Am I entitled to sick pay whilst SELF EMPLOYED ?

[Ali]

I have been self employed for a number of years now, and have paid my own national insurance contributions, and completed my own tax returns regularly. I have not been able to work for the last 3 weeks due to a spinal problem and was operated on earlier this week as an emergency. I could now be off work for 1-2 months.......How can i get help financially ?
UK replies only please

[Renee]

did you pay workmans compensation in on yourself?

If not, discuss the possibilities with your insurance company.

If you run into a wall there, console yourself with the fact that we are paying ten billion dollars a month on occupying a sovereign nation instead of taking care of our own citizens.

[ALAN R]

no you have to take out insurance, to cover if you are off work
that's the benefits of being self employed

[Triple O]

I am afraid you are on the list of those who do not qualify for that benefit, although you may get incapacity support.
You cannot get SSP if you:

Are aged over 65 or under 16.
Are unemployed.
Are self employed. (You may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit instead.)
Are involved in, or affected by, a trade dispute at work.
Are in legal custody.
Have already had 28 weeks of SSP, gone back to work, but have gone sick again within eight weeks. (But you may qualify for other benefits.)
Have been claiming Incapacity Benefit within the eight weeks before going sick.
Are getting Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay. If you had been getting SSP for a pregnancy-related illness you will be switched to Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance four weeks before the baby is due. You cannot get SSP for 26 weeks after you start getting Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay.

[Emma T]

No you will not qualify for SSP.

You will probably qualify for Incapacity Benefit for the duration of your recovery, however. You will need your doctor to certify that you cannot work.