Self employment & illness

Diogenes42
Diogenes42 Online Community Member Posts: 27 Connected
edited March 2017 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Hi,

As a self employed person, is there any way to claim back money when you are off sick?

Thanks

Comments

  • Alex
    Alex Scope Posts: 1,281 Pioneering
    Hi @Diogenes42

    If you're self-employed, you cannot get Statutory Sick Pay, but you could check if you would qualify for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

    I think there are also schemes you can join if you're self-employed (insurance type products) to give you some income if you get sick, but I don't really know if they are worth it.


  • Diogenes42
    Diogenes42 Online Community Member Posts: 27 Connected
    Thanks Alex.
    I don't qualify for ESA. The reason I ask is that I am often too ill too work & have to cancel on the day. I've also been ill these last 3 weeks with flu. I don't earn much as it is & with illness I essentially lose half a years wage.

  • Alex
    Alex Scope Posts: 1,281 Pioneering
    That's a shame. Have you checked for other benefits that you might be able to get?

    https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Self-employment-and-benefits/What-benefits-can-I-claim#guide-content

    You could go through the checker here:
    https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/benefits/check

    Out of curiosity - what do you do?
  • Diogenes42
    Diogenes42 Online Community Member Posts: 27 Connected
    I've just checked the benefits calculator & don't qualify for anything. I am a self employed music instructor Alex.
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,602 Championing
    Hi @Diogenes42 I was self employed for years due to my illness, the benefits being that I chose my own working hours, but it meant no sick pay or benefits from being employed.  I didnt find a way around it I'm afraid.  I applied for PIP but was turned down. 

    It's really tough, Im sorry I don't have any advice, I just wanted to say I know what you are going through. 
  • Diogenes42
    Diogenes42 Online Community Member Posts: 27 Connected
    thanks Sam

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