Leaving work due to sickness

towneley89

My partner is currently working but is struggling because of previous medical illness,the main one being a kidney transplant that is slowly detioriating , a new diagnosis of bipolar, & DVT & does not know which benefit or help he may be entitled to, he is currently off one week a month on average due to illness & appointments & is struggling very much financially. He would like to keep working but think it is better to look after his health. Any advice ?????:T

schrodie

Employment & Support Allowance would be his best bet with also a claim in for Disability Living Allowance.

miduck

Would a reduced hours contract help? It would be worth speaking with the employer about making reasonable adjustments before resigning, they may be able to come up with a solution that works for both parties.

pmlindyloo

What does his doctor say?

To apply for ESA you need to produce fit notes from the doctor. The doctor (as well as other medical professionals) would also be expected to supply medical information that he meets the criteria for ESA.

Google ESA and have a look at the descriptors before he makes any decisions.

Disability Living Allowance is based on any care/mobility needs. It is not based on illness. Again google these to see what it entails.

You say that he is not managing finacially at the moment. Is he not getting paid during his periods of sickness?

If he is eligible then he will get contribution based ESA if he has paid NI contributions for the last couple of years. This is not means tested so your income and any savings will not be taken into account.

Unless he is placed in the Support Group his contribution based ESA will end after one year in the WRAG group and whether he is entitled to income based ESA after this will depend on the household income and any savings.

If he is financially insecure at the moment then I wouldn't expect that he would be better off receiving ESA.

Of course, his health is important so if he is unfit for work then he should apply.

He needs to talk to work (as suggested) and also speak to his doctor about his long term diagnosis.