Glandular fever: too ill for Uni and too ill for work, only 18- what to do?

Duncombe

Mojisola wrote: »

Someone is too ill to go to college or go to work. Why do you think it's good he can't claim benefits? Surely this is exactly the kind of situation that benefits are provided for?

Because he is 18, has 'just finished his a-levels' and has no need to be supported by anyone other than this parents. He is too ill to work or continue with his education, therefore any expenses he has will be minimal. And certainly no different from the past 18 years of his life.

Indie_Kid

bestpud wrote: »

Even if his parents receive full council tax benefit, the deduction for an unwaged adult is fairly small.

It can be up to 25% for someone on income based benefits. (second adult rebate)

Mojisola

Duncombe wrote: »

Because he is 18, has 'just finished his a-levels' and has no need to be supported by anyone other than this parents. He is too ill to work or continue with his education, therefore any expenses he has will be minimal. And certainly no different from the past 18 years of his life.

He's 18 and an adult. If he were fit and well, he would be working or living off his student loan. He wouldn't be expecting his parents to give him every penny he needs.

If his health doesn't improve and he's still ill in five years time, by your argument, he still shouldn't be entitled to any benefits as he still won't be costing his parents very much. At what age would he become entitled?

As a child with a disability can be awarded benefits, I have no problems with an adult unable to work being able to claim something.

PurpleReindeer

Dear M.E,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am so glad to hear that your daughter is feeling better. T is also very ill and has been in and out of hospital The doctor took a picture of him because he is so jaundiced. He has every complication in the book and they are worried that his spleen is very inflamed. It's all a bit scary when it happens isn't it.

We're still waiting to see what the situation is on his uni accom, and I can't really comment on the council tax situation at home. All I know is that he lives with a single parent that rents, and since he turned 18 in August, the council wrote to her. At the time, she sent off the university information and exemption info, so she was really worried what they would charge her if he stays at home.

The situation seemed a bit horrible, he isn't working through no fault of his own, and his Mum is worried about rent and council bills. Now it sounds as if the council tax wouldn't be affected, so that's a relief.

I am surprised at the strong reactions of some people. I (naively it seems) thought benefits and exemptions existed for these kind of situations. I thought this would be a good place to turn to see if I could help my family. Thanks to those who tried and help and offered information and shared their experiences.

janninew

Duncombe wrote: »

Because he is 18, has 'just finished his a-levels' and has no need to be supported by anyone other than this parents. He is too ill to work or continue with his education, therefore any expenses he has will be minimal. And certainly no different from the past 18 years of his life.

What if his parents can't afford to support him now? They will no longer get CB or CTC. He is an adult in the eyes of the law, I think benefits should be available if your doctor says your unfit for work or education? What happens in this situation if the person didn't live at home?

Indie_Kid

PurpleReindeer wrote: »

We're still waiting to see what the situation is on his uni accom, and I can't really comment on the council tax situation at home. All I know is that he lives with a single parent that rents, and since he turned 18 in August, the council wrote to her. At the time, she sent off the university information and exemption info, so she was really worried what they would charge her if he stays at home.

If it's just her & her son, she would've been liable for 75% of the council tax (people under 18 and full-time students are exempt) so it would just be the 25% on top that would be charged. However, you can get a discount (second adult rebate) if you're the adult child and have a low income. He'll need to contact his local council for more information.

PurpleReindeer

Dear Dan, Really appreciate the insight. Sorry to hear you are so poorly, I've found some forums with people in the same situation as you, so you aren't alone - have you found them?

Moving back to the benefits theme - it sounds like he wouldn't have been entitled to any funding or financial support, so guess we should be glad he went down it it last week and not next year.

I find it odd as I learn more that GF is so common, especially at university, (and so debilitating). It is also so potentially serious, there should be greater awareness - and more support!

An idea is forming in my head...

Thanks again.

"Yes definately make sure he takes time to recover, I got glandular fever in my last year of uni, I carried on regardless because I was adament I was going to finish my degree, I did so at the cost of my health in the long run as I now have M.E (oten referred as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but there is alot more to it than being tired I can tell you!) So cant help you in the way of benefit advice but the most important advice I can give you is to make sure he gives his body time to heal, I wish I did I can tell u."

PurpleReindeer

janninew wrote: »

What if his parents can't afford to support him now? They will no longer get CB or CTC. He is an adult in the eyes of the law, I think benefits should be available if your doctor says your unfit for work or education? What happens in this situation if the person didn't live at home?

Very good point! His Mum was getting much needed child support or tax credit until he turned 18, and there are other kids at home - eak. If GF is so common, this situation must come up a lot, and I bet there are a lot of young adults out there can't pay their rent, care for themselves etc without help.

Congrats on the baby, erm and good luck with the next! I have a friend that is similarly fertile

janninew

PurpleReindeer wrote: »

Very good point! His Mum was getting much needed child support or tax credit until he turned 18, and there are other kids at home - eak. If GF is so common, this situation must come up a lot, and I bet there are a lot of young adults out there can't pay their rent, care for themselves etc without help.

Congrats on the baby, erm and good luck with the next! I have a friend that is similarly fertile

It is a common illness in teens, I work in a secondary school and we have 3 sixth formers off ill at the moment with GF, one poor lad has been very poorly with it and has been off for over 6 months. Its a slightly different situation, as these kids are under 18, so you can expect that the parents will look after them. Would be really interested to know would happen if he didn't live at home, he couldn't claim JS as he wouldn't be fit for work?

Thanks for the congratulations!

I hope the young man feels better soon.

Sam____2

I think he may be able to make a claim for income based ESA, it's down to the decision maker wether or not he's eligible, worth a try as I'm sure he'll have some of his own expenses to pay, toiletries, mobile phone etc...