If you were working for an employer and earning enough to pay National Insurance (NI) contributions when you became sick:
check Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If you were not working when you became sick, you were self-employed or you have been sick for more than 28 weeks:
check Incapacity Benefit
If you are aged under 65 and need help looking after yourself or getting around:
check Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If you are aged 65 or over and need help looking after yourself:
check Attendance Allowance (AA)
If you are caring for somebody who is sick or disabled, check if they are getting any of these benefits:
You are a full-time carer if you spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone with a physical or mental illness or disability.
If you are unable to pay National Insurance (NI) contributions because you are caring for someone:
check Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)
If you are on a low income:
check Income Support
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
Source: "Sick or Disabled", leaflet SD1, Oct. 2002, Social Security Office.
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