Ill or Disabled?

This is a general guide to benefits you may be able to get from Jobcentre Plus and other offices if you are of working age. For more information contact Jobcentre Plus.

Employment and Support Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) was introduced on 27 October 2008, and replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support, paid because of an illness or disability, for new customers only. It has been designed to help you achieve your full potential and help you to gain independence from benefits. Find out more about Employment and Support allowance.

Incapacity Benefit

If you were not working when you became sick, or you were self employed, or you have been sick for more than 28 weeks find out more about Incapacity Benefit.

Disability Living Allowance

If you are aged under 65 and need help looking after yourself or getting around find out more about Disability Living Allowance.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is extra money if you are ill or disabled from an accident or disease caused by work. Find out more about Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Statutory Sick Pay

If you can’t work because you are sick, the person you work for may have sick pay arrangements that apply to you. What sick pay you get is up to the person you work for.

But everyone who meets certain conditions can get a basic type of sick pay - this is called Statutory Sick Pay.

The person you work for may pay you Statutory Sick pay if you can’t work for 4 or more days in a row. You will get Statutory Sick pay for the days you would normally work - this must be at least one day in a week.

To find out more contact HM Revenue & Customs or read more about Statutory Sick Pay on the Directgov website.