What financial support services are available post-accident?

Statutory sick pay 

If you are unable to work due to your injury, you may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks. This is paid by your employer for all days that “qualify”, which are days you are off sick that you would normally work. There is certain eligibility criteria that you must meet to obtain SSP, so you'll need to ensure you qualify on the government website. For instance, to receive this financial help while off work sick, you must have been absent for at least four days in a row. Usually, you will receive £94.25 per week, but you may get more if your employer has sickness support schemes set up.

Workplace support schemes

Your employer may provide additional financial help when you can't work, on top of SSP. If so, this will usually be explained within a HR policy designed to support employees that have a long-term illness or suffered an accident that has left them unable to do their job. For instance, you may be able to get ‘contractual sick pay' if it is stated in your contract of employment. This could be full salary when absent, or full salary minus any statutory sick pay, depending on the policy. Your employer may also have a medical care scheme set up which could help you obtain relevant treatment for your injuries. It's worth speaking to your manager or HR department for information on any financial support services available.

Universal credit and other benefits

You may be able to claim government financial help if you are out of work due to a health condition. For example, if your accident has caused a long-term disability which means you can no longer work, benefits can help you with essential living costs, such as housing and transport. There's a wide range of financial help for disabled people such as tax credits, grants and direct payments. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Universal Credit or the Personal Independence Payment. Speak to a government official or take a look at the government's guidance on financial help if you're disabled to find out more.

Income protection insurance

If you are self-employed or your workplace doesn't offer financial support services, the loss of income after an accident can be severe. That's why many take out income protection insurance - so they can claim financial support if an injury or illness leaves them unable to work. These types of insurance policies give you a regular percentage of your salary until you can work again. If you currently have income protection insurance, you may be able to make a claim post-accident. Don't have a policy in place? It's highly unlikely an insurer will allow you to set up a policy and instantly claim if your accident has already taken place. However, it still may be worth setting up insurance to protect you from lost income in the future.

Personal injury claims

If your illness or injury was caused by an accident that was somebody else's fault, you may be able to claim compensation. This is the case whether your accident happened at work, on the road or due to medical negligence. It's important to get advice to establish whether you are eligible to make a claim. When you call us, our Legal Support Advisors can offer guidance on your next steps. While making a claim may seem daunting, it can offer the financial help you need during recovery. If you'd like some advice on making a claim, get in touch with our friendly team today on .

Accidents can turn your whole world upside down, affecting your physical and mental health, ability to work, participation in hobbies, and relationships with family and friends. Not to mention the impact it can have on your financial wellbeing. If you are struggling with money post-accident, there are financial support services available to help you. Don't let pride get in the way - seek the support you need today so you can worry less about your bank balance and concentrate on recovery.