First time unemployed, need help

scudo_2

my wife was recently paid off and can`t get any benefit for 13 weeks, I have had some health problems and just recently a heart attack, I have gone back to work for the last 3 weeks but the pressure is not good and have decided to pack in this type of work as its all pressure and (in my opinion) not worth the risk of another heart attack. I booked a holiday early in the year and go off for 2 weeks this weekend. it is my intention to get an easier job in the coming months but in the meantime we will have zero income.
What is the best way for me to finish work so that I can get some benefit immediately.I could just pack it in or I could use health reasons which I am sure my employers will agree to. I am not going to milk my company and take wages while off sick although that wouldn`t last too long anyway. We have both worked for the last 41 years and I just want a bit of financial help to get me over this period. I am probably looking to go back to work in the new year if I can find other employment.

Any guidance appreciated.
thanks

Got2change

Sorry to hear of your problems.........
I am not an expert by any means but as your health truly is an issue, I don't think you would just be using it. I am not sure how Incapacity Benefit works if you leave your job or Statutory Sick Pay if you stay in it; I am willing to bet that there are all sorts of hoops to jump through but think you should be entitled to something for sure, it would be just figuring out the best plan. Also, surprised that your wife can't get JSA if she was paid off and has made enough contributions.....that sucks.
I'm not much help am I? Maybe check out the DWP website?

SuziQ

You could also try visiting the CAB and talking to a benefits advisor,as I'm sure there must be some help for you.You will probably need to make an appointment as they are very busy.

scudo_2

Thanks for the replies so far. I suppose my main concern at the moment is how to terminate my employment which happens this week. Ill health or just packing it in. I am led to believe that if I dont get this correct I have to wait 13 weeks for a payment.

seven-day-weekend

Yes, if you give your job up you may well be sanctioned for Jobseekers' Allowance..

Why can't you claim Incapacity Benefit if you are ill??

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018913

healy

scudo wrote: »

Thanks for the replies so far. I suppose my main concern at the moment is how to terminate my employment which happens this week. Ill health or just packing it in. I am led to believe that if I dont get this correct I have to wait 13 weeks for a payment.

If you claim JSA you could have a sanction of between 2 and 26 weeks if they think you left without good cause. If a decsion maker thinks you did have good cause there may not be any sanction.

Boppy_2

If you are going to do it through ill health you need to self certify yourself sick for a week, then get your doctor to write a sick note whilst you work your notice and apply for incapacity benefit, then you will need to send a sick note off every month to say you are still too ill to work.

scudo_2

Why can't you claim Incapacity Benefit if you are ill??

I think one mistake I made was trying to go back to work to see how I would cope rather than stay off on sick line. That leaves me with trying to get a sick line tomorrow for the last few days.

scudo_2

Ok I have applied for Incapacity benefit so will have to wait and see what they are going to pay.
Another question though is they are going to send this out to me and I have to check / sign and return the form. I am going away for 2 weeks (booked months ago) and likely to get the form whilst away. Does anyonw know if this will create a problem if I don`t return it for say 2 weeks?