long term ssp and working tax credits?

brendang_2

hi,just looking for some advice,my SIL has been on long term sickness leave from work for over 12 months now and as a result has started to recieve ssp payments from the government or whoever it is, i believe this is automatic following the 12 month limit her employer is obliged to pay her sick pay,im just wondering if because she is still employed even though on sick leave is she entitled to any form of tax credits(working) to help her out,she has no kids living with her etc,she recieves between 320-400 pounds a month to cover living costs bills ,partial rent payment etc,if not are there any other benefits she can claim whilst on the sick,she currently recieves housing benefit (not full amount to cover her rent) council tax relief,but nothing else ,hope this is not too confusing

Tonibee

SSP is paid by an employer for the first 28 weeks of sickness. If an employer offers contractual sick pay, which may pay more than SSP or pay for a longer period, then the occupational sick pay ALWAYS includes SSP (even if the employer doesn't even realise it).

During that time, working tax credits continue as normal (the person is 'treated' as being in full time work for working tax credit).

Once the SSP period ends then the deeming provision for WTC ends and so the person is no longer in work and therefore not entitled to working tax credit.

Employment and Support allowance is the DWP benefit for those who are sick for longer than 28 weeks or otherwise not employed. If your sister really hasn't claimed this from the 28th week then she should ask for her claim to be backdated for the maximum allowable time (up to three months) as she's lost out.

Disability living allowance might be an option for your sister. You can get information about that all over the web, from a CAB or a welfare rights adviser (that's what I do) or from the DWP disability benefits helpline - 0800 88 22 00.