I am worried, how much money do you get if you go onto income support (Im not even sure if thats what we would recieve .. please help!)

[WorriedAboutIt]

My husband has suffered from depression for a few years, he sought help about 8 months ago and in the last 6 months his antidepressent dose has quadrupled

I can't see him getting better and hes just not himself.

He is starting counselling too.

He has talked to his GP about being signed off.

He does not get sick pay from his work so what would happen??

Would we get benefits? What would they be?

Im really worried about how we will cope finacially but if he needs time from work then so be it.

Will his job still be there for him when he feels up to it?

Any advice is welcome.

Thankyou.

WAI.

He'd have to apply for Incapacity benefit i think. Not sure how that works really and have to dash out now, but if you google it you might find some useful info.

Thanks, I will check it out.

Why would he not get sick pay from work? It is his statutory right to get, as a minimum, statutory sick pay. If his employers are refusing to pay this, then they are breaking the law. If he is still employed, he cannot claim Incapacity Benefit - that is reserved for those people whose medical condition means that they cannot work. If he is still employed, albeit off sick, he cannot claim it.

Are you in rented accommodation? Do you receive tax credits?

He can make an application for Income Support with a valid sick note from his Dr. It's about £60 weekly for a single person, he would have to check amounts. But you would be entitled to Housing Benefit depending on your housing situation.

here
is the link to the job centre website which has benefits advice.

You can always make an appointment and go in and see an advisor.

Hiya

He doesn't get sick pay, never has. He has worked there nearly 3 years, hes just a sales assistant in a high street shop.

We are in council accomodation but up to now have alaways paid full rent and council tax.

We do recieve WFT credits.

So we would recieve income support?

And his job would still be open to him when he wanted to return?

They can't fire him for it??

I feel awful, it looks like we would be living on alot less but how do I tell him 'no?!' I can't do that if this is what his doctor and himself deem best.

Does he have a contract at his place of work?

Im sure he will do, shall I ask him to get a copy?

Yes, if he has a contract, earns over £90 a week and pays NI contributions then he should be entitled to statutory sick pay (roughly £75 weekly) from his employer for a period of time.

I would check that out first.

He will not get paid for the first 3 days of absence. After that he is entitled (by law) to SSP (statutory sick pay). He will need a gp's certificate after the first 7 days.

He will need to look at his contract to see what provision there is for sickness other than that, e.g. how many periods of sickness allowed before they start to consider dismissing him. If he is just off sick for a period of time, then his job is still his and they cannot refuse to take him back. If he is off for a very long time, or is continually taking long periods of time off sick, they may consider dismissing him on the basis of frustration of contract - which is where circumstances are such that one party or the other cannot fulfill their part of the contract due to circumstances beyond their control.

I would suggest that your dh takes him employment contract to CAB for further advice, but, if his employers have always refused to pay SSP, they are breaking the law.

If they do allow him SSP can we apply for temporary housing benefit? We cannot pay the rent and live from 75pw.

We are in council accomodation.

Yes you definately can. I would get the claim forms now and be ready to make an application asap as they can take a while.

If he does get signed off I would also suggest a call to your Housing Officer to explain the situation (not too many details- just tell them you've had a change of circumstances and that you're making an application for HB) and then they are aware that your rent account may go into arrears for a bit whilst your claim is processed.

Thanks,

Im really worried about it all really.

I might go along to citizans advice to ask them what would actully happen, get it written down ect,

thank you so much for your help.

Also notify the Inland Revenue re tax credits and get an application form for council tax benefit. You may also be entitled to an exemption form for prescriptions, etc. Get CAB to check that out.

In fact, if you go into CAB they have a computer programme called Quick Benefits Calculator. They will be able to work out what benefits you would get under different circumstances. You will need details of what you pay by way of rent, council tax, any benefits you receive, income, etc.

No problem. I would go to CAB but also contact your job centre and council as some of their advice can conflict.

If things get really tough in the meantime (i.e there is a gap in his wages stopping and SSP starting) don't forget you can apply for crisis loan to get you through. Application forms and freephone number will be at your job centre too.

Hope that helps

Thankyou again MS and freckle.

I think DH and I need to have a good long talk about it and try and get as much information as we can.

Unfortunatly its not really a descision to make is it? If hes ill, he's ill

I guess its just preparing for it if it happens.

Thanks again, I really do appreciate it.