Advice if you are off work sick or self-isolating

Tenants' Link 01.05.20

Advice if you are off work sick or self-isolating

Check to see if you are entitled to sick leave and sickness benefits if you, or anyone in your family, becomes unwell with coronavirus symptoms.

We’ve got useful advice if you need to self-isolate and take time off work whether you’re employed or self-employed.

Statutory sick pay (SSP) for employees

If you are an employee and earn an average of at least £120 per week you should receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you are off sick. SSP will be paid from day one of sickness.

If you are caring for family members with coronavirus 

You can claim SSP if you are an employee and are in quarantine because you are caring for someone in your household with coronavirus. You must provide your employer with evidence that you need to stay at home. You can get this from NHS 111.

If you’re not eligible for SSP or New Style Employment & Support Allowance you may be eligible for Universal Credit and/or Council Tax Support.

If you’re working and you receive Universal Credit but need to stay at home because you’re ill with coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating, you must report this online. If you’re working fewer hours, your Universal Credit award will be adjusted.

Self-employed 

You may be able to get New Style Employment & Support Allowance if you paid National Insurance contributions between April 2017 and April 2019.

If you’re not eligible for New Style Employment & Support Allowance you may be eligible for Universal Credit and/or Council Tax Support.

If you’re self-employed and claiming Universal Credit and you’re ill because of coronavirus or self-isolating your Universal Credit will be based on your actual income rather than a notional income (minimum income floor). The minimum income floor reduces the amount of support self-employed people can get through Universal Credit.

Other help available

Help with Universal Credit claims

Help to make your claim is available from Citizens Advice Southampton call 023 8022 3659 for details.

Remember our Welfare Rights & Money Advice team are still here to offer support and advice on all your money worries. Check out this article if you’re having problems paying your bills.

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