It is sadly true that, at some point in our lives, many of us will be affected by sickness or disability. With this comes the worry of how our health will impact our finances in the long term and how we can best protect our assets. In this article, we will discuss how to protect your finances in the event of illness or disability in the UK.
Understand Your Rights
The first step to protecting your finances in the event of illness or disability is to understand your rights. In the UK, you are entitled to financial help if you are between 16 and 64 years of age and unable to work due to a disability or ill-health. The exact amount of financial help you may be entitled to depends on your individual circumstances, but you could be eligible for welfare benefits, tax credits or support from the government-funded Access to Work programme.
It is important to note that if you receive any of the applicable benefits, you still may need to pay tax on them. You should consult a tax specialist to make sure you know how much tax, if any, you should expect to pay on your benefits.
Consider Long-Term Disability Insurance
It is wise to research and consider the different forms of long-term disability insurance available in the UK. These policies can help to provide you with a replacement income if you are unable to work due to an illness or disability. Depending on the policy, you may be covered for anything from a few months to several years. It is important to note that policies usually come with limitations. For example, some policies may only cover accidents or specific illnesses.
Another option is to discuss the option of a rider with an insurance broker. This is an additional policy that can be added to an existing life insurance policy. It is designed to provide a lump sum of money if you are unable to work due to illness or disability.
Make Use of Tax Reliefs
Illness and disability-related costs can be significant. There are a number of tax reliefs available to help reduce the financial burden. For example, if you are a disabled person, you may be eligible for disability tax credits or tax relief on medical costs. Speak with a tax advisor to ensure you are aware of all the tax reliefs that apply to your situation.
Get Professional Advice
Seeking advice from an experienced financial professional can be beneficial. They can help guide you through the various options available to you and offer tailored advice based on your individual circumstances. Make sure to select an individual that has knowledge of the tax and finance requirements for people with disabilities in the UK.
Begin Planning for the Future
It is also important to start planning for the future. You want to ensure that, even if you do become ill or disabled, you have a plan in place to help you protect your finances. This could include setting up a trust to ensure your finances are passed on to your loved ones if something were to happen. A financial planner can help you to draw up an effective plan.
Final Thoughts
It is important to keep in mind that protecting your finances if you become ill or disabled can be a complex process. Being aware of your rights, understanding the options available to you and seeking professional advice are key steps to take to ensure you are able to maintain your financial security in the event of illness or disability.