Advice please re sicknes benefit

HappyG1rl

I haven't paid any NI since March 2007 and have had a career break. Looking for a job now little one is at school but found I need an operation (nothing serious but I won't be able to work for 6 weeks or so). Am I still entitled to claim sickness benefit?

stazi

Claim Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Income Support (IS) by ringing JCP on 0800 055 6688.

JCP will decide if you are entitled to IB or not depending on your National Insurance records for the tax years 05/06 and 06/07.

IS is a income related benefit, and your circumstances will need to be assessed. For example- if you have a partner who works, it's unlikely you would be entitled.

More info about both is here-
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/008025.xml.html
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_015271.xml.html

stazi

IB replaced Sickness Benefit (SB) from 13/4/95- but hurry up- as IB will be replaced from OCT 08 with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

ESA will replace IB & IS for new non linking claims.

As I said earlier, claim IB now which will be based on your NI record and nothing to do with your husb.

You could also look at claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Titch89

IB has nothing to do with your husband's income. However, you do need enough NI contributions to get it.

You might be able to get disability living allowance (DLA) but I think you have to be sick for a certain amount of time.

[Deleted User]

Titch89 wrote: »

IB has nothing to do with your husband's income. However, you do need enough NI contributions to get it.

You might be able to get disability living allowance (DLA) but I think you have to be sick for a certain amount of time.

if you have care and or mobility needs you may apply for DLA when youve needed help for 3 months and will need it for at least another 6 months,the exception is for terminal illness when special rules apply.
But note that its not the illness that gets you DLA but care/mobility needs