SSP only - Any extra benefits possible ?

mcbrad

Hi, this is my first post so please be kind.
I've worked for current employer for 25 years, all good until last 2 years when I've been suffering chronic pain from degenerative disc disease of c4/5, c5/6, c6/7 and also l5/s5. Resulted in me being off sick for about 12 of the last 18 months. I've had various hospital procedures which will continue for at least the next 3 years, aim just being pain management from then on.
My half pay osp finishes this week and I'll then only get SSP.
My wife is currently on maternity leave but will return to work soon, her salary is approximately 20k for 30 hour week. We have one child.
After having wiped out our savings to pay for ivf for our current child we have no savings.
We have a mortgage.
My question is apart from my SSP is there any other help we can apply for ?
In 25 years I have never been out of work before so have no experience of benefits, etc.
Many thanks for any help.

pmlindyloo

SSP is usually included in your occupational sick pay. You need to check this.

SSP can only be paid for 28 weeks. If it ends then you can apply for contribution based Employment Support Allowance.

Indie_Kid

You may get PIP if you have any care or mobility needs. However, there is a huge backlog.

bloolagoon

You may get help with tax credits if your joint earnings (less 39 weeks stat maternity) are under £26,000.

mcbrad

Thanks for the pointers.

I wouldn't qualify for pip because I can do most things it's just the level of pain during and after that is the problem. Pip seems to focus on actual inability to do things.

I've checked entitledto and turn2us and I get nothing except SSP or esa if I'm terminated. It's pretty crummy going from 2k a month to £300 with no other state help. You think after 25 years of working that you'll be looked after if things go pear shaped through no fault of your own....how wrong I was.

Thanks anyway

mcbrad

Forgot to say that my wife may get some tax credits so that's the good news...but we just need to firm up on some numbers to confirm...Every little helps!

haras_nosirrah

Any insurance policies covering accident and sickness on the mortgage?

mcbrad

Unfortunately no sickness protection with the mortgage. I work for local government and never in my worst nightmares did I think that 6 months full pay and 6 months half pay would not be enough to get me well in 99% of cases.

Down to earth with a bump.

Yes although I don't fully understand tax credits I did assume that the application was a joint thing as the questions asked about both of us...I just assumed she would get the benefit directly being the 'working' one.

I may get redundancy so that will help us out for 12 months but then I'm worried.

I'm toying with a CAB appointment but I'm guessing they'll just confirm what I already know.

Takeaway_Addict

mcbrad wrote: »

Unfortunately no sickness protection with the mortgage. I work for local government and never in my worst nightmares did I think that 6 months full pay and 6 months half pay would not be enough to get me well in 99% of cases.

Down to earth with a bump.

Yes although I don't fully understand tax credits I did assume that the application was a joint thing as the questions asked about both of us...I just assumed she would get the benefit directly being the 'working' one.

I may get redundancy so that will help us out for 12 months but then I'm worried.

I'm toying with a CAB appointment but I'm guessing they'll just confirm what I already know.

When you talk about redundancy is this a seperate issue to the health one because you won't be made redundant because you are ill.

You maybe dismissed on health grounds through a capability procedure and normally there is no pay off for this but the government might differ.

Are you in the union and have you spoken to them?

mcbrad

I am at stage 2 formal sickness process...termination will follow through capability on grounds of ill health. VR has also been presented as an option...This is financially much more beneficial than the notice pay I would receive if they were to terminate me through capability.

Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

I have unison support but there's nothing practically that can be done as procedures are being followed.

Indie_Kid

Can you take a payment holiday with your mortgage?