Self-employed people in the UK are not entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) in the same way that employees are. SSP is a government-funded payment that is paid to employees who are too ill to work for four or more days in a row. However, self-employed people are not considered employees, so they do not qualify for SSP.
There are a few things that self-employed people can do to protect themselves financially if they are unable to work due to illness. One option is to take out private sick pay insurance. This type of insurance will pay you a weekly amount if you are unable to work due to illness, up to a set limit.
Another option is to set up a personal savings account (PSA) specifically for sick pay. This way, you can put money aside each month so that you have a financial cushion if you are ever unable to work.
Finally, you can also try to negotiate a sick pay policy with your clients or customers. This may not be possible for everyone, but it is worth asking if you are able to do so.
If you are self-employed and you are unable to work due to illness, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. They may be able to provide you with financial assistance, such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
Self-employed people may be able to claim Universal Credit if they are unable to work due to illness. However, the amount of Universal Credit you receive will depend on your circumstances.
Self-employed people may also be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA is a benefit for people who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
If you are self-employed and you are unable to work due to illness, you should keep a record of your illness. This will help you if you need to claim benefits or make a claim against your insurance.
If you are self-employed and you are concerned about your ability to pay your bills if you are unable to work due to illness, you should speak to a financial advisor. They can help you to develop a plan to protect your financial security.
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