Myth Buster: "I'll Be Fine If I'm Off Work for a While"

Mar 20
3 min read

It’s something many of us assume.

“If I had an accident or got ill, I’d manage.”

But let’s pause and ask the real question:

If you couldn’t work for three months… six months… a year… how would you maintain your mortgage, your family’s security, and your current lifestyle?

The Risk Most People Don’t Plan For

We insure our homes, our cars and our phones. But the biggest asset most people have is their ability to earn an income.

In the UK, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is currently just over £100 per week and only paid for up to 28 weeks - and that’s if you qualify.

Would that realistically cover:

Your mortgage or rent?
Household bills?
Food and childcare?
Insurance payments?
Car finance?
General living expenses?

For most families, the answer is no.

Income Protection: What Is It?

Income Protection Insurance is designed to pay you a monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

Instead of a one-off lump sum, it provides a regular payment (typically a percentage of your income) to help you:

Continue paying your mortgage
Cover household bills
Maintain financial stability
Focus on recovery instead of worrying about money

It bridges the gap between your employer’s sick pay (if any) and your normal earnings.

“It Won’t Happen to Me” - The Common Assumption

Many people assume serious illness or long-term absence only affects others.

But time off work doesn’t always come from dramatic events. It can result from:

Back problems
Mental health conditions
Stress or burnout
Recovery from surgery
Chronic illness
Unexpected accidents

Not every health issue is life-threatening - but many can prevent you from working for months.

And when income stops, the financial pressure builds quickly.

Why Income Protection Matters Even More With a Mortgage

When you commit to a mortgage, you commit to consistent monthly payments - often for 25–35 years.

If your income suddenly stops:

Mortgage payments don’t.
Utility companies don’t pause bills.
Food costs don’t disappear.

Income protection helps ensure your home remains secure while you recover. It protects your credit rating, your savings and your long-term plans.

What About Employer Sick Pay?

Some employers offer generous sick pay schemes.

But consider:

How long does it last?
What happens if you change jobs?
What if you’re self-employed?
What if your employer policy only covers part of your salary?

For self-employed individuals, freelancers and business owners, income protection can be particularly important, as there may be no safety net at all.

It’s Not About Expecting the Worst

It’s about planning responsibly. You don’t arrange income protection because you expect to need it. You arrange it so that if life takes an unexpected turn, your family doesn’t face financial stress on top of everything else. Recovery should be your focus - not whether you can afford the mortgage next month.

The Question to Ask Yourself

If you couldn’t work for six months:

How long would your savings last?
Who would carry the financial load?
Would your lifestyle change drastically?
Would your home be at risk?

For many households, income protection is what keeps everything steady when life isn’t.

How Endurance Mortgages Can Help

At Endurance Mortgages, we believe protection should be part of every financial conversation - not an afterthought.

Whether you’re:

Buying your first home
Remortgaging
Self-employed
Reviewing your family finances

We can help you explore income protection options that suit your circumstances and budget. Because your mortgage doesn’t stop if you’re ill. And neither do your responsibilities.

If you’d like to review your protection or understand how income protection could work for you, get in touch with our team today.

Your income is your biggest asset. Make sure it’s protected.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. Some Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.

Endurance Mortgages Ltd is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales no. 15060351. Registered Address: Worting House, Church Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG23 8PX.