Quick Benefits Check

VK-2008

what makes u entitled to a benefit? i know its a silly q but i have no dependants and work full time

Titch89

VK-2008 wrote: »

what makes u entitled to a benefit? i know its a silly q but i have no dependants and work full time

- Low income/not working
- Illness/disability
- Lone parent/parents
- Carer

Is it true that as someone who is partially sighted, I'm not entitled to income support and have to sign on/work? It makes no sense - the law says I'm disabled, won't give me a driving licence (for my safety and the sfety of others) and won't allow me to do certain jobs. (not just driving ones either)

dmg24

Titch89 wrote: »

- Low income/not working
- Illness/disability
- Lone parent/parents
- Carer

Is it true that as someone who is partially sighted, I'm not entitled to income support and have to sign on/work? It makes no sense - the law says I'm disabled, won't give me a driving licence (for my safety and the sfety of others) and won't allow me to do certain jobs. (not just driving ones either)

If you are capable of doing some jobs (which many partially sighted people are) then you would be expected to be looking for work or be employed. In order to claim benefits due to disability you need to be incapable of any work, not just some work.

Titch89

There are no jobs I can currently do. Either because I'm too tired, (I get very tired very quickly) my eye sight is too poor, I have very poor balance and hand-eye co-ordination.

dmg24

Titch89 wrote: »

There are no jobs I can currently do. Either because I'm too tired, (I get very tired very quickly) my eye sight is too poor, I have very poor balance and hand-eye co-ordination.

I assume that your tiredness is due to another health condition?

What jobs have you done in the past?

I know of a few people with partial sight that work in call centres (with adapted equipment), and one that is a gardener (he works on texture and the different colours)!

Have you actually applied for Incapacity Benefit?

Titch89

The tiredness is due to the eye sight problems, as is the poor balance.

The only jobs (actually, it was work experience) I've done are working in an office and working in a nursery. Since then, my sight has become worse and will become worse the older I get.

I did apply for incapacity benefit, but couldn't make the assessment, so am meant to wait for another appointment or something.

dmg24

You need to look at what you can do, as at the moment it appears that you are focusing on what you cannot do. It would be terribly sad if you are giving up on the idea of work at only nineteen.

If you are currently applying for IB, then I assume that the DWP has not yet said that you are fit for work? You need to find out at what stage your claim is, as you do sound unsure.

Whether you are found fit for work or not, I would ask the JCP about being referred to one of the Pathways to Work organisations (if your area has one, most do now). They will help you to focus on what skills you do have. I'm sure that you will be able to find something that you enjoy with some help.

If you need some more help, with your claim for IB or other benefits, I would post a new thread on the main board. People don't often check this thread, so your post may be missed x

caforty

Hello there

When you say 'assessment' I am guessing you are referring to the DWP medical examination - which will tell the DWP whether or not in the opinion of their own medical examiner you are as disabled as you claim to be.
You can appeal against the decision if it turns out to be negative but its a very long process.

You dont say what your own doctor's opinion is? Has s/he ever signed medical notes for you?

It does sound as though you are feeling negative about work because you cannot find something that suits your capabilities. If you are in fact 19, have you tried contacting the Connexions service? If not, as said before, the DWP and JobCentre both have disability staff.

If you get very tired you are unlikely to want to try to work full time. You can get disabled persons tax credit if you are working over 16 hours and if you have a. been in receipt of IB or are b. in receipt of DLA - see below!

It certainly sounds as though you should apply for Disability Living Allowance if you have not already. You can get this whether in work or not and regardless of how many hours you do. If you were to be found unfit by the medical exam and you are awarded DLA middle rate care allowance you would also qualify for a disability premium which would boost your entitlement to out of work benefits.

HTH

Titch89

caforty wrote: »

Hello there

When you say 'assessment' I am guessing you are referring to the DWP medical examination - which will tell the DWP whether or not in the opinion of their own medical examiner you are as disabled as you claim to be.

Yes.

You dont say what your own doctor's opinion is? Has s/he ever signed medical notes for you?

They've signed 2 I think. (one med 3 & one med4) They did refer to me to physiotherapy (there's nothing the doctors can do) who said I've pulled my neck muscles. It's now normal for me to pull them whilst sitting up/laying down.

If you are in fact 19, have you tried contacting the Connexions service? If not, as said before, the DWP and JobCentre both have disability staff.

None of them have been able (or even tried) to help me. Connexions advice is generally 'look on the UCAS website' (uni stuff) or sign on with the job centre.

Whether you are found fit for work or not, I would ask the JCP about being referred to one of the Pathways to Work organisations (if your area has one, most do now).

What is this please? I'm off to college (hopefully) in September.

I got tolda few weeks ago that there's no way I can work in computing/IT because I get tired so quickly.:rolleyes:

LameWolf

I just wanted to say a quick Thank You for the entitledto link. I was pretty sure I was getting everything I'm entitled to and so it turns out I am, but it's good to have confirmation that I'm not missing out on something.