Sick Pay

[TastybitofSquirrel]

If I was signed off sick at work would I still get the same amount of universal credits I receive now? Or would they dramatically reduce? Part of the UC payments is working tax credits I believe.

I'm verging on a mental breakdown. I've had poor MH in the past. My mental health is at an all time low after a number of personal issues and I just feel like I need a mental break. I've been unhappy at work for a while now anyway and everything going on on top of the workload just makes me feel absolutely suffocated. I feel like I'm drowning. I wouldn't intend to be on sick leave for a long period of time. I just need a month or so to get my head straight but I don't know if I can afford to be off sick. I have a house and child I need to support and despite desperately needing a break, I couldn't ever put us at a financial risk. Even if that means somewhat sacrificing my mental health.

Could anyone give me any insight as to whether my UC would be lowered or stopped completely if I claimed statutory sick pay temporarily?

I don't actually know but I would imagine that your benefits would stay the same as you are still employed. People do get sick and have to take time off, especially this year as people have had to self isolate, I can't imagine benefits penalising you if you have a sick note.

However, look into your company's sick pay policy as they may not pay you in full.

SSP is treated the same as earnings. So if you currently get a work allowance on your claim ( you will get this if you have kids on your claim ) you will still get that work allowance.
The amount of Uc you receive will rise because there will be less deductions for earnings. So for each pound you lose in earnings by reducing to just SSP, your Uc will rise by 63p.