A couple of days off work usually won’t have too much of a financial impact. You might lose a bit of income or have to reshuffle your budget, but generally, it’s something you can absorb without too much stress.
However, long-term sickness can cause a real financial strain. Even if an employer offers sick leave, this is only likely to be for a limited time and may not be enough to live on alone.
In many cases, statutory sick pay is a fraction of a normal salary, and it often runs out after a few weeks or months. As a result, other forms of income are often needed when recovering from a long-term illness.
Trying to keep afloat financially while also focusing on your health can feel overwhelming. But it’s important to know you are not alone and there are options available.
Here are just a few ways to financially survive when too sick to work. Even using one or two of these suggestions can help relieve some of the pressure and allow you to focus on getting better.
How to Survive Financially When You’re Too Sick to Work
1. Make Money Online
There are lots of ways to make a bit of extra money on the web which don’t require any physical exertion. You don’t necessarily need to leave your bed or even get out of your pyjamas to bring in some income.
One accessible option is paid surveys. Certain sites will pay you in cash for completing surveys. The longer and more niche the survey, the more you’ll earn. Topics could range from giving feedback about new products to sharing your opinions about advertising campaigns or public services.
Such surveys generally don’t require too much mental strain, making them a perfect option for those that are ill or have limited energy each day.
Alternatively, you could try making money from digital skills using sites like Fiverr. This could include editing photos for people, writing paid blog posts, designing simple graphics, handling a company’s social media or even helping people to do online shopping – whatever skill you can offer.
This type of work can sometimes take a bit more mental effort, but you may find that by only taking on odd jobs here and there, you don’t have to dedicate too much time to them. Plus, you can usually set your own schedule, allowing you to work only when you feel up to it.
Of course, if you feel you’re still mentally able to handle a full workload and your role is computer- or phone-based, you may be able to continue your current job from home on full pay.
Many companies are now capable of facilitating remote work thanks to advances in technology. It could be something worth discussing with your employer, but only if you feel you can manage it without compromising your recovery.
2. Sell Your Clutter
Being ill could be the perfect time to sort through some of the clutter in your home. You may be surprised at just how many unused or unwanted possessions are taking up space.
It’s likely there could be items that have real value to someone else, whether it’s clothes you no longer wear, kitchen gadgets gathering dust, or old collections of books, records, or memorabilia. By selling these, you could help to make a bit of extra income that could cover groceries or bills.
It’s possible you may need some physical help with this process. For example, you might need someone to go up in the attic or down into the basement to retrieve boxes, or to help you move heavier items. You can also ask someone to take your clutter to a local thrift store or charity shop if you prefer to donate instead of selling.
If you decide to sell items online, sites like Gumtree are an excellent place to start. You can even ask the buyer to collect the item directly from your home, saving you the effort of posting. Be sure to take clear photographs and write honest descriptions to avoid disputes later on.
Even if you feel you have no clutter to sell, you can always pawn items to get a temporary loan. This can be a quicker way to access cash, but do keep in mind you will have to pay back this loan by a certain date. Otherwise, you could risk losing the item as collateral, so only use this option if you are confident you can repay in time.
3. Look Into Sickness Benefits
When it comes to long-term sickness, it’s sometimes possible to seek state or government benefits. It’s worth researching your entitlements early, as applications can take time to process.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is one option to explore. These are credits that are earned over the course of your working life. They can then be used to provide an extra income when you are unable to work.
The eligibility criteria will depend on your specific illness and how long you are expected to be unable to work. You may not be able to apply for SSDI with certain ailments. However, for most forms of long-term recovery, it’s usually applicable.
Other benefits may also be available if one of your family members needs to act as your carer. In some cases, there could be government grants to help adapt your home or cover the cost of specialist equipment.
Many charities also have advisers who can help you navigate the paperwork and understand what you are entitled to, so it’s worth reaching out for guidance.
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4. Consider if You’re Eligible for a Legal Claim
If you were made ill or injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, it’s possible that you may be able to get the help you need by applying for legal compensation. While pursuing a claim can feel daunting, a good personal injury lawyer will handle much of the work for you.
Situations where this could apply include a workplace accident, a car accident injury, injury caused by a faulty product, medical malpractice, or another form of professional negligence. Compensation from a successful claim could help cover lost wages, medical bills, and even future loss of earnings.
It’s important to act promptly, as there are time limits for filing a claim in most regions. An initial consultation with a lawyer is usually free and can help you understand whether your case is viable.
5. Get Help From Charities
There may also be charities that can provide funding or practical assistance in certain circumstances. Some charities can offer one-off grants to help cover household expenses or the cost of specialist treatments not covered by insurance.
Others may be able to assist with tasks you can’t manage, such as grocery shopping, cleaning, or transport to medical appointments.
Make sure to consider local charities in your community, as well as nationwide organisations. Even if you don’t qualify for financial help, some charities offer valuable support groups and information services that can make coping with illness easier.
Many people underestimate how helpful it is simply to know someone understands what you’re going through.
6. Let Your Creditors Know
Finally, it’s worth telling your creditors about your situation. When it comes to circumstances such as illness, many bill providers and lenders will be sympathetic and may agree to temporarily lower your rates, freeze payments, or set up an affordable payment plan.
This may require you to already have a good relationship with these creditors. If you’ve missed lots of payments in the past, they may not be so willing to do this.
However, if you’ve regularly paid on time, they’re much more likely to help you out. It’s always better to be honest and proactive about your situation than to ignore the bills and hope they go away.
In addition, some insurance policies such as mortgage payment protection or credit card repayment insurance might include cover for illness or injury. Review your policies carefully to see if you have any entitlements you’ve forgotten about.
Being too sick to work is stressful enough without worrying about money. But by exploring these options and seeking help early, you can relieve some of the financial pressure and give yourself space to focus on your health.
Whether you decide to earn from home, claim benefits, or get support from charities, every bit of assistance counts towards making a difficult time more manageable.
