Financial support
If your condition affects your ability to work, there is financial support available to you.
Statutory Sick Pay
If you work and need time off because of your health or surgery, you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This is £95.85 per week and is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.
To get SSP, you must:
- Be off work for at least 4 days in a row
- Tell your employer you are sick
Some employers have their own sick pay schemes that pay more than SSP, so it’s worth checking with your manager or HR department.
If SSP is your only income and you are struggling financially, you may also be able to get Universal Credit, Income Support, or Housing Benefit.
Once your SSP runs out, you might be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), even if your partner works or you have savings over £16,000.
To find out more about statutory sick pay, click here.
Access to Work
These grants can pay for special equipment or support workers to help you at work, and help you get to and from work. If you receive Employment Support Allowance, you can only get Access to Work if you work less than 16 hours per week, earning less than £125.50.
To find out more about Access to Work, click here.
Employment and Support Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is for people who can’t work because of sickness or disability and aren’t receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Income-related ESA is due to be replaced by Universal Credit across the UK. If you live in an area where ESA is still available, you’ll need to complete a Work Capability Assessment as part of the application process.