due to ill health .
    so very stressed looking at all the benefit claims .
    I can’t give up work without some sort of money , but because of my Ill  health I think it’s becoming a definite possibility . 
    I have been off sick for just over a month . I just don’t know what to do . Any advice is more than welcome .
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    HI,
    If entitled then your employer must pay you SSP for 28 weeks with a fit note from your GP. https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility
    Whether you'll be entitled to any Universal Credit as well as the SSP will depend on your circumstances. As it's a means tested benefit, if you live with a partner you claim as a couple and both of your circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you do claim this you can report your health condition and send in fit notes from your GP to start the work capability assessment process off. Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=57bafb25-24aa-443e-86cb-c0d79f17bcbc
    New style ESA would be possible if you've paid the correct amount of NI contirbutions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021. You can start your claim 3 months before your SSP ends and you will need your SSP1 form from your employer and a fit note from your GP. However, payments will not start until your SSP has ended.
    If you claim both of the above together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.
    PIP is a disability benefit which isn't means tested. Whether you're entitled to anything will totally depend on how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities. A successful claim can take about 10 months, sometimes longer.




  • SueHeath
    SueHeath Community member Posts: 12,388 Championing
    Morning @teddyblue welcome to the group.
    I am at the stage with my health problems were i to have had to go on long term sick from my job of 30+ years.

    How much sick time do you get with your job ?
    I am very lucky i work in schools and our contract is 6 months full and 6 months half pay - i have just started my half pay now.

    This group as helped me a lot with time scales etc - i thought i would be okay to leave all till my sick pay comes to an end.
    With this in mind i sent my application (via email) to start the ball rolling to see if i am entitled to pip.

    I have it set as a reminder to see about ESA in 2 months time.

    I do not know how old you are or if you pay into a private pension x
  • teddyblue
    teddyblue Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    Good afternoon Sue. 
    I work within the school system too , and currently off sick .
    Thank you so much for your reply, my mind last night was overly stressed with looking into it all . 
    I am  61 , I thought the job I have would suit my health conditions , but sadly it’s not the case now.
    I worry when I read some claims take up to 10 months.
    I have only just started looking into PIP . 
    But will look into ESA too.
    Thank you once again for your reply. 
    Best wishes sent to you.

  • SueHeath
    SueHeath Community member Posts: 12,388 Championing
    If you book mark your question @teddyblue then you can use it for reference (helps me remember who i spoke to) i'm 64 so we about the same.

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi I'm sure sue will know more about how it works but you need to first take your sick entitlement and follow the company policy relating to either medical dismissal or ill health retirement if that 8s a possibility 

    However taking your pension early would affect your entitlement to means tested benefits 

    As you have only been off 1 month it is early days yet 

    Read up on the policies from your employer and discuss with the hr dept your options 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    teddyblue said:

    But will look into ESA too.


    SSP needs to be claimed first from your employer for 28 weeks if eligible, as advised.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    edited March 2022
    poppy123456 said:
    teddyblue said:

    But will look into ESA too.
    SSP needs to be claimed first from your employer for 28 weeks if eligible, as advised.
    During which time you may be able to claim UC too, as also advised.
  • teddyblue
    teddyblue Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    Thank you all for your helpful comments .

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