Nearly 3 million people are off work due to long-term health conditions – Universal Credit, ESA and Statutory Sick Pay can provide financial support
The British Chambers of Commerce’s latest figures reveal nearly three million people are off work due to long-term health conditions. Many others may be without a job or income because of their health, leading to significant financial stress.
But there’s a range of government payments and benefits that could help ease this burden and support you until you’re fit enough to return to work. These payments cover various circumstances, but all are available if you’re either employed and off sick, or unemployed due to illness.
Eligibility for these payments can vary greatly, but you might be able to claim more than one simultaneously, significantly boosting your income. Plus, many benefits will see rate increases in April, meaning if you apply now, you could enjoy an extra income lift in just a few months.
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the DWP benefits and other payments you might qualify for if you’re unable to work due to a health condition….
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment designed to assist with any living costs you’re struggling with. Different allowances can be added to your payments, meaning you could receive extra based on your situation.
The current standard allowances for Universal Credit are:
- If you’re single and under 25 – £316.98
- If you’re single and 25 or over – £400.14
- If you live with your partner and you’re both under 25 – £497.55 for both of you
- If you live with your parnet and either you are 25 or over – £628.10 for both of you
You can find more information on Universal Credit, including how to apply, on the GOV.UK website here.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA can offer additional financial support for living costs while also helping you get back to work when you’re ready. ESA can be claimed whether you’re out of work, in work, or self-employed.
Unlike some other benefits, ESA can also provide much-needed cash much sooner because it offers an assessment rate for up to 13 weeks while a claim is being assessed. This assessment rate is £72.90 per week for those under 25 and £92.05 per week for those aged 25 or over.
Those in the work-related activity group can receive up to £92.05 per week, while those in the support group – people who can’t work – can get up to £140.55 per week. If your claim takes longer than 13 weeks to process, you’ll continue to receive the standard assessment rate until a decision is made or when your ESA is due to end.
If you’re due any cash after the 13-week period, your ESA could be backdated. You can lodge an application for ESA via the GOV.UK website here.
For those unable to apply online, it’s advised to ring up the Jobcentre Plus new claims helpline on 0800 055 6688.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
By law, employees should pocket at least £118.75 per week in statutory sick pay if you’re off work due to illness for a certain duration. This payment ensures a minimum income while you’re out of action due to sickness.
Your employer is legally bound to cough up this amount each week for up to 28 weeks. It’s crucial to remember that sick pay is only doled out for the days you would typically have been working but are off due to illness.
This usually doesn’t cover the first three working days. The only exception is if you’ve pocketed sick pay within the last eight weeks, which must have included a three-day waiting period before your first payment.
Official guidelines state that you’re only eligible for sick pay if you’re legally recognised as an employee, have clocked in for your employer earning an average of at least £125 per week, and have been ill for more than three consecutive days, including non-working days. Agency workers also have a right to statutory sick pay.
To claim sick pay, you should let your employer know that you’re unfit to work either within seven days or within a timeframe set by your employer. Full details on statutory SSP can be found on GOV.UK here.
