Oh poo, any suggestions?

[Glitterball86]

So I am currently signed off work with hypermesis which is yuck however my employer informs me I am only entitled to SSP (only started working here in December)

I know SSP is not a lot and I am also currently on a Debt Management Plan with StepChange. I really feel I am at a loss with regards to what I should do, should I go to work to not worry about finances each month and be able to save for when I am on maternity leave and receiving SMP or struggle through?

I am sorry to rant about this but have just spent the last hour in an emotional crying mess as I don't know what to do my outgoings,including my DMP are £700 a month so SSP won't even be enough to cover everything :(

Has anyone else been in a similar situation or can anyone offer me any guidance?

I have considered bankruptcy but I will not be able to be employed in the current sector (insurance) I am in if I choose this route :(

Have you informed StepChange of your change in earnings? You really need to and they should (if they're anything like PayPlan although I admit I haven't worked with SC) they should adjust your monthly payments to them accordingly. Ultimately they want you to pay back your creditors so declaring bankruptcy isn't going to help them at all. Especially if it's due to a temporary situation and you intend to go back to work.

Please don't fret about it - give them a call and get some guidance.

Okay, firstly and take some deep breaths. you are entitled to other benefits if you get SSP aren't you? I think you can get help with any rent or council tax, and you need to explain to StepChange that you are sick at the moment and need a payment break.

It is much more important to look after yourself, so don't struggle back to work, you'll do yourself harm. Take the time off but perhaps go to the CAB for advice on exactly where you stand in terms of your debts and benefits. In the meantime please try and relax, this is temporary and you'll be back on track soon enough :)

Go onto your page on step change and do the assessment again, it'll reduce your payments. normally takes 1 more payment at usual rate then changes it. You don't need to struggle to pay them. I'm on dmp with them too, rent and gas/ electric has just gone up loads so I'll be changing it too. Feel better soon xx

Is there no way you could work? I also have HG I'm 30 weeks & still get nausea daily & sick once/twice per week this is nothing compared to what it was when I was earlier in my pregnancy where I would vomit constantly & usually be up all night being sick. In total I only had 10 sick days. I did struggle at work, but my colleagues were understanding. I had a supply of sick bags with me at all times plus lots of snacks/drinks at my desk - including fizzy cola bottles. Yep it really sucked & I'd really panic about being sick at work but I didn't want to risk my pay being cut at this time. I got anti sickness meds from my GP. There's a few to try - have you tried any to see if they could help you get back to work?

Thank you all for your comments it is much appreciated, I will contact StepChange and explain the situation to them.

Yes I could go back to work however the hour and a half drive each day would probably take me much longer as driving doesn't help the nausea and my work are so unsupportive as it is a predominantly male environment (not that I am saying makes men unsupportive in general but this seems to be the consensus where I am) and I don't have the strength to fight my corner as it were at the moment

Hoping all these symptoms subside soon and, as I said before, I know I shouldn't really complain but don't know what else to do at the moment x