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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, you鈥檙e employed by your own limited company, or you鈥檙e 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 can鈥檛 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 don鈥檛 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 you鈥檙e unsure whether to apply for Universal Credit.

If you鈥檙e 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 council鈥檚 website to find the application form.