Benefits if you are self-employed and injured at work

Updated: 16 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

If you are self-employed and an injury stops you working, you will not get Statutory Sick Pay. You may still be able to claim other support. This page explains the main benefits, how they interact, and what to do next.

At a glance

  • SSP does not apply to self-employed workers. Look at New Style ESA and Universal Credit instead.
  • PIP may help if your injury causes long-term daily living or mobility difficulties.
  • IIDB is for employed earners and usually not available to the self-employed.
  • You may also qualify for Council Tax Reduction and help with rent via Universal Credit.
  • For returning to work with adjustments, consider an Access to Work grant.

Statutory Sick Pay does not apply

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is only for employees who meet the eligibility rules. Self-employed workers cannot claim SSP. Start by reviewing your National Insurance position and which benefits you can claim instead.

Read about SSP on GOV.UK and National Insurance for the self-employed on HMRC.

If you're self employed, check your eligibility for benefits and apply early. Keep a record of lost work, income and cancelled jobs. Detailed figures make benefits and any claim easier.

Chris Salmon

Commercial Director
Work Accident Advice Centre

New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

New Style ESA can support you if a health condition or injury limits your ability to work and you have paid sufficient National Insurance in recent years.

  • Based on your Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
  • Not affected by savings. You may claim it alongside Universal Credit.
  • You usually need a fit note and a Work Capability Assessment.

Eligibility and how to apply: New Style ESA.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit can top up your income if you have limited earnings because of injury. It is means-tested and can include housing costs.

  • Your savings, household income and partner’s earnings affect the award.
  • If a Work Capability Assessment finds you have limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA), you may receive an extra element.
  • If you are self-employed, check how the Minimum Income Floor is treated in your situation.

Read more about the Universal Credit self-employment rules here: Universal Credit and self-employment.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment helps with the extra costs of long-term ill health or disability. It is not means-tested and does not depend on your work status.

  • Assessed on how your condition affects daily living and mobility.
  • Can be paid whether you are in or out of work.

Check eligibility and how to claim: PIP.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

IIDB is generally for employed earners who are disabled because of an accident at work or a prescribed industrial disease. It is usually not available to the self-employed. Always check the current rules: IIDB on GOV.UK.

Council Tax Reduction and housing support

If your income has fallen, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction and help with rent through Universal Credit.

Access to Work

If you can work with support or adjustments, an Access to Work grant may fund equipment, travel, support workers or mental health support. This scheme is available to the self-employed.

See how to apply: Access to Work.

Quick steps to take

  1. Gather evidence: fit notes, medical reports, and details of how your injury affects daily tasks and work.
  2. Check contributions: review your National Insurance record in your HMRC personal tax account for ESA eligibility.
  3. Apply promptly: start claims for New Style ESA and Universal Credit as soon as your income drops.
  4. Consider PIP: if your difficulties are likely to last at least 12 months.
  5. Review other help: Council Tax Reduction and Access to Work.

Can I also claim injury compensation?

Yes, if someone owed you a duty of care and their negligence caused your injury. A successful claim can include loss of earnings and other financial losses. Compensation is tax-free, but may affect means-tested benefits if paid as a lump sum. Ask about setting up a personal injury trust to protect benefit entitlement.

Call now for free specialist advice

We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:

  • Advice that's right for your case
  • Check if you can claim
  • No Win, No Fee explained clearly

If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

Call 0800 218 2227 Open until 8pm
Call me back Choose a time

Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon