When misfortune strikes, the state still cares
HEALTH INSURANCE SURVEY: gain more protection and you don't have to pay the earth, is the claim. We examine the range of different policies avai lable, from sick pay cover to insurance for the costs of going into a nursing h ome
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Your support makes all the difference.The financial outlook for those who suffer a serious illness or accident can seem bleak, but there is some help at hand, writes Abigail Montrose. The state offers a range of benefits for people who have to stop, or even give up, work due to illness or disability.
On top of the usual state benefits for people not in work, you may be entitled to the following:
If you have been with your present employer for at least three months and earn pounds 62 or more a week, you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This is paid for a maximum of 28 weeks at pounds 55.70 a week, although your employer will often pay more than this and you could find you are on full pay until you return to work.
If you do not qualify for SSP, for example, if you are self-employed, you can look to Incapacity Benefit. This pays pounds 47.10 a week for the first 28 weeks, pounds 55.70 a week for weeks 29 to 52, and pounds 62.45 a week thereafter. These benefits count as taxable income, so if you have a large income from another source, you may be taxed on them.
If you have been unable to work for at least 28 weeks because of illness or disablement and you do not qualify for Incapacity Benefit you can claim Severe Disability Allowance. The amount depends on age.
Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free benefit that is not income related. There are two parts to this allowance: a care allowance of between pounds 13.15 and pounds 49.50 a week, depending on your needs, and mobility allowance, between pounds 13.15 and pounds 34.60 a week.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care because of illness. It is available on top of your pension and is not affected by any savings or (usually) by any income you or your partner may have. To qualify, you must normally have needed help for six months. The benefit is pounds 33.10 a week for people needing help either during the day or night and pounds 49.50 a week for those needing help 24 hours a day.
There are also a number of benefits for people who care for the long- term sick and disabled. For details of these, contact your nearest Benefits Office.
Local authorities offer a range of services to those with long-term illnesses and disabilities. Provision varies between authorities but they must all ensure people receive adequate care in the home or in residential accommodation.
The Department of the Environment offers a means-tested Disabled Facilities Grant through local authorities of up to pounds 20,000 to adapt your home to help with your needs.
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