Occupational Sick Pay

karenkayb

Hi,

I have been signed off work for 10 weeks now with mental health issues. For Occupational Sick Pay, my employer offers:

Up to 1 year employment: 4 weeks full pay, then 4 weeks at 50% pay.
1 year employment: 13 weeks full pay then 13 weeks at 50% pay.

The 1st of June was my one year anniversary, so I am only entitled to the first option. I imagine soon I will go onto SSP.
The problem is, it just isn't enough. I am in no fit state to return to work, yet will have to do so to avoid having an income of only £350 per month.

Does anyone have similar experience or advice on what to do?

Thanks,
K.

marliepanda

Have you looked into what benefits you could claim if out of work?

Money is one thing, and yes money helps, but your health is important and going back to work when you say you are in !!!8216;no fit state!!!8217; will not help you long term.

Are you currently on half pay? By your estimations you should be on SSP already?

Darksparkle

What are your circumstances?

Single/couple?
Children?
Disabilities?
Renting/mortgage?
Working hours?
Normal income?

karenkayb

I haven't looked at benefits as I imagine I wouldn't be eligible for any? I think I must be on SSP now, but I'm still trying to get to grips with how the payroll system works.

karenkayb

Hi,
I'm single, living with family, no children, no disabilities. I normally work 40 hours a week, £20k a year.

Darksparkle

Are you over 25?

Alice_Holt

karenkayb wrote: »

I haven't looked at benefits as I imagine I wouldn't be eligible for any?

PIP may be a possibility:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

https://www.rethink.org/living-with-mental-illness/money-issues-benefits-employment/personal-independence-payment

karenkayb

Yes, I'm 28.

elsien

If you rent and depending on your savings levels you could look into
Housing benefit once you're just on SSP.

karenkayb

Thank you, but that seems to be aimed at people with physical disabilities/requiring aid.

karenkayb

I don't rent.