Sickness benefit??

Woodstock1953

I took on a new job having taken early retirement last month (aged 60). I worked for 3 days for a British-based company (on a Nil Contract), based in Italy, before having to return to the UK following a back injury whilst carrying out my duties.

I saw my GP who gave me a certificate for 2 weeks. Not quite knowing what to do with this document, I sent it to my employers who haven't responded.

According to my contract, I'm not entitled to 'sick pay'. My question is, can I claim any benefits, as I simply can't work at the moment (I'm a former nurse - I can't even return to that role)?:j

sammyjammy

You would be entitled to Statutory sick pay in normal circumstances, as you were working abroad I am not sure if this applies. Do you currently receive a pension of any kind? If so how much? Do you have a partner with or without an income?

Woodstock1953

I do have a private pension, which has only just started, of about £700 a month, but I really need to work - or have some other income - in order to pay the mortgage, etc. (my state pension kicks in when I'm 63). I don't have a partner (I'm happily divorced!).

The holiday company I worked for is based in Scotland, although its parent company is American. I've checked my contract through again and they definitely do not pay Sick Pay. I even enquired at the local employment office but they weren't sure if I had any entitlement or not; it seemed a bit of a grey area, for some reason.

Torry_Quine

Have you been paying NI contributions while employed?

sammyjammy

You can claim ESA (Although they will take your pension into account) if your employer will not pay SSP as you are not eligible (as above if you were paying tax and NI in UK then you should be entitled as long as you were earning more than £107 a week) but they have to complete a form so you'll need to get them to speak to you either way. Did you take a copy of the fit note before you sent it to them?

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

Woodstock1953

I've had a modicum of success - I think. I made a claim for ESA via a very lengthy phone call, and it appears that I should be eligible for some benefit - having paid NI. Time will tell. Thank you for your advice.:T