Can I claim anything when company sick pay runs out? Recently diagnosed with bronchiectasis, asthma, sjrogens syndrome and acid reflux.

[crystalsam]

Hi all

I have been of work for 12 weeks due to chest infections and currently back in hospital with chest infection and sob again. I tried to return part time last week on fit to work altered hours but only managed 3days x4hours. I'm worried that this is My life now and I may not manage work going forward. I work as office manager and although sitting at desk on computer was ok the main part of my job is talking and I can't do it! Work have been very good and even moved my whole department downstairs to help. However, I know in a management position they expect me to get back full time and fulfilling my role. They also offered to let me go part time in a lesser role by not sure if that's right way to go and that's why I tried last week. Would I get anything over ssp for this illness? My doc says I am grade 4 / 5 on breathlessness disability scales.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Crystalsam

[peege]

Hi, I really think you should call the BLF helpline at 10am. They can advise on the financial angle as well as your health. All the best. Peeg

[crystalsam in reply to peege]

Thanks peg, I don't have enough voice to speak on the phone today but will call in next couple of days. Reading through the posts I can see people with much worse conditions than me being refused help. It's very worrying the way they are tarring everyone with bad brush isn't it. My brother had to sell his house 2 years ago because they stopped his allowance and he couldn't pay the mortgage.he gave up his lovely home for a 1 bed poky council bungalow and took 18 months if appeals. They gave it back eventually but it's too late now. Really not looking forward to going through this process but i may have no choice. Thanks again

Crystalsam

[Biddy_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

Hi Crystalsam,

There isn't a short answer to this but I'll try to explain as best I can and when you're up to it you can call me back with questions.

I'll PM you.

Regards,

Biddy 03000 030 555

[Hidden]

I agree contact the BLF helpline. A few pointers for you to think about in the meantime. If you are working 12 hours a week it is unlikely you will qualify for sickness benefit (ESA). If you stop work of course you can put a claim in. Whether or not you will get it is another matter. Depending on your cirucumstances you might be able to claim housing benefit and/or council on the grounds of low income. The other thing you need to look at is PIP (Personal Independence Payment) which has now replaced DLA. But the BLF advisors will go through all this with you. Good luck. x

[crystalsam in reply to Hidden]

Hi Coughlin1

Thanks for her help.

I'm still in hospital and hope to be ok to go home next week so will call them then. I actually work 37.5 hours a week normally I was just trying altered hours on a doctor's note to see if I could manage. Does that mean I would qualify for ESA?

Thanks

Sue