how to claim and what to claim for

creamcrackered · 9 August 2014 at 2:09PM

I would love some advice please.
I am a self employed childminder and have been told I need urgent surgery on my back so will obviously need to give up work for a while.
I have been luckily enough not to have ever claimed for any benefits other than tax credits and dont know where to go or what to do.
Can some one help?

tomtontom · 9 August 2014 at 2:13PM

ESA is the main benefit for those unable to work. Have you paid regular NI Contributions over the past few years, and do you have a partner that works?

creamcrackered · 9 August 2014 at 2:24PM

Yes I have paid my contibutions.My husband works full time and his wage is £20000.
We have 2 children.

x

TELLIT01 · 9 August 2014 at 5:44PM

If you've paid full contributions for the qualifying years (sorry my brain has stopped and I can't remember which the current qualifying years are) you should be entitled to Contributions based ESA for up to 12 months. You will definitely not qualify for Income Related benefit due to your husband's income and hours.