off work

Nicky321

I have been working part time 6.25hrs/wk for the last 14 months and been employed with a permanent contract since Sept 06. I have been off work for 4 weeks so far and do not know if I will receive sick pay off my employer, but today I saw a specialist and have been told I will not be returning to work for at least 6 more weeks minimum and more likely longer due to 2 prolapsed discs and bone spurs, creating acute chronic sciatica. My question is would i be entitled to Incapacity benefit, bearing in mind i do not think i have paid NI contributions due to working so few hours per week.

willowcat_2

Hi, sorry to hear you are unable to work. SSP is usually paid before incapacity benefit, however it is likely that you earning were too low and you will be eligible to claim incapacity benefit. I have added a link for the incapacity benefit information pack. you really would be better contacting your local jobcentre plus office as soon as possible though, as they might not be able to backdate benefit payments to the date you actually became entitled. Please also check out other entitlement such as housing/council tax benefit etc

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stellent/groups/jcp/documents/websitecontent/dev_012319.pdf

Penny-Pincher!!

Whats your age Nicky? There are circumstances where you can claim IB before a certain age, even if you havent made enough contributions.

PP
xx