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Struggling To Survive On Sick Pay?



All employers are required to pay statutory sick pay for a limited time. But what if this isn’t enough to survive on? Or what if you’re ill for longer than this period? Being ill shouldn’t also mean that your finances suffer. Here are some tips for those struggling to get by on sick pay that could help you to earn more whilst you’re recovering.


Contact citizen’s advice


Your local citizen’s advice bureau may be able to secure you with extra income if you’re really in need. Some people with low paid jobs can be eligible for income support when ill, although this is only in rare cases. There are several benefits meanwhile that you may be able to claim whilst you are ill. If you have been left temporarily disabled, you may be able to apply for a disability allowance and various payments for extras that make it easier to get around such as crutches or home adjustments.


Meanwhile, if you’re unable to pay rent, you might be able to claim a temporary housing benefit. This may require you to contact your local council but a citizen advice service might be able to also give advice in this area.


Tell your boss


Your boss may be getting away with the minimum that they have to pay out. However, if they know that you’re really struggling and that you do want to return to work eventually, you may be able to convince them to give you a little more financial support – even if it’s loaned to you. Don’t avoid telling your boss – they can’t fire you for being sick.


Work from home


If your illness is mobility affected and your job is computer or phone based, you may be able to still work from home. Many businesses now operate on cloud systems making it easy share files and information remotely. Even if you have reduced responsibilities, it could be a way of earning that extra cash.


If you can’t do your current job from home, you could alternatively look for other work that you can do without leaving the house. There are lots of online money making possibilities out there from small things like completing surveys and selling belongings, to full time online writing jobs and sales jobs that only require a phone and a computer.


If you get other work, you will have to legally cancel your statutory sick pay, although it may be worth it. For many, being sick for long periods offers the chance to think entrepreneurially, starting up arts and crafts businesses or starting a blog or simply laying out a business plan for something when they’ve recovered. In fact, you may earn enough solo that you don’t want to go back to work after.


Consider making a legal claim


In some cases, you may be eligible for a legal claim that could pay for your recovery time. If a hospital did a bad job when carrying out surgery on you that has led to a longer recovery time, suing for malpractice could be an option. A car accident related injury meanwhile could be reason to sue for compensation too.


Injuries and sickness as a result of work is another common place where a legal claim may be an option. There are specialist solicitors for specialist types of compensation such as a construction accident lawyer that may be able to help. Most companies need to be insured against such claims by law and so will be able to pay out if such a claim is made.


Tell your family and friends


Perhaps the most important rule of being sick is not to keep it a secret from friends and family. If you’re unable to pay to look after yourself, friends and family are certain to be able to step in and help throw some money your way. Pride can cause many people to slip into inescapable debt. Not only that but the extra stress of not being able to financially cope could prolong recovery time or make you even more ill. If you haven’t got a partner or family member with you that can look after you, it may be worth moving in with someone whilst you’re recovering to help provide food and drink and help with other tasks. You could be paying extra for delivery costs otherwise if you are unable to go shopping yourself.

Business Daily Media