Unable to work but no financial help?

EJM_81

Hello

Can anyone help us?

My partner became ill in January, and spent time in psychiatric hospital, while in there he developed a second health problem which along with his mental health has left him unable to work. He was a self employed gardener, but has now lost all his clients. He has now classed himself as unemployed rather than self employed, because of this.

I work full time, and although have a reasonable wage have large debts from a previous relationship. We have had to move into a single room in a shared house, and it appears we are entitled to nothing, even though I struggle to keep us going despite the fairly cheap living arrangement we have.

He is applying for DLA, which is still in the (lengthy) process of being decided, but we are confused as to why we have been refused ESA. Can we get any other help?

I would be really grateful for any help in this matter, as we are 6 months on and getting nowhere fast! We are having to borrow more and more money just to get by now.

Thank you

killerpeaty

Hey, do you know if all your outgoings are the lowest they can be? Tried comparison sites and the like?

Honestly, I think the best thing to start off with is a statement of affairs and post it into the "debt free wannabe" subforum, they have some real experts in how to cut down on spending. Then head off to disability and dosh forum, they might be able to tell you of any additional benefits your partner will be able to receive. The Old Style MoneySaving forum will be able to show you how to cook more cheaply and clean even cheaper (white vinegar is my personal saviour).

This forum might be able to help you get a bit extra cash in. Is your partner able to sit at the computer to do any online work? It's not going to get either of you a lot but you can do surveys, PTC and/or reviews as the main online money earners. Never pay to join any of these sites though! They take a long time and are very boring but you can receive a bit extra each month.

As you're living in a single room, I can't imagine you have many of your possessions left, but you can always try selling at ebay or car boots. There's a challenge for doubling your money at the moment which is a great read.

I hope this helps. Good luck and let us know how you get on. : )

(my L button is sticky, if anything doesn't make sense try sticking in a few L's here and there : P)

podperson

Depending on your wage do you get working tax credits? Can't think of much more you would be able to get at the moment - if you were on a very low wage you might get a bit of Housing/Council benefit but if you say 'reasonable' then I'm guessing you may be too high for that.
Also if it's the debt repayments that are taking up most of your money then would suggest having a look on the Debt Free Wannabee board - you might be best contacting someone like the Consumer Credit Counselling Service who could help you negiotate lower repayments with your creditors until you can get back on your feet.

RoxyK

I would also suggest seeing if you're eligible for tax credits - you don't need to have children just earn below a certain threshold as long as one of you is working over a certain number of hours.

As for DLA and ESA I'd suggest looking at the Benefits and Work website. I've found them to be of great help and only paid the full membership fee the first year - on following years I've always taken advantage of a special offer. They really do help you do understand the minefield of DLA/ESA.

Good luck!

elaine12022

As your partner was self-employed doesn't sound like he would be eligible for contributory based ESA and the basic amount allowed for couples to live on is about £105 per week. If he can get DLA this may give you extra premiums regarding what you are expected to live on, and council tax/housing benefit.

Also you need to prioritise your money. Some debts come very low down the list of what you should be paying.

Good luck with the DLA - we're in the middle of trying to get some too (for the second time of trying).

EJM_81

Just want to say thank you to everyone for taking the time to reply with such helpful suggestions. Being new to the forum part of this site, I wasn't sure what to expect, so to get replies so quickly really pleased me.

I shall definitely take a look at the suggested websites and the "debt free wannabe" part of this site - (thank you Killerpeaty and podperson.) RoxyK, I shall be taking a look at the Benefits and Work website and look into tax credits, (I hadn't thought about this previously).

Elaine, I shall attempt to look into housing/council tax benefits when we are eventually able to move from the shared house, I'm not sure it is possible while our rent covers all the landlords costs. Good luck to you too with DLA, we didn't quite realise what a lengthy process it is, and its so frustrating when its genuinely needed, as I'm sure you can understand.

Thank you once again everyone