Can any one offer any advice?

Luker_2

Right any help would be greatful as I am in a dilema...

I live with my wife and my son who is 9 years old, we currently rent a property and have no mortgage.

I am in full time employment £1244mth after tax. My wife is disabled and receives the higher rate mobility and care component.

Over the last 2 years in my employment I have been off with stress and anxiety twice for a period of 6mths on each occasion. This has been triggered as I am trying to care for my wife, look after my son as well as working 43 hours a week. I work in a targeted environment which is extrememly excessive at the best of times. When my wife or my son becomes ill I have to try to take time off work which isnt always easy and usually leaves me with a warning.

To cut a long story short, I have been off sick myself recently and pressure has come through from work in the form of a letter which is quite threatening. I am feeling very stressed again and basically I have had enough of being intimidated back to work with no understanding of our situation.

I guess I am asking if I obtain a medical certificate to state that this is destroying my health and then concentrate of looking after my wife full time would I be financially ok? We rent at the moment and do not have a mortgage. I am worried that giving up my job will make matters worse financially but on the other hand I am worried about my wife and my health.

Would I be able to talk to work and make myself redundant by handing in my notice. I have gone down the union route yet again but frankly I have had enough and need to care full time for my wife.

Any ideas on what our entitlements could be or any tips on leaving work to help a disabled person?

Sorry to sound a bit vague but I really have no idea where to start and the more I am moaning about life the more I am getting totally stressed about it all. I have worked all my life an never considered this route but situations have got alot worse.

Many thanks in advance.

DX2

I think as you would be caring for your wife you would be eligible for Carers' allowance as your wife gets high rate DLA and you will get a top up of Income support. Also you would need to put a claim in for Local housing allowance and council tax benefit.
I don't think you would be sanctioned for leaving your job.

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Incomesupport/index.html
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/on_a_low_income/dg_10018928
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018923
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/caringforsomeone/moneymatters/dg_10012522

Limana68

HI Luker
Just read your post and you are in a similar position to me- except my hubby is disabled and we have 2 kids and my mum to look after too. Luckily for me I have a very supportive employer and I have applied for flexible working, which I have now got, which has helped a lot.

I have also spent alot of time off sick with stress/anxiety/depression due to my situation, and did contemplate giving up my job to be at home but we decided against it, and went for flexy working instead.I wanted to be able to get out to work still if that makes sense.
Fortunately my job isnt too badly paid to be able to reduce my hrs etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide-the stress just isnt worth it and I am sure you wont be sanctioned for leaving to be a full time carer.

Li

Chocolate80

I just wanted to reply as I really feel for you. It sounds to me that you'd be far better off leaving your job and caring for your wife, but when I say better off, I mean in the emotional sense. I don't know how things would work out financially. I just know that happiness is so important and I wouldn't advise anyone to continue in stressful jobs if their happiness is in jeopardy.

I really hope you can come to a decision once you've gathered all the information you need.