Unable to work after major surgery – financial support in England
A major operation can change more than your health – it can also affect your financial situation. What happens if you are unable to work for a longer period of time after surgery for an aortic dissection?
After a serious operation, financial worries can come on top of the physical and emotional challenges. Many people are unsure what financial support may be available if they are unable to work for several weeks or months.
The following information provides a general overview of the main forms of support available in England. Your entitlement will depend on your employment, National Insurance record, income, savings and individual circumstances.
During the first weeks of sickness
If you are an employee and meet the eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer. Since April 2026, SSP can be paid from the first full day of sickness. For the 2026/27 tax year, the rate is £123.25 per week or 80% of your average weekly earnings – whichever is lower.
SSP can normally be paid for up to 28 weeks. Tax and National Insurance may be deducted. Some employers offer contractual or company sick pay, which may provide more than SSP. Check your employment contract or speak to your employer to find out what your workplace offers.
If you are self-employed, different rules apply. You may need to look at other forms of financial support.
If you are unable to return to work
If your health prevents you from returning to your previous job or working your usual hours, you may be able to discuss changes with your employer.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include:
- reduced or flexible working hours
- working from home
- changes to your duties
- additional equipment or support
- a phased return to work
If you have a disability or long-term health condition, your employer may have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you work. A phased return, flexible hours or part-time working can be examples of reasonable adjustments.
A phased return to work
You do not necessarily have to return to your full workload immediately. A phased return can allow you to gradually increase your working hours or responsibilities as your health allows. This should be discussed with your employer and healthcare team.
For some people after an aortic dissection, working part-time or from home may be a realistic long-term arrangement rather than a temporary step.
If you need additional practical support to stay in work or return to work, Access to Work may also be available. This can include financial support for practical assistance or equipment. You can apply if you work from home, and in some circumstances Access to Work can be received alongside benefits.
When Statutory Sick Pay ends
If you are still unable to work when your SSP ends, you may be able to apply for other financial support.
New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
New Style ESA may be available if an illness or disability limits your ability to work and you have paid, or been credited with, enough National Insurance contributions.
A Work Capability Assessment is used to assess how your health condition affects your ability to work. Depending on the outcome, you may be placed in a group where you are expected to prepare for work, or in the
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) group, where you are not expected to work or undertake work-related activity.
Importantly, receiving support because of limited capability for work does not necessarily mean that you cannot work at all. Some people may be able to continue working reduced hours or with adjustments, depending on their circumstances and the rules of the benefit they receive.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit may also be available if your income is low or you are unable to work because of a health condition or disability. Universal Credit is means-tested, so your income, savings and household circumstances are taken into account. If you have a health condition that affects your ability to work, a Work Capability Assessment may also be relevant to your Universal Credit claim.
Is there a disability pension?
England does not have a direct equivalent to the German Erwerbsminderungsrente (disability pension).
Instead, financial support for people whose health significantly limits their ability to work can come through different benefits, such as New Style ESA and/or Universal Credit, depending on their individual circumstances.
This means that being able to work only a few hours a day does not automatically mean that you are simply considered unemployed or that all financial support stops.
If you cannot return to your previous job
After a major operation, returning to your previous job may not always be possible in the same way as before. If your employer cannot accommodate the changes you need, you may need to discuss other options, including a change of role, alternative employment or financial support.
You do not have to work full-time to be considered capable of working. The support available depends on your individual circumstances and the outcome of the relevant assessments. A serious illness can change not only your everyday life, but also your financial situation. Knowing what support may be available can help you plan ahead and seek advice at the right time.
This information is intended as a general guide for people living and working in England. Benefit rules and eligibility criteria can change, and individual circumstances can make a significant difference. For personal advice, contact the relevant government service, a benefits adviser, Citizens Advice or another qualified advice organisation.
Source: GOV.UK – Statutory Sick Pay • GOV.UK – Employment and Support Allowance • GOV.UK – Reasonable adjustments • GOV.UK – Access to Work
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