Sick-day benefit mix

Route an illness to the right benefits: New Style ESA, Universal Credit (LCW/LCWRA) and PIP.

decision tree

Expected illness duration (weeks)

Years on Class 2 NI (of last 3)

Monthly housing costs (£)

Monthly household income excluding gig (£)

I already have a Universal Credit claim I have a GP fit note Household savings exceed £16,000 Daily living or mobility difficulty

This tool assumes:

Self-employed gig workers are not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) — SSP requires 'employee' status.
New Style ESA requires sufficient National Insurance contributions in the two relevant tax years (typically Class 2 NI for the self-employed).
Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work (LCW) and LCWRA elements are awarded after a Work Capability Assessment.
PIP is non-means-tested, non-contributory and based on functional impact, not earnings — it can stack with ESA and UC.
Routing logic is indicative; final entitlement is decided by DWP based on a full assessment.

Primary sources:

Last reviewed: 21 April 2026Next review: 21 July 2026