Signed off work but worried

neckproblem

Hi,

I've phoned a few organisations, but I'm bit overwhelmed with all the different jargon / confusing information, so thought I would post my question here.

I have been in work since I was 18 and always been healthy, but recently I've had neck problems since September. I went to my doctor who prescribed me pain killers which didn't really help, but I carried on working. I went back to the doctors and he signed me off work for 2 weeks and referred me to physiotherapist. He also put me on powerful muscle relaxants Robaxin.

Due to me being off work, I decided to attend walk in centre at hospital and they let me see a physiotherapist quite quickly, which I was surprised but grateful. The physio said I had symptoms of Dystonia and said he suggested acupuncture or neurologist. In the same week I saw my doctors physiotherapist and she said that physio would help my neck a lot but it would take time.

I obviously want to go back to work, but it is painful to drive at the moment and work. My company wrote to me today saying the first 2 weeks sickness was on full pay, and from November it will be £17.34 a day SSP. Obviously I'm used to £1400 a month income so it is quite a shock to the system being on £346 this month, as my neck problem is very debilitating.

It seems to be taking ages for the doctors to diagnose me, and I have asked for xray or MRI scan but they say if I don't have any tingling in my arms or legs then unfortunately I may have a neck problem for some time, but physio or neurologist can help diagnose.

I have two children (share joint custody), one of which I claim tax credits for, I've contacted tax credits office and told them, and they have re-estimated my income to be lower until April 2014, so I will receive an increase in tax credits, but I'm concerned I won't be able to pay all the bills and mortgage while I'm on SSP. Is there anyone who has been in similar situation?

My neck problem doesn't seem to be going away, so any advice getting work while stuck at home would be great too, as I have to think about things long term and for my kids. Any advice appreciated, thanks

pmlindyloo

I am not totally sure about this but am going to say it so someone more experienced can either agree or disagree.

I think because of your housing costs you may be able to apply for Income Support as a 'top up' to your SSP.

Now your SSP will be deducted from the Income Support but because of your housing costs you may be entitled to a little bit extra each week but also be entitled to Support for Mortgage Interest after 13 weeks.

Whether this is possible others will hopefully comment on.

In the event of no-one coming along just phone Income Support tomorrow explain your position and that you have a mortgage and see what they say.

In any event you will need to tighten your belt - have a thorough read of everything regarding budgeting on this website - think (amidst the pain -I sympathise with this) of anything you don't need to sell/ebay - cancel any DDs that you don't need - and perhaps most importantly of all speak to your lender. Whether you are lucky enough to be eligible for SMI it will only pay the interest on your mortgage to a certain amount (google for more information) so you will need to come to some arrangement with the lender (payment holiday/lengthen the term/interest only for a period).

Let's hope they can sort out your problem and get you back to work in the near future.

Foxy16

Hi Neckproblem,

If they think you have dystonia, then it will be cervical dystonia, I have had this for 15yrs, and it is not a nice condition. Google this and have a good read on it, in the meantime, go back to your GP and request you see a neurologist ASAP. I have tried acupuncture which does not work, and you have to be so careful having physio. One of the main treatments for this is botox, to relax the muscles. Sadly this does not help me, but it can help some. Good luck.

Sparkletoes35

Is your employer only giving you 2 weeks SSP and that's it? Do you own or rent your home?

paddedjohn

Sparkletoes35 wrote: »

Is your employer only giving you 2 weeks SSP and that's it? Do you own or rent your home?

If you read it properly the OP says full pay for 2 weeks then SSP.

Twisted_Cherry

I hope for your sake it's not Dystonia as it's a horrible long term condition. My friend has it, and sadly several rounds of Botox it fails to help her, she has Blepharospasm which affects her eyes.

bloolagoon

paddedjohn wrote: »

If you read it properly the OP says full pay for 2 weeks then SSP.

That poster has a habit if reading what they want to see.

Sparkletoes35

bloolagoon wrote: »

That poster has a habit if reading what they want to see.

Its lovely to see such smugness in being downright rude.

bloolagoon

Sparkletoes35 wrote: »

Its lovely to see such smugness in being downright rude.

Factual, you have a huge amount to offer and I welcome your input genuinely but take time to read before jumping in. In your position you have an awful lot to give/wealth of advice and people need this. I don't devalue your opinion just advice is read the OP more carefully, I was the same so not a criticism and I think you can add a huge value.

julia78

There isn't enough information Neckpain in whether u have mortgage or rent? U wont get a top up of any other benefit whilst receiving SSP as its similar to the payment u would receive under ESA assessment phase. I hope u get better soon and fingers crossed for u!!

julia78

Sparkletoes35 wrote: »

Is your employer only giving you 2 weeks SSP and that's it? Do you own or rent your home?

What happened to being NICE to Newbies ppl? There was no harm done, didn't actually advise just asked a question