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 Insurance: 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.

What is Income Protection and How Does it Differ to Other Benefits?

While government benefits provide some financial help if you’re unable to work, they may not always cover all your outgoings. That’s where Income Protection (IP) can make a big difference.

Income Protection is a type of insurance policy that pays you a regular, tax-free income if illness or injury stops you from working. Unlike SSP or ESA, which are capped and time-limited, IP is designed to cover a meaningful portion of your salary (typically 50–70%) until you’re well enough to return to work, reach retirement age or until the policy term ends.

Other benefits like UC or PIP may provide additional help depending on your circumstances, but there’s no guarantee they will meet your financial needs in full, and you may not qualify at all. Savings can also quickly run dry if you’re unable to work for an extended period.

Here’s the difference in practice:

• On a salary of £30,000 per year (£2,500 per month before tax), SSP would give you just £475 per month.
• With an Income Protection policy paying 70%, you could receive £1,750 per month, tax-free.

How to Claim Income Protection through LifeSearch

If you take out Income Protection cover through LifeSearch, the claims process is straightforward and fully supported. Should you need to claim, you’ll provide medical evidence and details of your inability to work. If you need support once you’ve contacted your insurer, our dedicated claims team can step in and help, and can even liaise with the insurer on your behalf if necessary.