Any idea's?!

lilysgarden

Heya everyone! Kinda new to this board but post alot on the student board, but I could really do with some advice for a friend right now!

In short, 8 days ago, my friend was jumped from behind by 8 guys and beaten up very badly. At some point during the attack, 4 of them held him down, while the other 4 twisted his leg 180 degree's and jumped on it until it broke in god only knows how many places! He's been in hospital since then and already had 2 op's to try and repair the damage. He was due to be released from hospital on thursday but after walking on crutches for the first time, his leg bled so much it soaked through the plaster cast. At the moment, the doctors can't give us any idea how severe or permanent the damage will be and they've warned that he could potentially be disabled for life after this attack.

The problem we have is that he's a full time musician. He gets paid for gigs his various bands play etc and he always seems to be doing something related to his music. When he doesn't have gigs, he works temping jobs etc to keep the rent paid. Sadly, this means that while he recovers, he has no money coming in at all as he doesn't get paid if he doesn't work. Naturally friends and family are doing all we can to help him out right now, including a benefit gig on the 30th at the Croft in Bristol.

But will he be entitled to any benefits to help with rent etc? As I understand it, shouldn't he at least get Incapcity and Housing Benefit until we know more about how he'll recover and the chances of him working again? If anyone can give me any idea's at all about what he can claim and how to go about it, I'd appreciate it alot!

Thanks in advance, Nik xx

Lord_Dante

Incapacity Benefit is based on your National Insurance that you've paid in the last two years so depening on wether he was taxed on his earnings he may not be able to reicieve that. However theres also income support that just goes on any money he has coming in. As long as he doesn't have savings of over 16,000 and other income he should be entitled to that. I'd suggest either getting the forms for IS/IB, or calling the new claims line on his behalf. If you get the forms also call the local council for HB/CTB but if you call the new claims line you can get the claim for HB/CTB done as well.

Hope that helps.

lilysgarden

Thanks for that, anything would be a bonus right now! Yeah, he pays tax etc on any part time/temping work he's done around his music for years, very much doubt he gets taxed on payments for gigs though. Although the record labels should also be deducting tax on his payments from cd and merch sales, so he should have something to fall back on. Sadly no savings, hence the benefit gigs we're doing for him. I'll give the claims line a call first thing monday and get the ball rolling for him at least!

Thanks again!

mouseymousey99

Hello - The hospital should have an allocated social worker - ask your friend to get in contact with them. (Through the ward clerk). That way he can start things soonest.
best wishes

lilysgarden

Thanks for that, will try and find out if the hospital definately has one. I know they should but considering they took him to hospital in a police van because there weren't any ambulances, I'm not holding my breath on it! Thanks again for the advice though!

Nik xx

shrouded_1

i have no advice to offer but wanted to say that I am so sorry for your friend. Fcuking animals that did that to him. I hope he gets some benefit help as this is exactly what benefits should be for.

lilysgarden

Thanks, much appreciated, just a pity that in this day and age, people still feel the need to behave like animals.:mad:

Paparika

OMG sounds like animals hope they get caught.

I have no advise to help but you mentioned a gig at the croft at the end of the month, i go there to watch gigs every few months, but this is a good cause, pm the info and i'll left the gang know,

lil_me

Get in touch with welfare rights asap if there will be a delay in him seeing the hospital social worker, you can find them on your local council website.

Being self employed from the gigs he should have been paying tax and NI contributions on his earnings, completing self assessment tax forms etc.

A friend of mine was attacked for his mobile phone (by the gang which were in the press a lot in London) luckily they found him soon (gang member was arrested and when they went to return his phone he was found dying basically on the floor in his home) and after extensive surgery inc on internal injuries and plates on his face he's made pretty much a full recovery.

lilysgarden

Thanks everyone for the replies etc. Here's the info about the upcoming bebfit gig for anyone at all who's interested. The gig had already been booked with Merv's band Burning Skies, as headliners. Due to the attack, Burning Skies are no longer playing, but everyone else is thankfully up for putting on a good show. You don't need tickets in advance, it's donations on the doors;

It is fancy dress on a Halloween tip and there will be bands and DJs till the early hours so please come, dress up and join us for an awesome night of drinking and helping out a good friend.


Bands playing:
Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 8:00pm

Chains of hate
The Remnants
SDFF(TBC)
Clockwork Sniper
Start of Nothing(TBC)

Playing order will be decided on the night.


And afterwards,

DJ Credit Crunch - playing £££ related songs of ludicrous proportions

Liam + Ives Cube(Burning Skies) - playing rock anthems of the hairiest quality.


Donations: £5 suggested

Thanks again! Nik xx

SomeBozo

lillysgarden

You have not said where it is.

Bozo