Thought I was starting to get sorted - but illness has set me back

AdviceSought wrote: »

For about 18 months.

And how much time have you had off sick in the last six months? Because it looks from your contract like you should get 4 weeks full pay, I think!

If I were you I'd have a chat with either your line manager if you get on well enough with them, or with your payroll department direct. It certainly looks as though this ought to be an error. Fingers crossed.

Hi AS

There's plenty of good advice already about your health and the employment issues . I'll have a go at giving some ideas on the DAS side.

When you speak to your money adviser on Monday (it's StepChange if I remember rightly?) try to go over all the different options.

Whatever changes you make to the DAS have to be done formally. It's a whole process (variation) but StepChange can help you with it.

Realistically, that's not going to happen before your next payment is due. However, if you pay what you can that will look better than missing the payment completely.

When someone is off work because of illness they can apply for a payment break of up to six months (this is one of the options under the variation process). But their disposable income also has to have reduced by 50% of more.

Right now, it doesn't look as if that has happened because you said you've lost 40% of your DPP payment. I know, that's tough but StepChange have to confirm that they've seen a drop of 50%.

If the worst comes to the worst and you're still off next month, then a payment break application then might be a possibility.

Another possibility - which you can go for as soon as StepChange are ready - is to apply to reduce your payments for a while - maybe six months. Cut it down to the amount you'd expect to be able to pay if your salary drops right down, so that you're not stressing about the affordability.

Whatever you decide to do, StepChange will almost certainly need to see some evidence of your current income and expenditure, so it makes sense to get that together over the weekend - so that you're good to go and send it to them after you've spoken on Monday.

I looked back at your previous posts because I remember posting to you before. Your DPP is pretty short, so even with reduced payments for a few months StepChange could point out to the creditors and the DAS Administrator that it's still 'Fair and Reasonable'.

Some creditors might take the hump because it's such a new DPP so you haven't built up a payment history. That's why it's a good idea to pay something this month (maybe even next month if the variation hasn't been sorted out) because it shows willing.

The most important think right now is your health. Keep working with the doctor and any other health professionals to get that sorted.

But I understand that it will help your peace of mind if you can also sort out the DAS payments. That's where StepChange come in. They might have some other ideas and suggestions for you, but it's worth talking over the ideas I've mentioned.

Take care of yourself.

You can not be afraid to ask for what you are due - what I would ask would simply be along the lines of:

Dear XYZ,

I have received my payslip and I'm just wanting to check that I haven't misunderstood the amounts on it. I understand from my contract that I'm entitled to 4 weeks full pay in the event of illness as I've been with *company* over 12 months - but looking at my payslip then more has been subtracted than SSP?

Sorry if I've misunderstood anything, just wanted to clarify where I got confused? Would you be able to help me clear this up?

Thank you in advance.

Kind regards

AdviceSought


assuming you haven't had any sick pay in the previous 12 months then there is no reason you should have not been paid it.

Don't assume it's always listed as sick pay on the payslip... if they paid you full rate when you were off sick then they would be entitled to count that towards the 4 weeks - however that aside - you are still entitled to your sick pay if that is what it states in the contract. You're not asking for anything extravagant here!

You signed up to a contract, the same as your employer did - you have rights the same as anyone else

I work in a small company too at the moment so I do know what you mean, and being stressed might be making it all the worse for you. It will likely not be an issue when you return, so try not to worry.

I know it's hard, I find it very hard sometimes to ask for what is rightfully mine too, but I've learnt the hard way that sometimes you need to be brave

Ultimately it's money you are entitled to



Long term though - what can you try to do to help yourself be less stressed? You're dealing with your debts, but would getting out for walks help? Finding a cheap/free hobby? Joining a charity and doing something you enjoy (I used to be very active with St John when I was younger - there are a plenthora of opportunities there, or contact local shelters and vonlunteer as a dog walker, spend time with someone elderly in your community) can help you focus on positives instead of negatives.

Yes work need to be dealt with, but try to do what you can to re-direct your self so you can then deal with them when you go back