being signed off work for self-employed people

jerrardm

Don't know if anyone can give me some advice but here is my situation: I am self-employed as a carpenter and also suffer from severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine) which is becoming limiting with the amount of work I can do. It will reach the point where I am unable to work as a carpenter and I also find it difficult to sit for large lengths of time in a normal chair so office work is going to be out. I am just about to start physio treatment to hopefully ease the pain although it will not resolve the problem. And, after that long winded explanation, here is my question: what benefits would I be entitled to if I cannot work? My doctor is willing to sign me off work but being self-employed if I don't work I don't get paid. How would I go about claiming benefits?

I have been paying NI all my life and taxes etc but I have never signed on or claimed any benefits so this is all new ground to me.

Any help greatly appreciated

Oldernotwiser

I have been paying NI all my life and taxes etc but I have never signed on or claimed any benefits so this is all new ground to me.

Any help greatly appreciated[/QUOTE]

What class of NICs have you been paying?

Hammyman

If you're up to date with your Class 2 NIC, you can claim health related benefits such as ESA.

concerned43

Depends on NI contributions, savings, partner income.