Would I be entitled to anything, or shall I carry on struggling?

jimimi

Hi everyone

I'm off work with depression at the mo, I knew that a big downer was coming as I can just tell. I am on 150mg of sertraline and have been seen by a psychiatrist (sp?). I just don't seem to be getting any better, I barely have the energy to tidy up and do the housework, let alone go to work. Would there be anything I could claim for the times I feel like this? The psychiatrist said that I have major or severe (can't remember which) depression. There is no cause for it that anyone can identify. Can anyone help?

Thank you

McKneff

Are you getting any pay from work, if you are putting 'fit notes' in they should be at least paying you SSP.

Give the DWP a ring.

Hope things get better for you soon.

jimimi

Hello

It is a new job, I have only been there a month so felt really bad about taking time off already. The psychiatrist said that I will have times when I am unable to work. I used to work for the council and they were fully aware of my problems so I didn't mind ringing in sick when I felt bad there. The new employers didn't know about it until today. I just feel really unreliable and like quitting the new job so they can get someone in that won't let them down. Is there any sort of illness benefit I would get? I haven't got a clue on how these things work as I've only ever claimed tax credits/family allowance.

jimimi

Tory70 wrote: »

Generally speaking, giving up work to live off benefits is a bad idea for someone with depression. Long term it could be a disastrous move. You may find sitting around twiddling your thumbs makes your depression worse and when you are ready to seek employment it might prove hard to get another job.

If you do decide to leave your job, you might be able to claim Employment Support Allowance. This is £67.50 a week (assessment rate). You'll need sick notes from your Doctor, complete a form and eventually attend a medical. Are you single or living with a partner? Are they working?

Out of interest, why did you leave the council if they were so understanding (most councils offer excellent sick pay and support)

I got made redundant from the council in August. My partner works full time and I have two children. I have taken quite a pay cut with this new job, was on 18k a year at the council now on 10k. I live in a Housing association house. Partner earns about 270 a week after tax. Not sure how much you need to know, so if I've forgotten anything else, please let me know.

Thanks

MrsManda

You don't need to leave your job to claim Employment Support Allowance and it's probably a bad idea to do so.
If you are not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay then you should be given a SSP1 form from your employer. You can then apply for Employment Support Allowance.
You will be assessed to see if you are eligible for contributions based ESA - you won't get income based as your partner works longer than 24 hours a week.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891

McKneff

Are you saying that the new employers werent aware of your illness when they offered you the job.

Did they ask on your application of any illnesses of absences from previous jobs from any sickness/illness.

puddy

despite anti discrimination laws, it is still very difficult, if not impossible for people to feel confident about declaring mental illness in applying for a job, so i hope that line of questioning wasnt about to criticise the OP for that if she didnt declare it

Owain_Moneysaver

You should consider applying for Disability Living Allowance. This is not means-tested or work-related, but if you are working you may find it hard to convince the DWP you qualify on mental health grounds. Professional advice on completeing the form, and supportive statements from medical professionals, would be advisable to make a successful claim.

Once you've got DLA it can help you get Disability element of tax credits if you stay in or return to work too.

Fiddlestick

Tory70 wrote: »

Generally speaking, giving up work to live off benefits is a bad idea for someone with depression. Long term it could be a disastrous move. You may find sitting around twiddling your thumbs makes your depression worse and when you are ready to seek employment it might prove hard to get another job.

*sticks hand up as someone who works full time and has depression*

I couldn't agree more.

I don't know what I'd do if I had to take an extended period off work due to illness. Being unemployed due to redundancy earlier in the year for 3 months was bad enough - I can't imagine it being 6 months, a year, whatever.

It really does have an impact on your mental health.

McKneff

puddy wrote: »

despite anti discrimination laws, it is still very difficult, if not impossible for people to feel confident about declaring mental illness in applying for a job, so i hope that line of questioning wasnt about to criticise the OP for that if she didnt declare it

I wasnt critisising the OP at all, it maybe is difficult for people for to disclose mental illness when applying for a job, but further down the line, it is possible for employers to dismiss employees for not disclosing any illness whether mental or physical. Remember also that employess can be dismissed for any reason within the first 12 month.

I worked in the concrete business, you have no idea how many people have not disclosed Asthma, chest problems which working in the concrete business is extremely dangerous to the employee. There are so many rules and regs re employee safety.
Rules work both ways for employee and employer.

Oldernotwiser

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

You should consider applying for Disability Living Allowance. This is not means-tested or work-related, but if you are working you may find it hard to convince the DWP you qualify on mental health grounds. Professional advice on completeing the form, and supportive statements from medical professionals, would be advisable to make a successful claim.

Once you've got DLA it can help you get Disability element of tax credits if you stay in or return to work too.

The OP hasn't indicated that she has any care or mobility needs which would make her eligible for DLA.