Self Employed & Sick Pay

Vickie0785

My husband is a Director of his Limited Company & has had an accident. He has been told by his doctor he has to have an operation and will be off work for at least 6 weeks.

This has caused us quite a bit of panic as obviously he will not be bringing in an income during this time & he is the main earner. Looking at all our outgoings, there is no way we get out of this mess.

What we need to know is he he entitled to claim any benefits during this time? I have seen conflicting advice on whether he is entitled to sick pay. We already claim tax credits - i'm presuming i'll have to inform them about our situation but I can't see them making up the difference of his income.

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

MrsManda

Are you working? If so, how many hours a week?
Do you have any savings?

He may be entitled to income based Employment Support Allowance.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891

You may be able to claim income based benefits such as housing benefit (if you rent) and council tax benefit while your household income has dropped.
Do you have any insurance which will help cover costs?

Here's some details on tax credits and ill health
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/Keepingyourtaxcreditsuptodate/Changesthataffectyourtaxcredits/Changesatwork/DG_174175

jetplane

If your husband has paid his class 2 NI contributions for the tax years April 2008 - April 2010 then he can claim Contribution Based ESA. If he was an employee at that time then he would need to have paid enough class 1 NI contributions.

The rest as is MrsManda says -
It depends on your other income or savings whether you will be eligible for other means tested benefits ie income based ESA or Housing or Council Tax benefits.
Tax credits will remain the same as he will still be classed as self employed during those 6 weeks.