Working tax credits and sick leave from work.

Jenniferlee79

I'm currently signed off work due to stress, I've been off for four months now. While I'm getting a bit better I'm only just now realising how much the prolonged (several months) and consistant stress at work affected me and I can see I've still got a long way to go to being back to normal. So I can't see me going back any time soon. I'm fortunate that I get contractual sick pay. I get six months full pay then six months half pay.

However as I'm getting close to the end of the full pay period I'm starting to worry about coping financially. I live on my own so I have no other income to rely on. I've read that you can get working tax credits for the first 28 weeks if you're getting SSP. However as I'm still being paid by work, and as the period where I'll be struggling will be the after the first 28 weeks of being signed off will this mean that I can't get any help?

If I can't get working tax credits is there any other help I can get?

Icequeen99

You are right that tax credits will end at the point your full time pay ends.

You could look at claiming income related employment and support allowance, but your wages might be too high. If you rent, you might be able to get some housing benefit support and help through the council tax reduction scheme.

IQ

nannytone_2

if you were working and paying NI in the tax years 11/12 and 12/13 you will be entitled to conts based ESA

rogerblack

in addition - your work is required to do 'reasonable adjustments' - if your reaction to the stress amounts to a disability that is more than trivial.
If you're signed off - it sounds like it is.
Is there anything that work could do to make it less stressful?
Would fewer hours help?