I will be having surgery soon and will need time off work. I don't get sick leave, only ssp. Is there any help out there for me?

I am due to have surgery on 1st May for high grade VIN.  My consultant has told me i might need a few weeks off work.  I dont get paid to be off sick and will only get ssp.  Is there any help out there to stop me getting into debt and all my direct debits bouncing.  I only earn £1200 a month and most of that goes on bills.  I struggle most months but this situation is really stressing me out.  I am single so dont have anyone to support me......what and who can i turn to?

  • Hi Eeyorerocks  sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  Can you not claim Universal credit whilst you are off sick.  If you go onto the www.gov.uk website and go on the benefit calculater one is called EntitledTo and put your circumstances in, it will tell you if you are entitled to claim it.  You wont be able to claim New style ESA whilst you are getting SSP.  Good luck with your operation.

    Lee