Losing job through ill health

carleeds

Hi! Does anyone know about my rights if I have to leave work through ill health. I have a lifelong condition which will eventually lead to having to leave. My workplace are doing everything they can at the moment and have suggested an eventual move to another job is there is one suitable. I want to work for as long as possible but would also like to know that when I do stop working I will still be able to manage financially. I have a mortgage which at the moment I don't have a problem paying. As I brought my children up by myself whilst paying the mortgage (so that I can leave them something when I'm sat up in the clouds) I would hate the thought that it has all been for nothing and I will lose my home. Help or advise Pleeeeaaaase :eek:

Mara69

I assume you are already saving for the future? When you leave your job you'll have to claim a medical based benefit such as ESA and possibly DLA. Not sure that you'll get your mortgage paid in its entirety though. Nice idea about leaving the kids a house, but if you can't work and pay the mortgage you may need to sell and rent.

Uncertain

The benefits aspect of this would be best answered on the benefits board. However, I would just point out that to get ESA you have to be judged unfit for ANY type of work, not just unfit for your current job.

From an employment point of view the standard advice is not to resign on health grounds. It may seem hard but you are generally in a better position if you sit tight and let the firm make all the moves. Although they can dismiss fairly if you are unable to do your job long term they need to follow proper process. For this reason firms sometimes offer a financial settlement called a compromise agreement where, in a nutshell, you sign away any possible claim against them in exchange for some money and an agreed reference.

If you are entitled to company sick pay it obviously makes sense to ensure you get this for as long as possible if you become too unwell to work.

Even if off sick long term, beyond the extent of your sick pay, all the time you remain employed you are accruing paid holiday which amount to one days pay for every two weeks.

Simply resigning looses all of this.

carleeds

Thanks for both your answers. I will re-post on benefits board. And can I just say, I didn't know I had this condition when I took out the mortgage. Didn't want you to think I'm a complete idiot :rotfl:

Fire_Fox

There is currently Support for Mortgage Interest available from the state but it doesn't kick in for three months and does not cover paying back the capital. This may change so you should not rely on it being available. Do you have savings? Can you get mortgage insurance with this health condition? Would you be able to take in a lodger for extra income? Have you thought about trying to pay your mortgage off early?

As already said do not resign, the DWP may well see this as making yourself intentionally unemployed and refuse to pay some or all benefits. Go on long term sick leave and let them terminate your contract on the ground of ill health.

tanith

No one seems to of mentioned a pension, do you pay into one with your employer? Depending on terms and conditions these can be paid early in some circumstances. Are your children grown and working? could they help with the mortgage payments? Just a few thoughts..