Ugh, so many confusing forms, no idea where to begin

vyle

Ok, I'm looking into claiming working tax credit or something because I cannot work full time because of my health. I'm hypermobile in my back, neck, hips, knees and I cannot work full time as doing so would put me in severe pain and restrict my mobility.

I work 24 hours with long breaks in the day to help me cope.

My inability to earn a full time wage is putting my partner and I on the breadline, so to speak, but the government's definition of disability confuses me.

My condition is substantial, because it means I have to be VERY careful about what job I could apply for, regarding lifting or even what kind of chair I sit in. It's going to last me for my whole life, yet because I can walk 100 metres, it seems to not be considered a disability.

I've noticed that i tick 2 of the 3 boxes on some forms, but the one I dont' ever meet is "
On account of incapacity for work, for 140 days or more, with the last day of receipt falling within the preceding 56 days, any one or more of the following

• Statutory Sick Pay
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Incapacity Benefit paid at the short-term lower rate
• Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity for work
• National Insurance credits awarded on the grounds of incapacity for work or

On account of having limited capability for work

• an employment and support allowance for a period of 140 qualifying days
• National Insurance credits for a period of 20 weeks on account of having limited capability for work, and where the last of those days or weeks fell within the preceding 56 days"

Now, the last two bullet points look to be something I might qualify for, because my capacity for work IS limited. How does one even begin to look into these National Insurance credits?

It seems stupid that my income is going to be restricted for my whole life, yet I cannot get any help because I can take an arbitrary number of steps. If I decide to stop doing my nightly exercises and stop being careful, I'm sure I'd fall into one of the predefined boxes, but that would be spiting myself.

It's so frustrating .

[Deleted User]

do you have any care and or mobility needs?If so you should apply for DLA

Ruby_Moon

Its only restricted if you let it be.
There are a whole host of opportunities for people to work sat down in a chair that suits you or even a job that lets you move around as and when you need to....even working for yourself at home. Its just finding the right job for you.

I doubt that you would qualify for any part of DLA going by what you have written although its not a great deal of money when you get the low amount anyway.

lolababy

Hi Vyle it sounds as if you would qualify for disabled tax credits
What does 'Physical or mental disability which puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job' mean?

This is defined in the TC600 notes, which detail the 'disadvantage' test and lists the relevant qualifying benefits. As proof of disability you may be asked to nominate a professional who knows you and can confirm how your disability affects you.

Your gp or consultant should be able to back you up on your medical information.

jazabelle

Doesn't it mean you have to be on DLA to get Disabled Tax Credits? I don't think the OP gets that.

I'm just looking into Employment and Support Allowance. It says if you can't work 2 or more days a week due to disability - but doesn't say you need to be on DLA or anything.

It seems if you're lucky enough to get DLA (not lucky for needing it, but for them to actually take you seriously), they will give you other benefits/money. If you can't get DLA in the first place, then you're left with nothing else to claim.

purplecatlover

id reccommend speaking to dial uk for advice/help with claimign everything your entitled to, or joining benefits and work and using their guides and forum etc to help.