What sickness benefits can I get if I’m unable to work?

Being too unwell to work can be difficult, especially when it raises concerns about paying the bills. That’s where sickness benefits and financial support can help, but understanding what you’re entitled to isn’t always simple.

In this guide, we’ll outline the key sickness benefits available, from government support schemes to income protection insurance. We’ll also explain who’s eligible and how each option works, so you know exactly what support is out there if illness keeps you from working.

Overview of Sickness Benefits Available in the UK

If illness or injury prevents you from working, there are several types of financial support you may be able to access in the UK. These include:

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): This is £118.75 a week paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks (subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria) if you’re employed and unable to work due to sickness.
  
  
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): For those who don’t qualify for SSP, or who need support beyond 28 weeks, ESA can provide financial help if your health condition or disability limits your ability to work. This can be up to £72.90 a week if you're aged under 25, or up to £92.05 a week if you're aged 25 or over.
  
  
• Universal Credit (UC): Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to claim Universal Credit, which offers ongoing support to cover living costs if your income drops because of illness. This can be anything from £316.98 per month to £628.10 per month, depending on your age and relationship status.
  
  
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): If you have a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily living or mobility, PIP may provide additional financial support. This ranged from £72.65 to £108.55 per week for the daily living component and £28.70 to £75.75 per week for the mobility component, with a maximum weekly payment of £184.30 (about £737.20 every four weeks).
  
  
• Income Protection Insurance: Income protection is a private insurance policy that can replace part of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, often paying out until you’re fit to return or reach retirement age. Income protection insurance typically pays out 50% to 70% of your pre-tax (gross) earnings, tax-free. For example, with a £30,000 salary and a policy that pays 70%, you could receive around £1,750 per month during a claim.

Eligibility Criteria for Sickness Benefits

Eligibility depends on factors such as your employment status, how long you’ve been off work, your National Insurance contributions and the impact your illness has on your ability to work:

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

• Must be an employee earning at least £123 per week (before tax)
• Illness must keep you off work for at least 4 consecutive days
• Paid by your employer

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Illness or disability limits ability to work
• Usually need sufficient National Insurance contributions
• Can apply if you are not eligible for SSP or after SSP ends

Universal Credit (UC)

• Means-tested (based on household income and savings)
• Available if you’re on a low income, out of work or unable to work due to illness/disability
• You must meet residency and work capability criteria

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• Age 16 to State Pension age
• Long-term health condition or disability
• Focuses on how your condition affects daily living and mobility (not employment status)

Income Protection Insurance

• Private policy arranged individually
• Pays out if illness or injury prevents you from working after a set deferral period
• Based on employment status, medical history, and policy terms

Application Process for Claiming Benefits

The process for claiming sickness benefits varies depending on the support you’re applying for:

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Usually paid automatically by your employer once you provide the required medical evidence, such as a sicknote from your GP.
• ESA, Universal Credit and PIP: These government benefits must be applied for directly, typically through an online application or by phone. You’ll need to provide details about your health, work situation and finances, and in some cases attend a work capability or health assessment.
• Income Protection Cover: If you hold a policy, you’ll need to make a claim with your insurer, supplying medical certificates and evidence of your inability to work. Payments are subject to the terms of your policy, including any waiting periods.

Top Tips for Maximising Your Benefits

Navigating sickness benefits can feel complex, but these tips can help you get the most from the support available:

• Keep thorough records of medical evidence, employment details and correspondence
• Apply as early as possible to avoid gaps in income
• Check if you can claim more than one benefit (e.g. SSP alongside Universal Credit)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You can make sure your application goes as smoothly as possible, by avoiding these most common mistakes:

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing medical certificates
• Assuming eligibility for one benefit rules out others
• Delaying applications, which can cause unnecessary waiting times

Support from LifeSearch

You don’t have to navigate your protection options alone. At LifeSearch, our advisers can help you understand how income protection can fit alongside other sickness benefits, and can guide you in deciding the right level of cover for your circumstances. Speak to one of our advisers today.