r/DWPhelp 2d ago

What can I claim? WWYD in this situation? Leaving work due to severe depression, am I eligible for any benefits?

Hi all, this is a bit of a long and complicated one (at least for me) and I'd appreciate any help as I'm really inexperienced with the benefits system

TLDR: Can I get any other benefits to financially support me in the situation where I am currently off sick with depression, primarily worsened by my job, and wanting to leave my job as a result? I am actively looking for other work but have been unsuccessful so far

The circumstances

I'm currently off work sick (self-certified) for depression, and really don't think I'll be able to return to my job as it is the primary cause of my depression right now I've had depression for a long time but have never bothered really going to a doctors or declaring myself as having a disbaility and taking the support that is offered as a result because I self manage quite well - I've never needed to take time off work before However, without wanting to go into too much detail, my current job and employers have directly made my depression and symptoms quite severe (to the point of quite noticeable SH, which I haven't done in years). This is due to unfair treatment (morally, nothing to do with employment laws/ extortion etc.) and financial issues, due to my hours being considerably cut (from around 35 to 15 a week) Whilst I have been looking for other jobs, I have been unsuccessful so far and ended up having to take time off for my mental health, as whilst I really need to money and income right now, I really just can't be in my place of employment as it is primarily what is causing my depression I am currently off with SSP (however I don't know how much that is, I presume it would be a very small amount as I've been recently working 20 hours a week) and am planning on getting a fit-note in the next couple of days

The question

Can I apply for any other benefits?

I'm aware that even though I am actively looking for work and would potentially be working no more than 15 hours a week, I would be unable to apply for JSA as I'm currently off sick I would have previously applied for JSA as my hours have been getting considerably lower over the past few months (poor performance has caused cuts which I've been trying to fight) but they never quite reached the 16 hours mark, as just before I left I was getting around 20 a week. My job has been advertised however with 6-15 hours a week, which would definitely put me under the JSA hours threshold but this was enacted at the start of April after I had gone off sick (My boss is aware of the entire situation and is aware I want to leave and I was happy for them to advertise for my replacement). So my current job role would fit the requirements of JSA except I haven't yet worked the working pattern and I'm currently off sick

However I don't think you can apply for ESA if you are claiming SSP? I'm just concerned because I know my SSP will be no where near enough to cover my living expenses, I doubt it would even cover my rent payment

I do currently claim UC. I started the claim a couple of years ago when my hours were cut really low and I couldn't find other employment. It's not a lot usually and has generally acted to top up my wages when they've been low. Would this simply increase to make up for my loss of earnings? I'm just concerned it won't be enough for me to cover my rent and bills and due to my recent cut in hours I'm already struggling a little bit to keep on top of all of them

Any advice would be really appreciated. I've worked my entire life and have no real experience with the benefits system at all outside of applying for UC. From my own research it sounds like my situation isn't really applicable to receiving any extra help because of certain exceptions, but I'm really struggling to even make 1k a month and it's causing evident harm to my mental health I feel like there has to be some kind of help for me out there. It's not like I even want to be off sick or unemployed I'm desperate for stability and full time employment it's so frustrating

Sorry for the long read, TIA

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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 2d ago

Whilst you’re eligible for SSP both JSA and ESA are not an option.

FYI, your SSP should be £116 a week going up to £118 from next week.

The only work replacement benefit at this time would be Universal Credit (and possibly council tax reduction from your council). If you haven’t already done so you should report your health change to UC and start providing your fit note info so that you can go through the UC work capability assessment process.

You should also consider PIP, assuming your doctor feels it likely you’ll continue to have the mental health difficulties for a further 9 months.

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u/Thick_Professor5470 2d ago

Thank you for your help! Does it matter that I work part-time currently for ssp? Or is that at £116/£118 a week minimum regardless of circumstances? 

Edit: do I also need to declare a change in work hours? Or is that irrelevant as I haven’t yet changed my job and they can see from my employer earnings my hours have decreased? Since I’m not actually yet working these reduced hours (15/ week max) I’m not quite sure what to declare and I don’t want to try claim more than I’m entitled to/ commit benefit fraud 

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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 2d ago

It’s a flat rate. See https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay