Understanding the system of work benefits

The benefits system is complex, and the rules often change, so even if you’ve looked into it before, it might be worth checking again. Across the UK, billions of pounds are unclaimed each year - make sure you get what you're entitled to.

Today we are going to take a look into the work benefits for those patients who can't work temporarily or permanently, and those who are searching for a job while being treated for a chronic condition.

If you are unable to work,

you may be eligible for one of these two benefits:

1. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

Statutory Sick Pay is paid by your employer if you're too ill to work, in the same way as your normal wages, for example weekly or monthly. It may be relevant if you have a job but are unable to work because of a relapse. You can get £89.35 for up to 28 weeks.

You get SSP for the days you would normally have worked. It’s not paid for the first 3 days you’re off, unless you’ve been paid SSP within the last 8 weeks and are eligible for it again.

To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) you must:
- be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer
- have been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)
- earn at least £113 (before tax) per week
- tell your employer you’re sick before their deadline - or within 7 days if they don’t have one

To claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), tell your employer in writing (if they request it) and by their deadline (or within 7 days if they don’t have one). You only need a doctor’s ‘fit note’ (or sick note) if you’re off sick for more than 7 days.

Once Statutory Sick Pay ends, or if you aren’t eligible for it because you're unemployed or self-employed, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance.

2. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit paid if your ability to work is limited by ill health or disability, and offers you:
- financial support if you’re unable to work
- personalised help so that you can work if you’re able to

The 2 types of ESA are:
- contribution-based ESA (known as ‘new style’ ESA if you’re entitled to claim Universal Credit) - usually you get this if you’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions (National Insurance credits can count for part of this, if you get them)
- income-related ESA - usually you get this on its own or on top of contribution-based ESA, if you’re on a low income

You’ll normally get the assessment rate for 13 weeks after your claim. This will be:
- up to £57.90 a week if you’re aged under 25
- up to £73.10 a week if you’re aged 25 or over

After that, if you’re entitled to ESA, you’ll be placed in one of 2 groups and will receive:
- up to £73.10 a week if you’re in the work-related activity group
- up to £109.65 a week if you’re in the support group

You may get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if your illness or disability affects your ability to work and you’re:
- under State Pension age
- not getting Statutory Sick Pay or Statutory Maternity Pay and you haven’t gone back to work
- not getting Jobseeker’s Allowance

The quickest way to apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is by phone. The number you call depends on which type of ESA you’re applying for.

If you are able to work,

but don't have a job, or earn too little, you can apply for either of these benefits:

1. Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

There are two types of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). It's possible to get both at the same time.

Contribution-based JSA

This is a flat-rate payment for people who have worked and paid enough National Insurance contributions in the relevant years. It doesn’t matter what savings you have, but your earnings (although not those of your partner or any other family member) are taken into account.

Contribution-based JSA lasts for up to six months (in either one period of unemployment or several ‘linked’ spells).

Income-based JSA

This is for people who fulfil one of the following conditions:
 - you've received your six months of contribution-based JSA
- you didn't pay enough National Insurance contributions to get contribution-based JSA
- you're entitled to have your contribution-based JSA topped up because, for example, you have a partner who doesn't work.

For each type you must :
- be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 - contact Jobcentre Plus for advice)
- be under State Pension age
- not be in full-time education
- live in England, Scotland or Wales
- be available for work
- be actively seeking work
- work on average less than 16 hours per week

There’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on things like your age, income and savings. Payments are usually made every 2 weeks.

2. Working Tax Credit

If you're in work but on low pay, you may apply for Working Tax Credit to top up your earnings.

You could get Working Tax Credit if either of the following apply:
- you’re aged from 16 to 24 and have a child or a qualifying disability
- you’re 25 or over, with or without children

You must:
- work a certain number of hours a week
- get paid for the work you do (or expect to)
- have an income below a certain level

The basic amount of Working Tax Credit is up to £1,960 a year - you could get more (or less) depending on your circumstances and income. Money is paid directly into your bank or building society account, every week or 4 weeks.

If you’re new to tax credits you’ll need to order a claim form. It can take up to 2 weeks for the claim form to arrive and up to 5 weeks to process a new claim.

Source: MS society UK; gov.uk

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If you have already had any experience with claiming, receiving and living with these benefits, please don't hesitate to share it so that other members could ask you for advice.