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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wonder how you get by on SSP?

86 replies

CanItReallyBeSo · 15/06/2024 14:59

Posting for traffic...

Mate of mine has chopped off the end of several fingers at work and been off for three weeks now. Going to be a few more as needs an op and his job is quite physical (construction).

He told me today he's only getting SSP which would go on for up to three months, although he shouldn't be off that long. Looking online it's only £88 a week and taxable. His monthly mortgage is £1200.

How do people with a normal lifestyle get by in the fallout to an industrial accident? Seems only option is using savings or accruing debt. Even UC isn't much extra I'm assuming.

OP posts:
Original poster
CanItReallyBeSo · 15/06/2024 15:37

I'd wager it's probs those in the most dangerous jobs that are least likely to have cover - young working class men in trades/construction etc.

OP posts:
Tbskejue · 15/06/2024 15:24

This is what I have critical illness cover for and chose a job that has full sick pay for 6 months; privileged position I realise as I don’t know how you’re supposed to survive on ssp

Hedjwitch · 15/06/2024 15:22

Husband has been on it recently after heart failure. Thankfully i work full time and we dont have a big mortgage or childcare so we got through it
He is now being assessed for PiP.
SSP really needs to be increased. Its nobody's fault if they get ill or have an accident and the stress of not being able to pay bills while you are ill is horrible.

Original poster
CanItReallyBeSo · 15/06/2024 15:22

PickledPurplePickle · 15/06/2024 15:20

It's crazy not to claim, they have insurance to cover things like this

I kind of thought that. But also understand it'd be weird taking a good mate to court.

OP posts:
PickledPurplePickle · 15/06/2024 15:20

It's crazy not to claim, they have insurance to cover things like this

Original poster
CanItReallyBeSo · 15/06/2024 15:19

I don't think he'll want to claim as it's a small business and they're all mates. Boss is away so hopefully on his return he'll sort something but you can't bank on it.

Don't want to be too outing as I think his wife might be on here, but it was kind of his own fault, but could maybe argue they'd had no specific toolbox talk/training. But it's kind of like stubbing your toe on a step and breaking it (he trapped fingers). Could you really argue you hadn't been trained on how to climb a step? Obv bit different if it was complex machinery etc.

That said, we've done toolbox talks covering things like climbing out the trucks (making sure you don't step into a pothole/uneven ground and break an ankle etc) and that's kind of stating the obvious tbf.

OP posts:
Beezknees · 15/06/2024 15:18

I rent so I'd be able to claim UC to pay my rent.

I really don't know how people who aren't entitled to UC would manage.

Softycatchymonkeys · 15/06/2024 15:09

Terrible situation, really feel for them. If it’s a workplace accident can he claim from the company? Is there some sort of negligence?

This is why I pay for income protection insurance. Should something like this happen, I’ll get an income I until I retire.

Variolia · 15/06/2024 15:05

It’s £116 for SSP I think.

Still not enough to live on.

Houseofdragonsisback · 15/06/2024 15:05

Get into debt? It’s shockingly low

Scarletttulips · 15/06/2024 15:04

They claim universal credit - it’s there for short term as well as long term