Qualifying for a Loss of Earnings Claim

If you’ve been unable to work because of your injury, you may be entitled to claim for loss of earnings. However, there are a few 

important rules you need to meet:

Employment history
You must have been in paid work for at least three years in a row before your injury. (There are some exceptions, for example if you were in full-time education or other exceptional circumstances prevented you from working such as full time carer.)

Waiting period 
Loss of earnings is not paid straight away. The first 28 weeks (about 6 months) of your absence are not covered. Only after this period can your claim for loss of earnings begin.

Payment rate
If you qualify, your loss of earnings will be paid at the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rate. This continues until you are fit to return to work or until your retirement age if you cannot return.