18, unemployed, no qualifications, and a mental illness sufferer. Benefits questions?

dehaani

bargainbonkers wrote: »

Would I be able to get housing benefit on top of this?

Oh God I hope so!

bargainbonkers

dehaani wrote: »

How can I claim benefits?

If I were on benefits then I could get my teeth fixed, get the glasses I need, arrange favourable payment terms for my debts and save a fortune on council tax. If I didn't own my flat then I'd be claiming for rent too.

I've had panic attacks and I feel that I shouldn't be working because I'm unsociable and that's a clear personality disorder. I am absolutely terrified of travelling on buses for some reason and I'm certain that I'll lose the means to run my car soon. Are these grounds for benefits?

My personal opinion is that a lot of people need a kick up the proverbial and get on with doing something. I work with people who can barely communicate intelligibly but they can stack shelves and clean. Some of them can't keep a thought in their head for more than a minute but they still perform basic tasks effectively under supervision.

I do agree with you, but I'm looking for benefits not to grab for as long as I can but to serve as an aid with living costs, while I get the help I need through therapy so I can go and get a job, feel okay with it, and then be off benefits. I don't feel benefits are an excuse to not have a job.

[Deleted User]

bargainbonkers wrote: »

This all sounds a bit confusing as I'm new to benefits. I'll make an attempt at getting disability allowance.. Bit worried about being rejected but all I can do is hope! Would I be able to get housing benefit on top of this?

As you live with partner his income will be taken into account as you are treated as a couple for all means tested benefits,however dla would not be affected by his income and is worth applying for,a good idea would be to get help with the application from welfare rights or cab.

dehaani

I had similar problems to you, whilst working.

Medication, therapy, research, socialising and everything else I tried was a waste of time. I almost lost my job several times for failing to appear when I had a panic attack but I managed to secure a few weeks off and fight off a disciplinary.

In the end, the answer was that something had to change in my life and the change that *started* my rehabilitation was a new job.

My lowest times were when I was facing the possibility of losing my job, coupled with the time to sit around at home and worry and attend group therapy sessions with a bunch of people who were habitual wasters.

I think you're starting on a slippery slope if you don't want make claiming benefits your chosen career.

bargainbonkers

dehaani wrote: »

I had similar problems to you, whilst working.

Medication, therapy, research, socialising and everything else I tried was a waste of time. I almost lost my job several times for failing to appear when I had a panic attack but I managed to secure a few weeks off and fight off a disciplinary.

In the end, the answer was that something had to change in my life and the change that *started* my rehabilitation was a new job.

My lowest times were when I was facing the possibility of losing my job, coupled with the time to sit around at home and worry and attend group therapy sessions with a bunch of people who were habitual wasters.

I think you're starting on a slippery slope if you don't want make claiming benefits your chosen career.

What do you suggest I do then dehaani?

dave4545454

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

unless you post in the discussion forum in the arms....

well yes, you'll always get a lot of people critisising others on there, totally against the whole MSE ideal.

dehaani

Apply for jobs. Worry less, live more.

dmg24

bargainbonkers, please don't let dehaani put you off getting the help you need, it sounds like he is a tad bitter towards benefits claimants.

dehaani

Sorry, I was actually being serious. Didn't mean to hijack your thread.

bargainbonkers

Well I have always believed that mental problems should be treated with as much concern as physical ones, but I know many will not agree with this. Obviously dependant on how extreme the case is, why the physically disabled should be able to recieve benefits and the mentally disabled should just 'get up and get working', I can't understand.