Benefits for people who cannot work. If you cannot work because you are sick or disabled, whether temporarily or permanently, you may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).Usually, SSP is paid for the first 28 weeks of sickness if you work for an employer.f you are disabled, information about benefits and tax credits must be available in a way that is accessible to you. For example, information must be available in large print or in Braille. Also, if you are disabled, you may be entitled to other help apart from benefits and tax credits.