Help on a bit of a mess..

Holly1234

Okay, so after reading over the 'Mental Health and Debt' guide, I thought I'd post about my situation here and see what you guys think.

I'm 20 years old and just completed two years at university. I struggled but just about coped in my first year then completely fell apart by the end of second year so after delaying the exams (which the uni kindly allowed) and then sitting them, I decided to withdraw from university for the sake of my own mental health. I've suffered from depression for many years now and have only recently (the past year) been put on medication for it.

So, I signed up for JSA (which took ages to process) and was told I'd receive £0 because of my boyfriend's income, who I live with - who is a student and whose loan only just covers the rent alone. Fair enough, I guess. I find the odd task here and then and sell a lot of my things that gives me a little bit of money for a few weeks to keep us afloat. We applied for housing benefit weeks ago but still haven't heard anything yet, we're keeping our fingers crossed.

But, job hunting for me is proving harder and harder to cope with. I'm completely losing grip of myself, when my boyfriend attends uni (which is most full days), I don't tend to do anything with myself because of the depression. Medication ended ages ago because I can't afford it. I tried telling this to the job centre but they seem flippant about trying to help me out with that. It's making me physically ill and we cannot have any form of heating on because of poor energy heaters installed by our landlords, again making me more sick.

Oh and I'm hoping to return to (a different) uni to either start over again or at least redo my second year because I think on the right medication, I could do so much better than I previously did. How likely does anybody reckon student finance will help me out? I know they only fund 3/4 years but if they could clear some of my previous debts to them, it'd make the choice between getting back into education or staying in this mess a little easier..

Any advice would be appreciated, I tried looking through the site but felt a little overwhelmed. Sorry to bother, I'm just starting to reach a point where I need decent opinions (instead of a scary official voice)!

Edit: Ooh, I should probably add that I am sincerely trying my best for a job. Most days it just feels impossible but I try to do as much as I can. I don't have much experience though so it's been nothing but rejections so far..

bobajob_1966

Are you fit for work? If not, you should claim ESA rather than JSA. It is still unlikely that you will receive any payment, at least until you are allocated to one of the main phase groups, where you receive more money (I'm not sure because I can't recall how much Student Finance they count). Even then it may only be a small amount, but it will give you access to free prescriptions, full housing benefit etc.

How long have you been waiting for your housing benefit claim? They will take into account your boyfriend's income, so your entitlement will depend on what rate of LHA you are eligible for.

With regard to prescriptions, you should complete a HC1 form to see if you are eligible for help with health costs. Many student couples are, so worth applying.

Do you have care or mobility needs? If so, you may be eligible for DLA.

Have you looked at studying with OU to complete your degree?

Student Finance will not clear any of your previous debts. However they may allow you to borrow for extra years where you have evidence of mitigating circumstances. However, you do need to keep in mind that fees are going to be far more next year.

Holly1234

At the current moment, I don't at all. I can barely leave the house without feeling daunted.

With the housing benefit, we had our appointment last week so I can understand that maybe taking another week or two to process. I'm more worried that because they'll be taking into account my boyfriend's student income (which resulted in my zero jsa), we won't be given any..

I'll give the HC1 form a shot, I thought it was only strictly applicable to students.

Not sure about mobility or care. My boyfriend is the one that cooks and cleans, he helps encourage me to do things but as I said, he's not always there so I'm often left to my own devices which results in me not eating and the like.

I'd much rather attend a physical university, the more motivation put in place to leave the flat, the better (and what's better than hiked fees?) but OU definitely sounds like something to be considered.
I'm looking into maybe starting the second year of my course again so the mitigating circumstances could help for that. I'm a bit concerned about applying and then SF being difficult, as notorious as they are.

Thank you for your help, I'll definitely check out the H1 form but the likelihood of me receiving any other help seems dire.

bobajob_1966

It sounds like you would qualify for DLA, at least the lower care rate if not middle. If you receive DLA it means you also get premiums on other benefits, so it can result in you getting quite a bit more.

You claim ESA online or over the phone. You will also need to get a 'fit note' from your GP.

If you do go back to uni, make sure you apply for DSA. You can get all sorts of help through this, from a taxi allowance if you can't use public transport, to help with library services and/ or a support worker, and even a laptop and printing allowance if you can't make it into uni a great deal.

If you only want to retake one year at uni you should be fine with SF.

The HC1 is definitely not just for students, I think that is a common misconception because it is the only group it seems to be publicised towards.

Maybe you could make a list of things to look into?

Holly1234

Yes, thank you! Tomorrow I'll give the DLA and ESA a shot, any small amount would be a great help and I suppose the worst they can say is no. I know a friend of mine has help with DSA at uni and I wish I knew about it when I actually attended but yes, I'll bear that in mind for my next application. Thank you so much for your advice.

Morglin

Have a look at this for students:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10034876

Info on claiming ESA for depression:

http://www.depressionalliance.org/PDF/employment-support-allowance-depression-ssau08.pdf

Lin

salau2

bobajob_1966 wrote: »

It sounds like you would qualify for DLA, at least the lower care rate if not middle. If you receive DLA it means you also get premiums on other benefits, so it can result in you getting quite a bit more.QUOTE]

If you receive DLA you may get a premium – note that the disability premium has been removed from ESA claims though the severe disability premium remains on ESA-IR.


You may be entitled to ESA in youth which is comparable with contribution based ESA. You may also be entitled to DLA depending on your care and mobility needs.


You should seek advice from the students’ services department at your university or at your local CAB. 1 month to appeal ESA and DLA decisions.


You may also be entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit/LHA (subject to circumstances). 1 month to appeal.

If awarded DLA (Middle or Higher rate care) your partner may be able to claim Carers Allowance (subject to circumstances). 1 month to appeal.


Again go to the students’ services department at your university who will be happy to help and are generally benefits experts.