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Help if ill as a contractor

Good morning all,

I am currently working as a contractor but have fallen ill. The doctor thinks there's a chance it might be glandular fever, and if it is, it could mean several weeks or maybe even months off work.

Can anyone please advise if there is something I might be able to claim to support myself and my son through this difficult time?
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Comments

  • xoAmyox
    xoAmyox Posts: 553 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Can anyone please offer some suggestions?
  • Notmyrealname
    Notmyrealname Posts: 4,003 Forumite
    You're self employed. Live off the money you set aside from the invoices you've been paid for. If you're an employee of your own Ltd Company claim SSP from yourself.

    You may be able to claim ESA if you're a sole trader.
  • xoAmyox
    xoAmyox Posts: 553 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I've only been a contractor for 6 weeks so haven't had a chance to set aside much. I've had to spend a lot to re-locate for my new job and for the benefit of my son, so that has left me short unfortunately. I use an umbrella company and an agency, I'm not sure what my status is in that instance?
  • enabledebra
    enabledebra Posts: 8,075 Forumite
    erm? whats a "senior benefits decision maker"? And didn't DCS become PDCS a couple of years ago?
  • princessdon
    princessdon Posts: 6,902 Forumite
    Do you have insurance?

    If not this is like closing the door after the horse has bolted, but once back on your feet do look at it. It can be classed as an expenditure for most brolly's. I know the 2 brolly's my OH used to use allowed it.

    It's not just your income it can also be your contract you lose.
  • xoAmyox
    xoAmyox Posts: 553 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I'm afraid I don't have insurance, my contract is pretty low paid, and the insurance was very expensive. I'll certainly learn from this and look further into taking some out though, thank you.

    Would I be able to claim income support perhaps?
  • dookar
    dookar Posts: 1,654 Forumite
    I don't see on what grounds you would claim income support - what she is your son and do you have a partner?
  • xoAmyox
    xoAmyox Posts: 553 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    My son is 6, I don't have a partner.
  • dookar
    dookar Posts: 1,654 Forumite
    Then I don't see any grounds to claim income support, I would imagine ESA would be the most appropriate benefit
  • pmlindyloo
    pmlindyloo Posts: 13,104 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Yes, put in a claim for ESA.

    See here:

    http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891

    Are you claiming tax credits?
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