Benefits for working people taken ill

Hi, I am new to this so please bear with me, but I would like peoples comments to see whether I am alone on this view. In October (the day after my birthday) I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Lukeamia and was told I would be off work for about 6 months. Both myself and my husband have worked full time since leaving school (my husband has 20 years on me) and never claimed benefits. My employer told me that he will keep my job open but can only pay me ssp. As you can imagine being without a regular income for 6 months was a big worry so I tried to apply for any benefits that would stop us losing our house or possessions, but surprise suprise because we have always worked we do not qualify for ANYTHING, because my husband is working. Is it me or does this seem unfair? JU