This is probably a big fat no but I could use the help.

MissKeith

My partner and I both work 40 hours a week, £17k a year. Because of his personal debt, my wage is integral to the running of the household. I am currently 22w+4d pregnant and was planning on working right up until the last minute, however, I have been diagnosed with SPD and the equivalent condition on my rib cage which means I'm in agony pretty much constantly. I can't sit down for more than ten minutes at a time without being in severe pain, I have been given strong medication which helps a lot but does mean I'm drowsy and slur my words.

In my current position at work, I do customer service in a call centre and am sat at a desk for my whole shift which is impossible in my condition. I have explored other options at work and there are no other jobs I could do which means my doctor has signed me off.

I've had a look at SSP which isn't enough to cover the rent. Is there anything else I could possibly be eligible for? I do want to work desperately but I'm afraid it isn't possible at the moment. My best chance is to take the strong painkillers until I hopefully build up enough of a resistance to be able to speak to people without sounding drunk but I need financial help to keep a roof over our heads in the mean time.

My partner is currently in the process of arranging a DRO so that should free up a small amount of funds but we live very frugally as it is, to lose a large chunk of my wage too is going to be extremely difficult.

xoAmyox

Should your income fall, you may be entitled to some help with the rent/council tax through housing benefit and/or council tax benefit.

Most councils have an online calculator to help you work out what you may be able to receive.

If you are over 25, you may also be able to get some additional help from working tax credit.

MissKeith

I'm under 25, my partner is over 25. Council tax is in his name, as is the mortgage. I pay him "rent" towards the mortgage, bills and other outgoings.

BigAunty

Nothing to help you directly with the 'rent' as housing benefit is never paid when a lodger lives in the same property as their landlord to whom they are closely related (including partner).

If he's going to struggle to pay the mortgage even after sorting out his debt repayments to a token amount or having them written off, then he should look at the Shelter website. It has an advice section for homeowners who are having trouble with mortgage repayments to avoid arrears and repossession.

As indicated in a historic post, use the Entitled To (Turn2us) online benefit calculator to find out what you are eligible for in terms of tax credits and council tax benefit.

Also, download the MSE budget planner and work through the site to identify where to slash your household costs - switching to the cheapest energy/telecoms/insurance providers, cheap recipes and so forth. The Old Style forum is very good for ultra thrifty advice. You could also post a SOA on the debt free wanabee board and the posters there will also give advice (I know you are not in debt but your household is).

The Direct Gov website has a section on Employment Support Allowance which is a benefit designed for those who are too sick to work.

MissKeith

I've used that Entitled To calculator previously where even though we were struggling, we were entitled to precisely nothing, heh. I'll give it another go though, thank you. I don't know how long I'm signed off for at the moment, I just feel like crying because we're doing our best to get by and everything has all happened at once.

Is ESA to be paid alongside SSP or instead of? I couldn't find the answer to that on the directgov website, also because I've only been signed off for two weeks as I've been referred for physio, it may be the case where I'll have to be off work for longer. Is ESA payable in short term circumstances?

Thanks for your help.

xoAmyox

MissKeith wrote: »

I've used that Entitled To calculator previously where even though we were struggling, we were entitled to precisely nothing, heh. I'll give it another go though, thank you. I don't know how long I'm signed off for at the moment, I just feel like crying because we're doing our best to get by and everything has all happened at once.

Is ESA to be paid alongside SSP or instead of? I couldn't find the answer to that on the directgov website, also because I've only been signed off for two weeks as I've been referred for physio, it may be the case where I'll have to be off work for longer. Is ESA payable in short term circumstances?

Thanks for your help.

ESA is an out of work benfit, so cannot be paid along side SSP.

I believe the rates for SSP are slightly higher, and you'd still remain (possibly) entitled to any WTC as you are still classed as employed.

MissKeith

SSP is lower than ESA according to the directgov website and as I'm under 25, I didn't think I would be eligible for WTC? Very confused!

xoAmyox

MissKeith wrote: »

SSP is lower than ESA according to the directgov website and as I'm under 25, I didn't think I would be eligible for WTC? Very confused!

As a couple you may be entitled though, and you will be entitled regardless of age, once your child is born.

epitome

You can only get ESA if you cannot get SSP.

One reason you may not get SSP is if you give up your job. If you have sicknotes from your Dr then AFAIK you will get ESA C (as long as you pass the contribution requirements...i.e. I don't think giving up your job voluntarily is a reason to dissallow ESA.
Once on ESA C you will continue to get it (£56 per week) until you fail your Assessment, then you will continue to get it on appeal (£56 per week) for up to 1 year after which time it will stop completely. So you are saying your SSP is going to be less than £56 per week?

sunnyone

MissKeith wrote: »

My partner and I both work 40 hours a week, £17k a year. Because of his personal debt, my wage is integral to the running of the household. I am currently 22w+4d pregnant and was planning on working right up until the last minute, however, I have been diagnosed with SPD and the equivalent condition on my rib cage which means I'm in agony pretty much constantly. I can't sit down for more than ten minutes at a time without being in severe pain, I have been given strong medication which helps a lot but does mean I'm drowsy and slur my words.

In my current position at work, I do customer service in a call centre and am sat at a desk for my whole shift which is impossible in my condition. I have explored other options at work and there are no other jobs I could do which means my doctor has signed me off.

I've had a look at SSP which isn't enough to cover the rent. Is there anything else I could possibly be eligible for? I do want to work desperately but I'm afraid it isn't possible at the moment. My best chance is to take the strong painkillers until I hopefully build up enough of a resistance to be able to speak to people without sounding drunk but I need financial help to keep a roof over our heads in the mean time.

My partner is currently in the process of arranging a DRO so that should free up a small amount of funds but we live very frugally as it is, to lose a large chunk of my wage too is going to be extremely difficult.

What strong pain killing drugs are you taking?

If they are having that effect on you god knows what is happening to your baby!

And before anyone moans I have spinal injuries/other major injures and I came off the drugs so I could have a child

anj_S

Hi hun. Cant help with the financial side of things but wanted to make another suggestion. SPD can often be massively helped by accupuncture. Now before you think im some hippy who things all alterntive therapies are wonderful, i dont. Im actually pretty much a sceptic. But i have seen a number of woman who have had massive improvements of pain with it. Im a midwife and one of our anaesthestists does it. Worth asking your midwife about if she can recommend someone. Good luck