accident

[keith david]

my son seriously injured his knee and may be off work for up to a year he is self employed and had no insurance he has a morgage but no way of paying it  can he get benefits to help from the goverment and what are they the system is a maize and contradictary advice is given by staff he is also a TA soldier and was in iraq last year and as a result he has no savings as during his time their he was paid much less than he would of earned at home

[Buenchico]

The only benefit which your son's National Insurance contributions will have covered is Incapacity Benefit. Details here:
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Custo mers/WorkingAgeBenefits/492

There are two other benefits which your son might be able to claim. These are Council Tax Benefit:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/council_tax_ben efit.asp
and Income Support:
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Custo mers/WorkingAgeBenefits/493

The goldenrule with all benefits is "If in doubt, claim!". (As long as you answer all questions honestly it can never do any harm to try for a benefit).

Althogh I hope that I've listed the principal benefits available, please ensure that your son contacts his local Citizens Advice Bureau. Their staff are all trained in dealing with problems like those of your son.

Chris