Just left job and now advised not to work - what to do!

fi64

Hi -
I know everyone has lots going on right now, but am hoping someone may have some knowledge or ideas of what I should do.
I left my previous job last week (had to give lots of notice, so coronavirus wasn't really a thing then). Ironically, I left this because it was making me very ill.
After applying and getting another job, I had to turn it down because it was too risky health wise. I have spoken to my GP who has advised me not to work at the moment due to underlying health conditions.
I am unsure what to do now, as our income will drop drastically (I was the main earner) and we will also lose money that we were getting from working tax credits.
I thought about applying for universal credit, as advised by citizens advice, but they involve your partner and i don't want to do that.
Any ideas or advice gratefully received (as long as it's not rude!)

Jeremy535897

It's not something I know about, but what about ESA (employment and support allowance), for people who cannot work because of illness or disability? However, it is linked to universal credit, and I very much fear that you will get no help at all unless you, as you put it, involve your partner (benefits claims tend to look at household circumstances as well as individual circumstances).

-taff

If you've worked for the previous two years and are signed off for long term sick you can apply for New Style ESA. 

calcotti

Information on new style ESA here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance. You need to have a health condition that limits your ability to work to claim this. It is not means tested and will pay £73.10/week rising to £111.65/week after 13 weeks if you are found to have Limited capability for Work and Work Related Activity. You need to have a full NI record for the tax years from April 2017 to March 2019. 

It is your decision as to whether or not you want to try claiming UC. If you do, as you say, your partner will need to claim too.

There are benefit calculators here that will allow you to assess what you might be entitled to https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators