I'm not well, a carer and worried about a WFI

Bosie

I have been a Carer for quite some time, 2 years ago I fell seriously unwell myself and ended up in hospital. Anyway, they took me off Carer's Allowance and onto Incapacity Benefit. I also received a letter saying I was exempt from the medical, then last year I received an IB50? Sent it back and they said October 09 they might want to see me.

Now because of a change of circumstances I am having to claim income support, I was told by the adviser who did the phone application I may have to go to a Work Focus Interview.
I am still under the hospital and see a consultant every 3 months, don't feel too well and still tired from being a Carer!

I feel so stressed and overloaded, if they send me a date for an interview and I don't feel up to it, apart from commitments to caring can you amend the appointment?

How long is it after you actually sign and post off the income support form do they send you an appointment?

Personally I feel looking after someone for more than 35 hours a week, feeling like donkey doo's is enough.

finally, in the next few weeks myself and the person I look after hope to have a 5 day break as it's therapeutic to both of us, am I allowed this?

Bo

FROSTYFRECKLE

Hi Bosie,

Sorry cannot give any advice - just bumping up your post.

whatapickle

Hi

I'm not sure if I am able to help but wondered if you could tell me who you care for - why you got the careers allowance? Is it for your partner or do you have to go out to "work" so to speak to do the caring?

If you are still under the hospital have you applied for Disability Living Allowance -sorry if I am telling you how to suck eggs but they do a mobility allowance and careers allowance depending on what support you need yourself.

Also if you are asked to attend a work based interview -It is best to try and attend the interview but make sure you have sent in uptodate details from the hospital / doctor etc as this will help support your case that you are unable to work due to illness.

you are allowed away for a break but if you are away for more than two weeks this will def affect your benefits. Also always best to check with an advisor and make sure they note your account - best safe than sorry

Hope this helps

mcc28_x

If you are in receipt of Carers and I/S you have to attend a WFI. They're nothing to worry about just listen to what's on offer and decide for yourself whether you're interested. Probably take about 30mins.

If you receive I/S because you are a single parent or classed as sick (i.e. underlying entitlement to Incapacity Benefit) the WFI is a little different, if either of these circs apply more will be involved.

Mark

Bosie

Yes I care for my partner but we have decided to live seperately but I will continue as his carer. I get 'underlying carer's entitlement' I used to get Carer's Allowance but when I got ill myself they put me on Incapacity Benefit. I'm not a single parent and past the first flush of youth!
I've just read a report from Carer's and Carer's save the govenrnment 87 billion a year.
I can't help but worry and to be honest I need someone to care for me.

Bo

whatapickle

If you need some help for you then maybe go to social services to see if they can help care for you, even if this is only in the short term.
Is it possible you could pass your caring responsibilities onto somebody else - maybe who cared for your partner whilst you were in hospital, to aleviate some of the pressure from yourself even if only in the short term?
I would also recommend that you apply for the DLA's I suggested earlier - these are in addition to and seperate from your other benefits.
As long as you have sent all the info off to income support they should get your claim sorted asap. I know its easier said than done but please don't worry - explain to any advisor you see what you have said on here and they will be able to ensure that you are given the best advice and way to progress. Good Luck and hope you get things sorted soon