Are you an agency worker or self employed?
Financial Wellbeing
If you work for an agency, are employed by your own limited company, or are self-employed, then you may be entitled to welfare benefits and other support.
Are you self-employed or working through agencies?
You might have entitlements to welfare benefits and other support if you work for an agency, youÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™re employed by your own limited company, or youÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™re self-employed.
Support for workers employed by agencies or an umbrella company
If you work for an agency or an umbrella company you have the right to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) when you canÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™t work due to ill health, providing you meet the .
If you provide a fit note your employer must give a valid reason in writing if they believe you do not qualify for SSP. If you think they have made the wrong decision you can contact the .
Agency employees may also qualify for:
- (if under State Pension age)
- (if State Pension age has been reached.)
Households with low or no income may also qualify for .
Support for self-employed workers
If you are a self-employed worker, you may be eligible for if you have:
- paid regular National Insurance in the past two tax years and
- are currently unable to work due to ill health
You can apply for while you or your partner are self-employed. Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for adults under State Pension age. The amount depends on your household income as well as other details about your household. You donÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™t have to stop working to claim Universal Credit, but self-employed claimants have to show Universal Credit certain things as part of the claim process, which you can see . If you claim other benefits or tax credits already, these may be affected if you claim Universal Credit. Speak to an adviser at the RCN Lamplight Support Service if youÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™re unsure whether to apply for Universal Credit.
If youÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™re self-employed, and have already reached State Pension age, there are other benefits available such as and .
If your income has stopped and you have a low level of savings, you may also qualify for Council Tax Reduction from your local council. This benefit is also sometimes called . Check your councilÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™s website to find the application form.
Financial Wellbeing quick links
Advice guides:
- Everyday money management
- Money troubles
- Applying for benefits
- Increasing your income
- Are you on sick leave?
- Worried about meeting housing costs
- Managing energy costs during the crisis
- On a low income or looking for work
- Charitable funding and other sources of help
- Short-term cashflow issues
- Adult children not paying rent
- Entitlements for carers
- Entitlements for self employed or agency workers
Tools and calculators:
Booking an appointment: