Emma faced an uncertain future as her health had worsened to the point she could no longer work.
Emma, not her real name, called the Claim What’s Yours telephone helpline for benefit advice as their statutory sick pay had ended. Things looked bleak.Emma was expecting a lump sum severance pay from the employer, but this figure was still being determined at the time of our call, and looked like it would take some time before being paid. In the meantime, she had nothing to live on. She had been unable to work due to stress for the past six months and was not getting better. The financial worry was causing increased strain.
We immediately ran through a benefit check for Emma, establishing that she should be able to claim Employment Support Allowance. Emma had never heard of it. We took the time to explain that ESA replaces sick pay, and had the potential to be worth £129 per week following assessment. As this would be based upon her national insurance contributions, it would not be affected by any large sums she may receive with her redundancy pay, particularly if that amount was over £6000.We also took the time to explore Personal Independence Payments, which could significantly increase her finances. Emma had heard of this as she had applied before but was unsuccessful. We suggested she try again with our support, which she was grateful to receive.
We made sure Emma had all the information and support she needed to make her claims, eventually making an appointment at the local office.
