benefits

mitch1971

hi just wondered if any 1 can help me.
I was diagnosed with a chronic illness 2 years ago i have been trying to cope with working full-time but i am struggling i have currently been on the sick for 5 weeks.I have been told that i should go on permanent sick as my job is making my condition worse. The company are not helping me at all e have a company nurse but you are not allowed to speak to her in private the personnel manager has to be there which i do not agree with. I really need some help on what to do ie wether i would be entitlied to anything if i was finished from work due to illness. My husband as a good job so i did not know if that would be took into account.I realise that i probably will not be able to get as much as i did when i was working full-time but i cannot afford to drop a full wage altogether.
Any help would be very grateful.:T

littlerat

You *MAY* be able to claim ESA, but if you get put in the work-related activity group, this is time limited on contributions to I think 12 months. Support group is unlimited.

Assuming you qualify for conts-based and WRAG, I guess you could go on it to give yourself time to recuperate and look for something more suited to your health now - or stay in your job and look for something more. Assuming your husband is working full time you won't get income based.

Obviously if you did quality for support group that is a long term option, but... well, it seems a shame to write yourself off as unable to work permanently if there's another option.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

I would use the pilot CAB Boards, the rest of us can chime in with our knowledge, expertise or us plain learning the ropes. best of luck.x

Bigmoney2

mitch1971 wrote: »

hi just wondered if any 1 can help me.
I was diagnosed with a chronic illness 2 years ago i have been trying to cope with working full-time but i am struggling i have currently been on the sick for 5 weeks.I have been told that i should go on permanent sick as my job is making my condition worse. The company are not helping me at all e have a company nurse but you are not allowed to speak to her in private the personnel manager has to be there which i do not agree with. I really need some help on what to do ie wether i would be entitlied to anything if i was finished from work due to illness. My husband as a good job so i did not know if that would be took into account.I realise that i probably will not be able to get as much as i did when i was working full-time but i cannot afford to drop a full wage altogether.
Any help would be very grateful.:T

Who has suggested you go on permanant sick?
Are they suggesting you resign or remain employed on long term sick.
Are you getting paid company sick pay and/or SSP?
How long will company sick pay run for.

Is the nature of you illness degenerative or is there a chance it could improve or be managed better.
Have reasonable adjustments to your current job been considered?

Would a reduction in hours help?

It may be worth seeing the company dr/nurse even with HR there to discuss things such as reasonable adjustments, you could take a union rep with you.

It is quite normal to be refered to occupational health after a certain time off sick, so they can ascertain when/if you are likely to be able to return, and if any adjustments need to be made e.g phased return, reduction of hours. etc.

In terms of benefits available normaly SSP runs for 6months after which ESA kicks in, contribution based runs for 365 days (if you the required NI contributions), there is also income based (which is means tested on household income).

DLA is for people with care or mobility needs and is not means tested or work related.