Any help while on sick leave?

jewelly

I'm on long term sick leave and getting half pay for the time being which is £11K per annum. (Statutory sick pay has now finished.) This income is not enough to cover my living expenses. I normally work 38 hours per week. Does anyone know if I can get any financial help? I'm wondering if I could get tax credits due to the drop in income.

I do have some savings but they were supposed to be for my retirement years as I only have a tiny pension. I suppose I'm fortunate that I have been frugal and saved up. I don't know what I would do otherwise. It's sad to see my savings dwindling. I've got 6 years to go until state retirement age (if that makes any difference).

Indie_Kid

Do you have a partner who works and do you have savings over £6k?

jewelly

No partner, but savings are over £6K

sleepless_saver

jewelly wrote: »

No partner, but savings are over £6K

Possibilities are working tax credit, and if savings less than £16k council tax reduction and (if renting) housing benefit. You could do a benefit check. Have a look at personal independence payment too to see if your condition meets the criteria.

jewelly

Thank you. I am applying for PIP and will look into the other things mentioned.

sheeps68

I'm in similar position to you though not yet reached half pay quite. I was advised my working tax credits are likely to stop at the 28 week point. Not good as thats the point I get half pay.

sleepless_saver

sheeps68 wrote: »

I'm in similar position to you though not yet reached half pay quite. I was advised my working tax credits are likely to stop at the 28 week point. Not good as thats the point I get half pay.

More about the 28 weeks issue here: http://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/wtcstoppedworking.aspx . Not straightforward.

jewelly

sheeps68 wrote: »

I'm in similar position to you though not yet reached half pay quite. I was advised my working tax credits are likely to stop at the 28 week point. Not good as thats the point I get half pay.

Yes - it's worrying isn't it? It's bad enough being seriously ill without the added financial stress. I was lucky enough to get full pay for 6 months, now on half pay. SSP has been paid for over 28 weeks so has come to an end, therefore tax credits are not an option. It seems I may get some help with council tax only.

Indie_Kid

You need to check with your council the rules regarding help with council tax. Some won't help you if you have savings over £6k.

sheeps68

jewelly wrote: »

Yes - it's worrying isn't it? It's bad enough being seriously ill without the added financial stress. I was lucky enough to get full pay for 6 months, now on half pay. SSP has been paid for over 28 weeks so has come to an end, therefore tax credits are not an option. It seems I may get some help with council tax only.

I wish I could help you with some practical information but I don't have anything I can give you with regard to agreeing with you its hard. You get hit with illness / disability and then your finance gets cut just when you perhaps need it the most to pay for extra help in whatever form that is. For me its needing extra domestic help and easier food options.

The one person who has been of help to me and I shall be calling on her for help again is the Welfare Rights worker at the hospital. I'm not sure if you are under a hospital but if you are I would suggest you ask if there is a welfare rights worker or social worker you can access.

Can I ask if you find something else please let me know too. I won't qualify for anything means tested at present but that will not be the case for long as shall be using that to pay my mortgage which will reduce in cost but not immediately.

jewelly

I've had advice from the Macmillan person at the CAB. She will help me with the PIP application. If I find anything else that may be of use to you, I will let you know.