Off work for abit, am i entitled to benefits?

[Tree Man Tom]

So i managed to cut my hand open the other day, not work related, just one of those stupid things. 12 stiches in the palm of my hand and god knows how long off work, need to wait for my strength to come back in my hand aswell as letting the injury heal so i can grip ropes etc...

 

Im self employed so obviously no sick pay, are there any benefits i can get?

 

Cheers

[Mick Stockbridge]

If you're up to date with NI payments then why shouldn't you be entitled.

[Tree Man Tom]

Yh all up to date, but i dont really know how the system works. Wondered if anyone had similar experience and could point me in the right direction.

[Andy Collins]

Ok Tom, get down your Job Centre +, if you've paid your dues properly you should be entitled to ESA. If you're a family man then other benefits come into play as well, they are trained to give you what you need. Did you have an accident policy, then claim on that too, it will not affect your benefits. I have just been on the benefits system for the bestnpart of this year, rent and council tax paid, help with heating costs the whole lot. You will be means tested, you may be required a medical at the Job Centres request, to one of their docs, but if you're off long term that's the least of your worries. I had ESA for about 7 months, I never thought I was entitled to anything being s/e. Hope this is a help

Ps, I didn't know jack about claiming, they sat there and said you get this amount, pressed a button on the computer and it was there like magic. So I don't think you need to worry

Edited September 13, 2012 by Andy Collins

[Kev Stephenson]

What benefit would you expect to get?

 

I pay for sickness cover which will pay me a wage if I am unable to work for more than 14 days. I wouldn't expect a benefit from the government

[Treemon]

I wouldnt of thought your entitled - you work hard , pay in to the system , dont sponge off others , and you dont sit at home watching Jeremy Kyle - no hope mate !!!!!

[Tree Man Tom]

Cheers Andy

[Tree Man Tom]

What benefit would you expect to get?

 

I pay for sickness cover which will pay me a wage if I am unable to work for more than 14 days. I wouldn't expect a benefit from the government

 

I pay enough tax, so if im entitled to it il take it

[Kev Stephenson]

Ok Tom, get down your Job Centre +, if you've paid your dues properly you should be entitled to ESA. If you're a family man then other benefits come into play as well, they are trained to give you what you need. Did you have an accident policy, then claim on that too, it will not affect your benefits. I have just been on the benefits system for the bestnpart of this year, rent and council tax paid, help with heating costs the whole lot. You will be means tested, you may be required a medical at the Job Centres request, to one of their docs, but if you're off long term that's the least of your worries. I had ESA for about 7 months, I never thought I was entitled to anything being s/e. Hope this is a help

Ps, I didn't know jack about claiming, they sat there and said you get this amount, pressed a button on the computer and it was there like magic. So I don't think you need to worry

 

Well every day is a school day. Was there a minimum time you had to be off before you could claim? Was it you couldn't do your current job vs. not being able to work at all? (I know you were not good at all, no need for specifics).

[Andy Collins]

Take no notice of the nay Sayers, they are wrong. You have paid in, claim it. The last thing you need to worry about is bills when things go wrong. I know. I lived off my savings, then emptied my over draft through ignorance, my insurance paid out, but it doesn't cover every single bill and costs. The system is there to help you, not to be misused, but when you really need it it is there. There is no shame in claiming.