JSA and resignation because of health

theatretony

My OH resigned her job last month (been there years). I want to know if she can claim anything as we are now around £500 a month down.

She was unable to do her job because of her health, she spent more time on sick than in work. We both decided her health was more important than working.

She does not have a sick note, but would easily get one from docs if needed as he said she could. We are still awaiting the appointment for the neurologist to see what is wrong and not until then will we know when she can start working again.

Do we have to just live off my salary now or can she claim for anything?

Hope that all makes sense....

flight747

Claim ESA, not JSA.

rogerblack

She can possibly claim ESA (contributory), if she meets the conditions.
This is not means-tested for the first year.
Or possibly claim JSA, if she can work 16 hours a week.
Not means-tested for the first 6 months.
DLA would be an option, if her problem causes her significant care, or mobility needs, and if her condition has existed for 3 months, and is likely to exist for 6 months in the future.
Never means tested.

theatretony

So it is worth a try, the worst they can say is no....

I feel that as she has never claimed, she should be entitled to something, and it is only her health that is stopping her from working.

At the moment, she cannot even take our daughter to school or pick her up, so we are paying out more to keep her in after-school club so I can pick her up. I do not mind doing this, I enjoy it, but I know my other half misses taking her to school and picking her up.

Oldernotwiser

theatretony wrote: »

I feel that as she has never claimed, she should be entitled to something, and it is only her health that is stopping her from working.

It doesn't actually work like that but no harm in applying.

Do you already claim WTC?

theatretony

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

It doesn't actually work like that but no harm in applying.

Do you already claim WTC?

Not as I am aware, we get the Child Tax Credit (I think) that is only about £42 a month... and we get child benefit at around £80 a month. I think my salary is above the threshold for WTC.

MrsManda

Definitely put in a claim for ESA. Hopefully she'll qualify for contributions based ESA but at the very least she should receive N.I. credits which means she won't lose out on her state pension.

You mention that she cannot go out to take your daughter to school/pick her up. Is this because she needs supervision going outside?
If she's got mobility and/or care needs she may qualify for Disability Living Allowance depending on how long she's had the symptoms and how long she's likely to continue having them. This is a non-means tested benefit which is based on care/mobility needs rather than ability to work or diagnosis.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011816

There's a downloadable checklist which you can go through to give a basic understanding of whether she's entitled.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011925

In terms of other benefits if you put your household details into a benefits calculator it'll give you a rough idea as to whether you're claiming everything you're entitled to.
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

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