Sick/Disabled

Sickness, Injury and disability can come into someone's life at any time, often when least expected. You may be off work for some time because of a serious illness or disability or if you look after someone who has an illness or disability that makes life difficult.

Whether you are the person who is sick or disabled, or you are looking after someone, you may need social security benefits to give financial help for yourself and your family.

If you were working for an employer and paying National Insurance contributions when you became sick:

If you were not working when you became sick, you were self-employed or you have been sick for more than 28 weeks:

If you are aged under 65 and need help looking after yourself or getting around:

If you are aged 65 or over and need help looking after yourself:

If you are severely disabled as a result of vaccination:

If you are aged 16 or over and working on average 16 hours a week or more:

If you became disabled as a result of an accident at work, or a disease known to be a risk of a job you have done, including deafness:

If you cannot return to your usual work or work with similar pay because of an accident or disease caused by work which occurred before 1 October 1990:

If you get Workmen's Compensation:

If you were injured at work because of your employer's negligence, you may be able to get Industrial Injury Compensation. Ask a solicitor or your trade union.

If you are caring for someone who is sick or disabled, check if they are getting any of these benefits:

If they are, and you are a full-time carer, you may be able to get help:

If you are unable to pay National Insurance contributions because you are caring for someone:

If you are on a low income:

Other help: