How to earn money if you suddenly become disabled: more new PIP changes

Start by asking to gather all the essential documents you might need. These should include your employment details and your National Insurance number.

If you have private health insurance and are using it for your treatment, you will need your membership information. Remember to speak to your insurer before starting treatment to ensure it will be covered by your policy.

If you have income protection and/or critical illness insurance, now is the time to inform them of your situation.

Most illnesses and conditions benefit from support groups. These groups can advise you on emotional and financial issues, including the support available to you and your loved ones.

Hospitals often offer discounted parking for visitors of seriously ill patients. For outpatient appointments, you can usually park for free if you also have a Blue Badge. Hospitals must clearly publish their parking rates online.

The hospital will not let you leave until they are satisfied that you have a safe and accessible environment to return to. Your accommodation will be assessed by an occupational therapist, if necessary. They will advise you on the necessary adjustments so that you can live in your home safely and comfortably. The NHS can provide some equipment and your local authority may give you a grant to help cover the costs.

Regularly inform your employer of your condition and progress if a return to work is planned. If you are off work for more than seven days, your employer will need a letter from the hospital or your GP. They used to be called sick notes, but are now called health notes. Your fitness rating may include information such as when your doctor expects you to be ready to return to work and whether this will need to be a gradual return or with adjustments in place.

If you cannot return to work for more than a month, you are considered long-term ill. In this case, you are still entitled to annual leave.

You may be entitled to full sick pay for a fixed period of time; Your employment contract or employee handbook will explain the details of your workplace. If you are not entitled to sick pay through your job, you can claim statutory sick pay (SSP). Workers, including temporary staff, receive this sum from their employer and are entitled to this sum if they have been ill for more than three consecutive days (including non-working days such as weekends or holidays). days when they are not scheduled for shift work). . Or if they earn at least more than £123 before tax per week and have informed their employer that they are ill.

In total, statutory sick pay lasts for up to 28 weeks and amounts to £116.75 per week.

Self-employed people are not entitled to SSP unless they are paid via PAYE by a limited company.

It is in your best interest and that of your employer to see what adjustments can be made to help you return to work. Your union, if you are a member, can advise you on this subject.

You can apply for Employment Support Allowance if you are unfit for work and once your sick pay has been exhausted. Apply for ESA if you are below state pension age, no longer receiving statutory sick pay and not claiming universal credit.

You will need to attend a work capacity assessment where a healthcare professional will assess your ability to work. Take relevant documents from your doctor or hospital with you. You will be informed of the decision in writing.

There are three possible outcomes:

You are declared fit for work and not eligible for ESA, although you can still claim Universal Credit. Alternatively, you may be placed in the work-related activities group and must attend regular talks with a counselor. Finally, you may be placed in the support group and are not required to attend interviews with a counselor. However, you can attend interviews if you wish. The support group pays a higher weekly amount than the work-related activity group.

You can appeal the decision if you do not agree with it.

There are two types of ESA depending on your past income and your social security contributions:

Contributory ESA is payable for one year if you are placed in the professional activity group and if you have contributed sufficiently to social security. There is currently no time limit on applying for a contribution-based ESA if you are part of the support group. Linked to income, for people on low income, regardless of their social security contributions.

ESA is paid fortnightly and costs either £91.50 per week if you are under 25, or £138.20 if you are over 25.

You may be entitled to other benefits if your income is reduced due to illness or disability. Citizen’s Advice can help you decide what, if anything, you should ask for. It is also a free service.

Finally, whether disabled or not, it is in everyone’s best interest to consider speaking with an attorney about setting up a legal power of attorney. This will give a designated representative the authority to take control of your finances if you are incapable, and they will also be able to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are incapable. Non-disabled friends and family members may also wish to take out income protection insurance themselves, in case they become ill or disabled in the future.

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