Looking for advice about claiming benefits

Takana

Hi all, I hope someone can offer some advice. I'm new to benefits and it's all rather confusing so bare with me.

Right, since 17th Jan 09 I have been signed off sick from work due to a back injury. I injured it at work, but it was an existing injury I had done at a previous job. I work in a cafe in a large supermarket. Doctors have been assuming it's a torn muscle again as that was what I'd done last time, but since it's not got better and I've had a whole host of other pain (neck, shoulders, chest, upper back, legs, ankles) at various points in the last 7 months, I've since had an xray and I am now just waiting for the results.

Anyway, work is now an issue. I went back to work for a couple of days in March and then for about 2 weeks in May/June but it made things worse and I've been off since. So far I'm still being paid. When I went back they warned me I was holding onto my job with the skin of my teeth, anymore absence and that was it. So, I know I'm probably gonna get fired when I do go back. But a big part of me doesn't want to go back. I'm so scared I'm gonna make my back worse again. I've already decided to go part time and to change departments (if they let me). I can't work in the cafe anymore, it's too much.

So if they fire me, what would happen? I'm worried about job seekers as you have to accept the jobs they give you right? What if I can't do them? Are they sympathetic to people with back problems? What about if I quit? Can I claim anything?

I'm sorry for all the questions, especially as I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking. I've had my friends and family keep going on and on about claiming benefits that I'm so confused as to what I may be entitled to. They've mentioned incapacity and disability, along with income support if we (my fiance and I) go down to one income. Plus theres job seekers. I've even been told to get myself pregnant as then 'they throw everything at you'! I may be getting married in 6 months with the plan to start a family asap, but thats rather extreme!

btw I've had a read through the stickies and done the All Work Test Calculator and that gives me a score of 27 which says I can claim. But it doesn't go any further as to what or how.

Thanks for reading this far, I hope someone can shed light on my situation.

Zara33

Takana wrote: »

I'm sorry for all the questions, especially as I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking. I've had my friends and family keep going on and on about claiming benefits that I'm so confused as to what I may be entitled to. They've mentioned incapacity and disability, along with income support if we (my fiance and I) go down to one income. Plus theres job seekers. I've even been told to get myself pregnant as then 'they throw everything at you'! I may be getting married in 6 months with the plan to start a family asap, but thats rather extreme!

If you are unable to work due to illness you need to claim ESA incapacity benefit no longer exists, as for getting pregnant for the sake of benefit they won't be throwing money at you :rolleyes:

Takana

Zara33 wrote: »

If you are unable to work due to illness you need to claim ESA incapacity benefit no longer exists, as for getting pregnant for the sake of benefit they won't be throwing money at you :rolleyes:

Thanks for the reply, I shall look it up. As for the pregnancy quip, I hope it didn't sound like I was thinking about it!

Zara33

Takana wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, I shall look it up. As for the pregnancy quip, I hope it didn't sound like I was thinking about it!

;)Nope! It's just strange that people think the way your family members do.