Can we really claim nothing?

throwoff

Hi Guys,

I will keep this as brief but detail packed as possible so you can advise me.

I am 25 married to a woman of 27, I work 38 hours a week and earn roughly 25,000 before tax. Up till recently my wife worked 37.5 hours and earned 18,500 before tax.

She has been quite ill with mental health problems on and off since childhood and it has come back with force recently forcing her from work. She is unemployed and her doctor has given her a 3 month sick note saying she should not work in this time while she gets help.

Because she had a period 12 months ago where she was unemployed for a year she cannot claim contribution based anything and I am over the earning threshold for any income based.

ESA
Working tax credit
Jobseekers.

We have tried all 3 and been denied at each one on both contribution and income tested.

Is there NOTHING we can claim while she is unable to work? She is actually still applying for jobs because we cant claim anything but I know in my heart her working will make it all a lot worse.
I simply cannot pay our rent, council tax, utilities, my fuel to get to work (60 quid a week! and no public transport or a car share are not possible!) and other debtors (we are not in terrible debt only a couple of thousand pounds) plus buy us food etc etc for a month on just my wage.

Is there something I have missed?

sleepless_saver

If she has care and/or mobility needs she might get disability living allowance. For someone with mental health problems this could take the form of needing supervision, needing encouragement to do things like getting up, eating etc. DLA is not affected by other income.

Otherwise, no, you would not get any benefits. You could post on the debt free wanabee board for tips on adapting your spending. Put your figures in this calculator choosing MSE format for that board. Old style moneysaving board can be useful too.

throwoff

Just been reading the old style board!

For a start no more squash, tea or cola we are on the water diet!

I will tell her to apply for DLA, she does spend all her time in the company of her family when I am at work as she cannot be left alone.

See where we go, honest thanks from the bottom of my heart.

pmlindyloo

She will need to have had any care needs for the last 3 months and be expected to have them for the next 6 months in order to claim DLA.

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

If you decide to apply then I suggest that you get some help with completing the forms from CAB/Welfare Adviser.

I would second the idea of posting on the Debtfree Wannabe board. They are extremely good at finding ways to reduce your expenditure.

Also have a good read of Martin's articles and other forums.

I do hope your wife gets some support so that she will become well again and your finances improve.

In the meantime you wil have to 'tighten your belts' so to speak.

Many of us have had to do it and it is surprising how much you can save in your spending when you have to.

I wish you the very best.

sleepless_saver

I hope it works out for you. It's not easy living with someone with mental health problems even without the money worries. You've had some great advice there from pmlindyloo.

cattie

throwoff wrote: »

I will tell her to apply for DLA, she does spend all her time in the company of her family when I am at work as she cannot be left alone.

See where we go, honest thanks from the bottom of my heart.

If there is a branch of MIND near you, make an appointment with them to get help with filling out the DLA forms. They have an advocacy worker to help with such things and if the initial claim is denied, can also help with appeals and attend any tribunals. It's by far the best place for people with mental health problems to go to.

JimmyTheWig

It may be worth putting in a claim for incapacity benefit. As you say, you wouldn't get any money but I believe it will mean your wife will get NI stamps for that period. Which could help in the future.

Torry_Quine

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

It may be worth putting in a claim for incapacity benefit. As you say, you wouldn't get any money but I believe it will mean your wife will get NI stamps for that period. Which could help in the future.

It's ESA you claim now and has been for some time.

JimmyTheWig

Torry_Quine wrote: »

It's ESA you claim now and has been for some time.

Fair enough.
And would, through this, the OP's wife qualify for her NI to be stamped even if she didn't qualify for any money?

sleepless_saver

She has already applied for ESA and been turned down.

Better_Days

Benefits and Work have produced some excellent guides for claiming DLA and ESA. You do have to pay to join, but the guides are well worth the subscription.

Certainly get some help with filling in the forms either via benefits and work, or a charity, CAB. The forms are really not easy to fill in without some advice. It is important to understand the info the DWP are looking for regarding your partner's illness when you complete the form.

Hope you get things sorted.