Changes to SSP

[LastOrders]

I understand that from April 2104 there were changes to SSP so if an employer pays SSP to its employees they cannot reclaim the SSP from HMRC.
I have just had an accident and cannot work for a few weeks, so can I claim ESA now instead of SSP?
I am sole director of my own limited company.

[Martin at NixonWilliams]

I understand that from April 2104 there were changes to SSP so if an employer pays SSP to its employees they cannot reclaim the SSP from HMRC.
I have just had an accident and cannot work for a few weeks, so can I claim ESA now instead of SSP?
I am sole director of my own limited company.

You are right in saying HMRC will no longer subsidise the SSP however you can still make the SSP payments from the company if you wish, though there is little benefit in doing this.

ESA is a possibility but it might not be worth the hassle if you are only unable to work for a few weeks.

I hope this helps.

Martin

[TheFaQQer]

If you are in contract and are a PCG+ member, then they have insurance which will pay out for this.

Wish I'd known that when I was ill a few years back.

[LastOrders]

No, sadly, I am not insured and I will be off work for some months.
Do employers have a legal obligation to pay SSP?
When I looked up ESA, it said you could be either employed or self employed. So I am presuming not, because if employers have a legal obligation to pay, then employees would not be able to get ESA?
Or am I wrong?

[TheFaQQer]

I have just had an accident and cannot work for a few weeks

No, sadly, I am not insured and I will be off work for some months.

Make sure you get your time periods right if you are making any claim.

[LastOrders]

ESA is a possibility but it might not be worth the hassle if you are only unable to work for a few weeks.


Martin

Under what circumstances would I be able to claim ESA?
I have rung the ever helpful (not) HMRC who say that the employer (ie my company) must pay SSP. But the company has no money as I am not able to work.

[northernladuk]

Under what circumstances would I be able to claim ESA?
I have rung the ever helpful (not) HMRC who say that the employer (ie my company) must pay SSP. But the company has no money as I am not able to work.

Not even to cover it's tax and VAT liabilities?

[LastOrders]

Not even to cover it's tax and VAT liabilities?

Sadly not. I have had some large expenditure recently and was intending to work some more hours to pay my taxes and other liabilities.

[northernladuk]

Oh dear oh dear.

[Martin at NixonWilliams]

Under what circumstances would I be able to claim ESA?
I have rung the ever helpful (not) HMRC who say that the employer (ie my company) must pay SSP. But the company has no money as I am not able to work.

I am not sure as this is not something we have dealt with before, however it is my understanding that you must undergo an assessment to determine whether you are able to work or not.

There are helplines available on the gov.uk site, I would suggest that you call them and see how this might benefit you.