Being signed off sick when self employed

[BlueTooBlue]

Can anyone please advise what happens if you are signed off sick when self employed? MH issues.

I've been on the Gov site and it seems I would need to apply for ESA-can anyone confirm how long this takes? I don't know if I can even face going to wherever and filling out the forms and/or speaking to someone-can it be done online?

I plan to call my doctor's surgery first thing in the morning but last time I felt like this the next free appointment was almost two weeks away.That time I just ploughed on and got through it but I feel like I'm on the verge of a breakdown and don't know where to turn.

Why would you be signed off sick when self-employed? Surely you just don’t take on any assignmebys/ projects/ contracts? Or is it for benefits assistance?

assignments

I need financial help Feck.

You can claim ESA conts only but as you are self employed it will depend on the type of stamp you've paid whether you will qualify or not.

You can get the claim online to print off, you then need to phone to get an appointment to go into your nearest jobcentre to submit the claim.

It takes roughly two weeks to process. But again as you are self employed they may need more information from you.

The other alternative is Universal Credit. If you are a single person then they will ask you to attend for an initial appointment then you may be asked to attend a further appointment to do with your self employed work.

If you are part of a couple living together then you will both need to attend appointments and it is the household income that's considered.

Last point- if you need help with rent then Universal Credit is your only option unless you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit

Can you claim statutory sick pay if you've paid enough into the system?

You don't get Statutory sick pay if your self employed. You need to claim either ESA or UC

Thank you Really, that's a great help. And yes, I'm single and my rent is my biggest worry, I've been here for 6 years and always paid with no problems. I'm facing the fact I might have to give it up and rent a room. I need to call my landlady and tell her of my troubles. I have rent for March but after that who knows.

I guess I need to see a doctor ASAP, get a UC claim in, and maybe I can get myself back on track or packed up and out, in a couple of months.