Some advice please

NORTHERS

I am a 38 year old chap, married with to a Russian lady and we have an 8 yr old daughter (I am actually) not real dad but I will one day legally adopt her. I have Spina Bifida and I work full time which I have done such since leaving college. In the recent year or so I found myself getting exhausted by the type of work I am doing which is call centre based and it's handling a lot of complaints. I would like to work less hours but then I am wondering if benefits will change. I do have disability living allowance (but this is low care component but really I think I should be getting medium as my assessment was when I was 17yrs old and my body has changed in those years.) I also get a mobility car. I would like more energy to be with my family and so would like to reduce my hours to 16-20 per week. My wife works in schools as a teacher 8.5 hours a week. Can I ask if I am able to reduce my hours and would government help me. I don't have council tax reduction because I refuse to go into a wheelchair although I do use wheelchair for such places like zoo's and airports. I'm not very clued up with benefits and enjoy working, I don't want to rely on benefits and be out of work, I do want to contribute....please do not misunderstand me. I will be grateful for any help!!!!!!! :cool:

MrsManda

If you put your details into the benefits calculators below you will be able to model different situations.
What benefits do you currently receive?

In terms of your DLA are you on an indefinite award?
You can ask to be reassessed if you think your condition has worsened In order to get middle care DLA you need help with personal care frequently or supervision continually through the day or night.

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/ba/lp?_piref278_36249_278_36248_36248.__ora_navig=

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

Jowo_2

If you are awarded middle rate care, consider if your partner can fulfill the criteria to claim Carers Allowance for you.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/caringforsomeone/moneymatters/dg_10012522

DX2

Do you claim child tax credits and working tax credits already?

Indie_Kid

Are you claiming the disability element of WTC?

NORTHERS

DX2 wrote: »

Do you claim child tax credits and working tax credits already?

Yes I am claiming child tax credit and working tax credit which I believe has an element of being disabled.

NORTHERS

DX2 wrote: »

Do you claim child tax credits and working tax credits already?

Yes, please see my previous comment that I am claiming ctc and wtc.

viktory

Can you wife not increase her hours to full time, so you can drop to part time hours? That way you get a well earned rest but you shouldn't suffer too much financially.