0hr contract and no SSP

helenmwill
helenmwill Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited June 2023 in Benefits and income
Hi, I am hoping for a bit of advice please as no answers from UC journal.
I am currently on a zero hr contract but since May 5th, I have been uploading fit notes on to UC. I am not entitled to SSP as I do not have 'qualifying hours' - probably didn't help that I kept gradually reducing hours due to back/hip pain (now have MRI results diagnosing herniated disc/DDD) .
I am very worried as to how we will manage financially as I have a daughter in nursery and therefore have been receiving 85% childcare . I physically cannot work (struggle to move most days) and I'm waiting for appointment with spinal team to discuss next step, but I'm aware that understandably if not employed, then I won't receive childcare help.
I cannot take my daughter (2.6yrs) out of nursery as I struggle looking after her on my own due to my lack of mobility as well as not wanting to lose her place. She also gets the stimulation and support she needs (developmental trauma disorder).
I believe if I was receiving SSP UC would continue to help with childcare - is this the case if no SSP but officially still employed? I know I cannot return to same work due to the lifting/bending etc (nursery assistant) so feel I should let my employer know, but would that cause an issue?
Thank you in advance.

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