Sickness benefit question

MummyOfTwo

Hi, I am hoping someone on this board may be able to guide me a little. My mother is experiencing some significant health issues and is unable to work at present. It is looking like she will be unable to return to work in the next few months, so what is the procedure for sickness benefit claiming? I know theres been a lot of change on that front, so where do we start, or indeed what can i assist her to claim?
many thanks in advance:o

MrsManda

Does her company have an occupational sick pay scheme? If not is she entitled to SSP?

If she is entitled to Statutory Sick Pay her work should start paying it after she's been sick for 4 days. SSP is payable for upto 28 weeks.
If she's not eligible for SSP/her SSP runs out and she's still unable to work then she can claim ESA.

SSP: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018786

ESA: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/esa/index.htm

ESA can be contribution based or income based so if she's paid enough N.I. contributions in the last two years she'll get ESA(C), if not, she'll be assessed on household income.