"Sick pay" benefits

peb

Hello all, I'm in an unusual position.  I was employed, handed in my notice and was to start a new job on the 21st June.  I purposely had a two week gap between jobs to have a series of mini breaks with friends.

However I have, in the gap, been diagnosed with cancer -  there's to be an operation followed by an 18 week period of chemotherapy.  New employer is great and will keep the job open.

It does mean that I won't have an income for six months - does anyone know if there's an equivalent to sick pay, which I can't claim as I am not employed,  which I can claim?

Thanks in hope.....

Rubyroobs

I had this situation occur with someone I was helping a couple of years ago and she was able to claim SSP. despite not having started the new job. Anyway if this is not available to you and you don't have savings over 16k you could claim Universal credit or New style ESA  if you've paid sufficient NI contributions over the past 2- 3 years or both. Do you have rent to pay as well ? Claiming either one of these you would need to hand in sick notes and ask for a day 1 referral for a work capability assessment. you will automatically be awarded LCWRA as you are undergoing Chemotherapy but the LCWRA is not added to your claim until the fourth Uc assessment period if claiming UC or the 13 weeks after starting a new style ESA claim. You should however be treated as having Limited capability for work and work related activity from day 1.
So to summarise I would say claim UC unless capital rules you out of claiming it and if you have rent or kids or New style ESA if savings are too high for Uc.

Rubyroobs

Sorry I should have made it clear that New style ESA ( contributions based ) can be claimed regardless of savings/ capital or partners earnings etc.

peb

Thanks very much, I am however in the lucky position of having savings, so if means tested then I won't be able to claim.

And just seen your second comment...  

Thanks again

calcotti

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-esa

Rubyroobs

peb said:

Thanks very much, I am however in the lucky position of having savings, so if means tested then I won't be able to claim.

And just seen your second comment...  

Thanks again

Yes definitely New style ESA and just make sure they are aware you are having Chemotherapy. Hopefully you will get the ESA 50 form sent to you quickly and assessed quickly.

peb

Operation isn't until 8th July with chemotherapy thereafter so I have some breathing space fortunately.  

I'll get the form in hand in readiness.

Spoonie_Turtle

You should still be put into the Support Group automatically (treated as having LCWRA) according to the guidance https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/987114/admg3.pdf 

G3015  A claimant can be treated  as having LCWRA if they  are
1.1 receiving treatment for cancer by  way of chemotherapy  or radiotherapy or
1.2 likely to receive treatment as in  1.1  within  six months  after the date  of the LCWRA determination

See also https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support/employment-and-support-allowance


I hope surgery and treatment work for you, OP

[Incidentally, should you need to use your savings and deplete them below £16,000 you can then look into claiming UC as well.]

peb

Thanks all, just to update it's now possible to fill out the form online with a claim date in the future, I've completed the form and have asked for the claim to start on the 8th July which is the date of the surgery.  I'm perfectly capable to start work on Monday which was the start of the new job but agreed it's pointless working for two weeks then unable to work for six months!

poppy12345

The work capability assessment form you'll receive is this. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/975770/esa50-capability-for-work-questionnaire.pdf

As you're having treatment for cancer you don't need to fill out all of the form but you'll need to get your health care professional that's aware of your treatment to sign it.

peb

Thanks. The information is a little contradictory on the gov UK website -  I suspect a lot has changed during the pandemic and there are parts as yet not updated.  I found this when applying for probate last year.  

It's al very unreal atm as I feel absolutely fine!