Lost a lot of money due to Covid and stressed

[Tyrasanchez30]

I tested positive recently so have had to isolate. Never had more than 1-2 sick days off at a time before touch wood so I've never been financially affected.

However I've lost about £400 now because of this. I haven't received a penny from my job, not even SSP. If I understand well, all contracted employees are legally entitled to SSP aren't they?

It's going to cause me issues paying the rent and I feel stressed about it daily.

I have a few hundred in savings (around £700) which is meant to be going towards a house deposit.

I feel that this system disadvantages people like myself on an hourly wage or with no company sick pay.

Has anybody actually received this £500 payment or is it something that's impossible to get?

My boyfriend owes me about £800 which is adding to my stress too. I know I will get it but he's not been paid either due to isolating so it's just being delayed.

Plus I'm being kept up at night with a nasty barking cough from Covid.

Been trying to sell stuff online including my laptop but nobody wants to bloody buy anything. My prices are not too high so I don't get it. Or several will say they're interested then suddenly stop replying.

Anyone found themselves in this situation and managed to get financial support? Sorry it's a rant, I'm just stressed and worried

Obviously £400 will be nothing to some on here but it's 1/3 of my monthly wage.
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£400 is a lot of money. Have you applied for the £500 grant? You definitely should.

I have but heard nothing yet. It wouldn't surprise me if they make it very difficult to actually get.

My DP got 3 months sick pay when he had it, and also got the £500 grant. You are definitely owed more than you're getting - fight for it, for sure.

I'm so sorry, I have no practical advice but couldn't read and not reply. I have worked in the testing system and it is so apparent looking at the demographic of those who come for tests especially during non-symptomatic surge testing that the only people who 'can afford' to be tested are affluent people who won't suffer financially from a positive test. So here you are, with symptoms doing the right thing, being tested, isolating but being penalised financially because you aren't able to work. You have my greatest sympathy. I'm sure someone may come along with more practical advice but I hope that your symptoms will be mild and you will be able to get back to work very soon.

Thanks for the understanding. I work for a care home and have only ber

Oops ! I work for a care home and have only been there a month so apparently have no grounds for holiday or sick pay but legally they have to pay statutory sick pay at least don't they?

They should pay you so. I’m so sorry you are in this position. Call acas if you feel you’re being treated unfairly. They are very good.

www.acas.org.uk/advice

www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

*sap not so

www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/self-isolation-and-sick-pay/sick-pay-for-self-isolation

*ssp stupid autocorrect

I think you are entitled to sick pay, have they given you a reason why they haven’t?

If they won’t pay SSP then they must give you an SSP1 stating they won’t pay so you can claim it from DWP. www.gov.uk/employers-sick-pay/eligibility-and-form-ssp1

Email your employer, so there is a paper trail, and ask that they either pay SSP or issue an SSP1. Remind them that SSP1 must be issued within 7 days of the first day of sickness/isolation.

If they don’t either pay you or provide an SSP 1 refer them to HMRC Statutory Payment Team www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/statutory-payment-dispute-team

Thanks everyone this has been really appreciated. I feel a lot better now knowing I can get this money at least.

I naively assumed I'd receive it in my weekly pay but I didn't, so I asked my employer if I was going to receive any SSP and they said they weren't sure and would have to look into it and ask HR..

You will be entitled to the £500 grant. Please apply for it.
I truly sympathize; some places are so bloody tight when it comes to looking out for their employees in any way. I work somewhere where we get 9.20 per hour and the ceo paid themselves 56 million last year. We’ve been told not to do the track and trace thing.

I've been in a similar position when my bread winning partner was off sick for about 10 months.

What are you priorities for your bills? Mine is always rent at the top, then insurance, any debts I have to pay and then bills for utilities and phones etc, because I can call up my water company, internet provider, phone company, council tax people and explain to a staff member that I will not be able to pay them the whole bill and explain why and they have always been perfectly fine with that and let me pay what I could and I've even been on payment plans to pay backdated debt back before, they just want to know that you're going to pay them something and they'll let a lot of stuff slide.

It's a hole but so long as you go in with a plan you'll be able to come out eventually.

You could see if your council have a helpline (I think most do) or if not contact citizens advice. You should be able to get some help.

I feel you op. I'm on 0 hours and have lost about £400 isolating this week. Don't qualify for the £500 payment - the requirements include that you claim certain benefits which I don't, because we don't usually need them.

Some really good advice here, just wanted to say good luck OP, and I hope you’re feeling better soon. x

Are you on benefits? If not, you won't qualify for the isolation grant. Honestly they've designed it so as few people as possible can get it, it's disgraceful.

If you need food please do contact your local food bank. Most will deliver to people isolating.