Benefits entitlement help

bramblesmum

I have been diagnosed with ME and my current job is not suitable as 9hr shifts of permenant walking. I have been advised by my specialist to not go back, however at the moment I am verging on claiming SSP as only had 1mth full pay then 1mth half pay. I want to know if I can be applicible for any other benefits alongside the SSP or what I would be entitled to if I were to not have my job?

HappyMJ

Look at employment and support allowance. If renting look at Housing Benefit and if you pay council tax then look at CT benefit.

TOBRUK

Hi bramblesmum, sorry that you are suffering with M.E. and finding yourself in the awful position with regard work.

Although you have just been diagnosed with M.E. you have probably been suffering for a long time as it takes months to diagnose!

I have M.E. and was diagnosed in 1997. I had to leave work in the end and although it broke my heart, it was the only thing to do. I was worried about how I would cope losing my employment, financially etc.

I think you have to listen to your specialist to be honest! However much you try to push yourself physically your illness will get worse - trust me!

Whatever you do DO NOT RESIGN - you have to let you employer make you redundant, sack you or whatever - this is very important! If you were to resign you will have big problems in getting any benefit!

I receive dla, mobility and care rate. When work let me go I received IB and a few years later was changed to IS. Hopefully you have a good GP and you should see every couple of months. With regard pain management, I receive quite a lot of medication - some for nerve pain, muscle pain etc.

I was extremely worried about losing my job, but I did survive! I was worried as I live alone and do not have a partner. I had a mortgage also and I did eventually receive help with interest payments.

If at some point you get well enough to go back to work and are receiving DLA you will be able to see the disabled advisor at the job centre and will find you work and also help you.

Do apply for DLA and I know it is hard but you have nothing to lose!

MrsManda

You cannot claim Employment Support Allowance whilst getting SSP but will be able to claim once your SSP runs out. You may be able to claim low income benefits such as Council Tax benefit, housing benefit etc... whilst on SSP.

Put your details into these benefits calculators to see what you may be able to claim:
https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/ba/lp?_piref278_36249_278_36248_36248.__ora_navig=action%3Dentitlement%26pageno%3D16

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

It's worth calling the DWP benefits line on 0800 055 6688 (open 8am-8pm monday-friday) for advice as they can often fill out the paperwork with you over the phone.

bramblesmum

thank you guys I really appreciate your help and advice