Where do I start please with sickness benefits?

*zippy*

Hi, my husband was signed off work yesterday with depression, his work doesn't normally pay sick pay, but they have in the circumstances agreed to keep paying him at the moment, I would think this will be two months tops though.

He is very ill and has a responsible job so I cannot see him returning for quite some time, as he not capable of doing any job at the moment. I'm getting very confused about esa, income support and tax credits seem to go on last years pay. Any help appreciated...brief outline

We have two children, 15 & 19, 19 year in full time education until july then off to uni.

We don't claim any benifits other than child benefit for both until end of term and child tax allowance, thats about £40 a month for the tax credits.

I work 37 hours over two jobs, 29 one, 8 the other, but only at minimum wage so wouldn't be able to support us. Would I be better off just having the 29 hour job?

We have a repayment mortgage. Can we get help with this?

I'm of course worried how we are to manage and if I can do anything before work stop paying him and where to start afterwards. I was going to make an appointment to see the mortgage advisor to get the mortgage onto interest only, the right thing to do? we also have a loan that we won't be able to meet the repayments on, presume I will have to wait and contact one of the debt charties when the time comes and we know what our actual income will be.

Many thanks for any pointers

dmg24

He will be eligible for entitled to SSP for up to 26 weeks.

DanielleNic87

For what reason does his employer not pay Sick Pay? How many hours a week was he working before he was signed off?

Obviously you wouldn't be better off reducing your hours at work because you would have less earnings coming in.

Have you phoned WTC to tell them he is currently not working etc?

Danielle

*zippy*

Thanks both

He works full time and has been there donkey years, i've just called them now and they very helpful and said OH will be on full pay for the moment, I don't know how long, but they told me not to worry, thats a huge relief at least. I have longer to plan and i'm just going to have to reduce bills as much as I can and save while it lasts.

MrsManda

*zippy* wrote: »

Hi, my husband was signed off work yesterday with depression, his work doesn't normally pay sick pay, but they have in the circumstances agreed to keep paying him at the moment, I would think this will be two months tops though.

Do you mean his employer doesn't pay occupational sick pay (i.e. pay the person off ill his full/a % of his salary) or that they don't pay Statutory Sick Pay?
From your post it sounds like they don't usually pay occupational sick pay but in your husband's case they've decided to continue paying him as if he was at work but I wanted to clarify.

*zippy* wrote: »

He is very ill and has a responsible job so I cannot see him returning for quite some time, as he not capable of doing any job at the moment. I'm getting very confused about esa, income support and tax credits seem to go on last years pay. Any help appreciated...brief outline

If he is not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay or his SSP runs out (it's payable for upto 26 weeks) then he will be able to claim ESA.
Are you receiving any tax credits at the moment? If you are you need to inform them of the change in circumstances.

If your 15 year old is carrying on in education or training after he is 16 then you'll continue to receive Child Benefit for him
(I presume he's currently in yr11 as you said that your CB will stop for them both)

Depending on your income you may be entitled to help with Council Tax and interest on your mortgage. Put your details into the benefits calculators below to see what you may be entitled to.

I'd also call the benefits line as I found them very helpful as they can explain what you may be able to claim and fill out the forms over the phone which will help you get the decisions quicker.

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/ba/lp?_piref278_36249_278_36248_36248.__ora_navig=

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

oops a bit late
One other thought, if your household income drops by 15% or more then your son will be able to get reassessed for student finance presuming he has applied for income-assessed student finance

lauzellen

It may be wise to enquire about going interest only on the mortgage in order to reduce your outgoings so you are able to save more now. It sounds like his employer are being very good about the situation as your husband must be a well respected and reliable worker... that must be a relief!

I can't add any more than what has already been said but I wish you the best and hope you manage to sort things.

*zippy*

Sorry Manda I wasn't very clear thank you for the links, Yes he would be entitled to SSP, but they don't normally pay your wages after a weeks sick, but they are classing this as compassionate leave so will pay him for the time being, they were so kind, i've had a good cry

15 year old would stay on in school so ok there, 19 year old i'm going to lose CB for in a couple of months, had her uni interview this morning and it went well (fingers crossed)

No loss of income for the time being now thankfully so presume I just sit and wait now and see what happens.

*zippy*

Thanks lauzellen, yes I think i'll have a chat with the mortgage company, I know some are funny about going onto interest only, at least if I know thats done, I don't have to worry about it and I can save the extra. If OH does go back to work it will be a different job on a lower salary anyway as he will not be able to cope with the stress he currently is under, his work have kindly agreed to this as well.