Where can i get advice on benefits for disabled?

GentleGiant_2

Hi,

I am in a mess

I am on Invalidity benefit - but nothing else.

Problem is I have just split from my wife, have no money and have to pay for both a mortgage and rent where I am - not to mention all the expenses of my family including their food, school etc. My wife does not work so I have to keep her (somehow)

I think I am entitled to tax credit or something for the children, that might have existed for a while - but have no idea how to claim.

My money from my savings has almost run out, and thousands have gone over the last year - I am probably left with less that £5,000 which once the mortgage gets taken out, rent and other expenses will be gone very soon.

In a total mess and do not know where to turn to for help.

Is there a disability advice centre anywhere? (I am in Essex/Suffolk area)

Many thanks.

Lorna_Bear

Hi,
If you go to the web site below it should help you work out what you are entitled to.
Hope it helps.
Kind regards Lorna
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/BeginnersGuideToBenefits/index.htm?cids=Google_PPC&cre=Money

buff-tom

Hi,

I work for the DWP,

I take it you mean Incapacity Benefit?
Do you and your ex/partner still live together?
Do you or your ex/partner rent?
Who do the children live with?

If the children live with you you should be able to claim Child Tax Credit which is a fairly easy process you just ring Tax Credits on 0845 300 3900

If you post answers to the above questions and someone can advise you further
You can either post on the board or Private Message me and I will advise further!

Also try this: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/CareAndHealth/Money/WelfareRights.htm

GentleGiant_2

I take it you mean Incapacity Benefit? - Yes sorry
Do you and your ex/partner still live together? - wife, no not really
Do you or your ex/partner rent? - I rent now and also pay all expenses on the family home etc.
Who do the children live with? - with their Mum I guess.

Sorry, but I will be broke in a month or two's time - and what little I do get is not going to pay my debts.... (I have just paid the minimum on my credit card, so that I can keep the money back for the mortgage and living expenses of the wife and the children)

At times I can only see one way out

seven-day-weekend

Hi I don't know the answer to your questions, but I suggest that you try the CAB Welfare Rights Officer who have professional training in these matters.

Is it possible for your wife to get a job?

healy

Your local Council may also have Welfare Rights Officers who can help with your situation.

Fran

Hi,

As rough as it sounds, you and your wife are now in separate households (assuming you live apart all the time now?). This means that you have to fend for yourself as does she. It's up to her to claim anything she might be entitled to in terms of Child Tax Credits (for the children) or Income Support (for herself). I know this is difficult after having supported your family but there is no way you can support them in your (apparent) present financial situation. You might be able to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit on your rented accommodation, however the fact that you say "thousands" has gone in the last year.... it could be seen by your council that you have deprived yourself of money in order to get benefits, so check with CAB or local disability groups as suggested. You might also need help with debts from what you have said, these groups can advise on that as well.

The following links might be useful:

East Anglia disability info
BBC Essex disability help
DIAL - disability help in your area.

Morglin

This link lists the different sources of income/grants, and where to apply for them:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10021357

Lin

hilstep2000

If you are on Incapacity, you should put in for DLA (Disability Living Allowance) It's a complicated form, and you must remember to put down your WORST days. This link can help you http://www.bhas.org.uk/freeguides/dla_guides.shtml
You may be awarded one of three rates each for Care and Mobiliy. I get High rate Mobility, and middle rate care. If they award you high rate Mobility, you can have a blue badge, and free tax for your car, as well as other things that you have to apply for (like a disabled rail pass). I think you need to see someone at the CAB or ask to see the Disability Officer at the Job Centre. (They all have to have one) and get some more advice.

GentleGiant_2

Fran wrote: »

Hi,

As rough as it sounds, you and your wife are now in separate households (assuming you live apart all the time now?). This means that you have to fend for yourself as does she. It's up to her to claim anything she might be entitled to in terms of Child Tax Credits (for the children) or Income Support (for herself). I know this is difficult after having supported your family but there is no way you can support them in your (apparent) present financial situation. You might be able to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit on your rented accommodation, however the fact that you say "thousands" has gone in the last year.... it could be seen by your council that you have deprived yourself of money in order to get benefits, so check with CAB or local disability groups as suggested.

Sounds like I am !!!!!!ed then - I had some money which I used to live upon
- yet this can be held against me.

I am dammed if I do and dammed if I don't.

Morglin

GentleGiant wrote: »

Hi,

I am in a mess

I am on Invalidity benefit - but nothing else.

Problem is I have just split from my wife, have no money and have to pay for both a mortgage and rent where I am - not to mention all the expenses of my family including their food, school etc. My wife does not work so I have to keep her (somehow)

I think I am entitled to tax credit or something for the children, that might have existed for a while - but have no idea how to claim.

My money from my savings has almost run out, and thousands have gone over the last year - I am probably left with less that £5,000 which once the mortgage gets taken out, rent and other expenses will be gone very soon.

In a total mess and do not know where to turn to for help.

Is there a disability advice centre anywhere? (I am in Essex/Suffolk area)

Many thanks.

This advice centre covers Essex/Suffolk:

http://www.hwra.org.uk/

The website of the CAB will give local details:

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm

Previous advice on here is correct though, you and your wife will need to claim seperately.

Lin