Advice on Benefits due to Ill Health

JoJo69_3

I was wondering if someone could pass me on some firm advice.

My mum has been off work due to a bad back, following physio & a course of injections which has not worked she has continued to be on a sick note for work. Obviously her employers are now advising she is uncapable of carrying out her job and have nothing else they can offer her. It therefore looks she is going to have to leave work or be dismissed from work due to her back problem. Having never claimed benefits ever, we dont have a clue what she would be entitled to. Any pointers would be fantastic.

Thank you.

NASA_2

Employment and Support Allowance is the benefit for sick people.

sleepless_saver

Before she starts thinking about benefits, she needs to check out her employment rights. Employers can dismiss people for being incapable of work,but there is a process they have to go through if such dismissals are to be fair. This includes considering if there is suitable alternative employment available for her. Plus, if she is disabled, they will have legal obligations to make reasonable adjustments before moving on to such a drastic step as dismissal.

Is there any chance she could be retired on ill health grounds rather than being dismissed?

Her exact rights would depend partly on how long she has been working there. If shes a union member she could get advice from them. In any case, it would probably not be in her best interests to resign.

As to benefits, as NASA says she will get ESA if she is assessed as not able to work. Otherwise she would normally need to claim jobseekers allowance, unless she is a single parent with young children.

She may be entitled to disability living allowance. She can claim DLA whether or not she is working if her condition is likely to last at least 6 months and has gone on for at least 3 months, and she has care and/or mobility needs.

Any other benefits e.g. council tax benefit, housing benefit would depend on household circumstances and income, not just your mum's income. Have a look at entitledto.com to calculate what her entitlements might be.