Benefits for those “shielding” themselves.

[IanW1962]

Hi everyone, I’ve been on the gov website but can’t find any advise on financial benefits for those isolating themselves because they’re in a high risk group. It all seems to be about people isolating because they have symptoms or if they have someone in the house with symptoms.

I took myself out of work on Wednesday after Boris said anyone with underlying health issues should “shield” themselves for twelve weeks, but nothing much has been said by way of any help for this group of people since.

As it stands I have currently taken the decision off my own back and am therefore not getting paid. Any links or info would be much appreciated.....thanks x

[Hidden]

I think you're supposed to get Statutory Sick Pay

Information for individuals

If you think you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), please read the following information: You can get £94.25 per week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

If you are self-isolating because of COVID-19: From 13 March, you can now claim SSP. This includes individuals who are caring for people self-isolating in the same household and therefore have been advised to do a household quarantine. To check your sick pay entitlement, you should talk to your employer, and visit gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay for more information.

Forgot the link to the page I copied that from! Here: gov.uk/government/publicati...

[IanW1962]

Not sure, been on both those links and there is no mention of people off work because they are in a high risk group. Others have said about this 80% pay but I think that’s if your employer wants to temporarily lay you off.....also your employer has to claim that.

[Hidden in reply to IanW1962]

Unfortunately the advice about who should be self-isolating and who should be social distancing is a bit woolly. You'll see here there are two lists, one includes those with underlying health problems (ie anyone who gets a free flu jab) who should be socially distancing and one for the severely ill

gov.uk/government/publicati...

I don't know how much of a lung problem you've got but if it's anything other than mild, I personally would be isolating & claiming SSP. You may also be able to get mortgage or rent payments suspended for 3 months and Council Tax too. I don't think you'll get Universal Credit as that's for people not covered by employment law

BLF have a benefits advisor who may be able to help you. Phone [phone] Mon-Fri 9-5

[Troilus]

I don’t know much about benefits, but what about universal credit? There is an online calculator on gov.uk in the benefits section.

[annienell]

Hello Ian, if you haven't found any answers by Monday, why not call the BLF Helpline (03000 030 555) and ask to speak to Biddy who is our Welfare Benefits Advisor. If she's not available, she’ll call you back at a convenient time.

Please let us know how you get on.

[mazinuk]

Good morning Ian ,

I to are in a confused state as to what will happen to people who have health issues ( I have copd well managed for the last few years and have managed to not be hospitalised since diagnosed.)I decided not to go on shift today after speaking with hubby about it, I’ve decided to see if I’m included in the health advice before I go back to work but really don’t know how it’s going to affect my income . I hope you’re as well as you can be and you find out how this situation is going to affect you .

[Georgiab123]

Get a sick note off doctor he will put on self isolating because of health disease I did I work with children