Statutory Sick Pay a pittance? ... sorry no help available

[Fuzzgin]

Back in february on the advice of CAB, I applied for ESA even though I still work limited hours (7 a week). (I have a few illnesses including arthritis, fatigue, possibly a sleep disorder and IBS.) I was told that I could do this and count it towards a quota of therapeutic work. After applying (the person on the phone knew nothing about limited capability to work but took my claim details anyway). I got the booklet and info in the post and realised that my current work may be complicated and didn't pursue it. The problem is that my work involves some cover, my basic just about pays the bills and there's rarely a month when I don't get extra hours. Sometimes more than the time allowed and if I can do them, I will.

 

At the end of February I got very ill with an eye inflammation (Iritis). So for the end of February and March I was off work, blind in one eye and with a fever and horrible pain, I couldn't get to boots to pick up prescriptions, never mind work. So on 28 April (I get paid the "overtime" in arrears I just got paid my basic which after deductions was £293. I pay £46 in council tax after council tax benefit and also have rent (shared ownership.) So I filled in an online application for benefits thinking maybe income support would help me actually eat this month.

 

The next day I got a call from a claims person and went through it all again. She advised ESA and started my claim. It took me a while to get everything together as going to my doctors' surgery had to be put off until an appointment mid May with the eye clinic. I got a call yesterday asking if I was paid statutory sick pay. I told them I was but as I was contracted for only 7 hours per week, £293 was all I got, to live on for a month and pay all my bills (which come to £320 a month.) She told me that if I got SSP there was no help. I repeated how little my SSP is, and that I couldn't live on it. She said she'd check and call back.

 

Today she called back, I can't get any help from ESA because I get SSP. She suggested I try income support. I've already been told I earn too much (maybe I should laugh here before I begin to cry) for IS. I told her that I really can't afford to work any more, that if I get another period of illness I'll be in a lot of trouble. I don't know what to do. What do other people do if they can work but can have periods of illness that stop them working. Is it worth even trying?

 

On the bright side no atos assessment. I have to find a bright side.

Edited May 25, 2010 by Fuzzgin
ooops

[honeybee13]

Hi there, I've always admired your moving avatar. If only I understood how to reduce mine so it moved, but since 2 weeks ago, at least I have an avatar. And this one isn't pug ugly.

 

Moving on to your problem, the logic of what 'they' say completely eludes me. Mind you, many of them don't know what they're doing do they?

 

I just wanted to say you have my support and send big hugs for now.

 

HB x

[Fuzzgin]

HB, no, every person you speak to tells you something different. I would like to be able to work full time and earn enough to live on, but at the moment my battery is broken and won't recharge. I'm constantly exhausted and when I do work I finish the day in a cold sweat having to retrain my feet in how to walk. I'm doing my best and the DWP still treat me like dirt. Luckily after I came off the phone to the 12 year old at DWP (well she sounded like a kid) my boss was very understanding and let me rant. We're currently one member of staff short due to a retirement and I could work full time but I know I will make myself ill. (Last time I tried it I fell twice, and then the iritis.

 

Cheers for the comment about my avatar. Can't remember where I found it but it symbolised my fear of taking on big battles at the time I first joined CAG. Before I hid a lot behind the sofa. I've tried to find away of painting that sofa to match mine, but my technical skills don't go that far.

[honeybee13]

They treat everyone like dirt. it's horrible. I don't even blame the 'troops' necessarily, it seems to be the instructions from on high.

 

We can get you through this. Try to relax, pour yourself something cool and refreshing [if that's what you like] and conserve your energy for the battles that matter.

 

It might be better not to paint your avatar sofa, and although I'd love to help, I can't, but what if 'they' are tracking you? They might recognise it .

 

HB x

[ErikaPNP]

Fuzzgin, does your illness mean that you need help with day-to-day tasks and/or mobility? If so, perhaps you should think about claiming disability living allowance. This would be unaffected by any income you have.

[Fuzzgin]

Erika, no I was advised a few times to look into DLA but I have no mobility problems and don't need care. If the eye thing comes back the situation may change (I hope not but I've been told it's something to watch out for.) I dread the day when I can't walk, as I don't drive. at the moment I look perfectly healthy, I walk up a steep hill each day, I swim but I just can never tell when I'll run out of steam. I tend to get on with it until my illness develops a new twist or I fall over and have to stop. I hate the idea of being dependant, it's one of my worst nightmares.

[Fuzzgin]

They treat everyone like dirt. it's horrible. I don't even blame the 'troops' necessarily, it seems to be the instructions from on high.

 

We can get you through this. Try to relax, pour yourself something cool and refreshing [if that's what you like] and conserve your energy for the battles that matter.

 

It might be better not to paint your avatar sofa, and although I'd love to help, I can't, but what if 'they' are tracking you? They might recognise it .

 

HB x

 

Pic 'n' mix, but on Friday. (Pay day!!!) that's the thought that's getting me through this. I don't even eat the stuff, but I keep seeing it and thinking that it's what I'll buy when I'm paid. I know I won't, this period has made me chronically averse to spending except on the essentials. Maybe some Value whilte wine later.