SSP for self employed?

[Materialnut]

A friend of mine has recently been taken ill and has been in hospital for two weeks and could face a further 2 - 3 weeks off work due to an unexpected cause. I was just wondering if there was anykind of Statutory Sick Pay for him as he is self employed and at the moment is obviously not receiving an income - Is there any website that could give me answers or does anyone know of an answer to this query? Much appreciated.

[sammy snake]

Self-emplyed people are not entitled to SSP but they may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit. I typed 'Incapacity Benefit' into google and there are lots of links.

[sandbach99]

Get in touch with your local Work and Pensions agency, providing his/her contributions are in order benefit can be paid, they will probably need a medical certificate from their Doctor. If the benefit is insufficient and depending on their financial circumstances Income Support may be payable.

[THECORBYLOON]

Your friend should contact his local Jobcentre Plus office and ask for an SC1 to claim Incapacity Benefit (IB) and an A1 for Income Support in case he doesn't qualify for the IB. It's important he rings ASAP, as Income Support is usually paid only from the date the form was requested. In some parts of the country he may be telt to 'phone a contact centre to claim but his Jobcentre Plus office will tell him. He won't need a sick note for the first seven days off work but he will from then on-the hospital may have issued a sick note while he was in- and then he'll need one from his own Doctor.

[Materialnut]

Thanks you've all been a great help - i'll let him know and get someone to get the ball rolling - thanks again much appreciated.