I can't work due to flare ups, what benefits can I get?

HI and welcome,

If you're unable to work because of a health condition and you've paid enough NI Contributions from working in the years April 2019 to March 2019 then New Style ESA maybe possible with a fit note from your GP and your SSP1 form from your employer. This pays £73.10 per week and is paid for 1 year unless you're placed into the support group and then it's paid for as long as you remain in that group.

The only other benefit is universal Credit, which you will need to claim with your partner as a couple.  This is a means tested benefit and claiming this will depend on household income, savings and capital. If you're currently claiming tax credits and housing benefit then these will both end if you claim UC. Housing benefit will continue for 2 weeks and then transfer to UC along with any child elements that you're entitled to for dependent children.

If you claim New style ESA as well as UC then your New style ESA will be deducted £1 for £1 from your UC monthly payments. I'd advise you to either put all of your details into a benefits calculator and it will tell you what you maybe entitled to, providing the details you put in are correct. If you're unable to do this then i'd advise a visit to a local advice agency near you.

Hope this helps.

I'm assuming you're claiming SSP is that correct? If so then 3 months before this ends you'll be able to start a claim for New style ESA as advised in a previous comment. You won't receive any payments until the SSP has ended but at least the claim will be there waiting. Fit notes and your SSP1 form will be needed.

For the UC then it will depend on your circumstances as previously advised.