If you lose your job or have to reduce your income due to personal injury, the following welfare benefits may be available:
Universal credit (UC)
Universal credit is available to anyone unable to work, looking for work or on a low income.
As a means-tested benefit, income and capital are taken into account when calculating your entitlement.
If you claim this benefit due to being unfit for work, you’ll be required to submit GP ‘fit’ notes until you’ve been assessed under a work capability assessment.
Universal credit includes elements for children, disabilities, care and rent.
Employment and support allowance (ESA)
Income-related employment and support allowance is no longer available for the majority of claimants, with UC generally claimed instead.
However — if you’ve made sufficient national insurance contributions — you’ll still be able to claim the new style of ESA which disregards capital and most forms of income.
You’ll be required to submit GP ‘fit’ notes until you’ve been assessed under a work capability assessment.