Self employed but have hurt my back

[sailorsgal]

I only do temp work for a few months of the year. I would be taking work now but last week hurt my back.

I do pay NI contributions and wondered can I claim any benefits.

Do you just work for different temp agencies or do you have your own company/business? If so, are you a sole trader or ltd company.

I work as a temp nanny/maternity nurse. I haven't claimed before and just wondered if I would be entitled to anything.

Well statutory sick pay is paid by an employer to an employee so I think that rules out that one for you.

To get Job Seekers Allowance you have to be available and actively looking for work, presume with your injury that's not possible?

You might be entitled to employment and support allowance, there are two types and if you have paid the necessary NI contributions you may get contribution based. It's possible they will want to do a medical assessment.

There's more information here, www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/index .htm

thanks for that, will have a look.