What could I expect?

Cacran

I work part time (8hrs a week). I have had a long standing health condition which is getting worse. My GP said that she would help me to give up work and that I could claim a benefit which would probably equal the wage that I get. What benefit would that be? Is it dependant on savings?

dippy3103

It depends.... On your circumstances and what benefit you claim. Some are means tested some are not.

McKneff

Disability benefits depend entirely on individual circumstances,


If you want us to help, we really need more details.

Cacran

McKneff wrote: »

Disability benefits depend entirely on individual circumstances,


If you want us to help, we really need more details.

I have Fibro Myalgia which makes me very weak and tired. I have had it a long time but now I am 59 it seems to be affecting me more. I have had two Carpal Tunnel operations over the past year which have left me with very weak hands. I cannot look forward to them getting much better, I am told, due to my medical conditions (.I have quite a few other problems). My job is in a school and is very intense, all be it for a short period. Each day It takes me hours to recover from work.
My GP says it is time I thought about looking after myself. I am not due to retire until I am 66. I can't imagine how I would feel after another 6 plus years.
My husband took early retirement at 55, for personal reasons. He now has Bladder Cancer after years of working in the chemical industry. He is six months into a three year treatment plan.
We have money in the bank. We use his works pension and my wage plus interest on savings to live off.
My job has been re evaluated and I will have my hourly rate reduced by £3, in a years time. Work has told me that they will increase my hours so that I do not lose any income. Obviously that will leave me more tired.

I have been employed by the school for 17 years and I get a lot of joy from the job but I am feeling the need to take my Doctor's advice. She first gave me the advice about 10 years ago and I chose not to take it, at the time.

rogerblack

Cacran wrote: »

I have Fibro Myalgia which makes me very weak and tired.
...
My husband took early retirement at 55, for personal reasons. He now has Bladder Cancer after years of working in the chemical industry. He is six months into a three year treatment plan.
We have money in the bank. We use his works pension and my wage plus interest on savings to live off.

Neglecting the exact health condition, you are perhaps entitled to PIP - personal independance payment, and ESA - employment and support allowance.

PIP is not dependant on your prior work, pension, or savings. Just that you have had the condition for 3 months, and will continue to have it for 9.

ESA if you have worked sufficiently in tax years 2012/13 would not be affected by your husbands pension. If you have not, then you would only be entitled to income-related which would be reduced both by his pension, and if you have savings (as a couple) of over 16K - eliminated.

If your husband is at a real risk of not making it 6 months, he may himself be entitled to PIP.
If this was the case, then you would be able to claim carers allowance for looking after him - if you did this over 35 hours a week.
Caring can include just watching over.

Bennifred

Would you be able to retire early with an enhanced Ill Health pension?

Cacran

rogerblack wrote: »

Neglecting the exact health condition, you are perhaps entitled to PIP - personal independance payment, and ESA - employment and support allowance.

PIP is not dependant on your prior work, pension, or savings. Just that you have had the condition for 3 months, and will continue to have it for 9.

ESA if you have worked sufficiently in tax years 2012/13 would not be affected by your husbands pension. If you have not, then you would only be entitled to income-related which would be reduced both by his pension, and if you have savings (as a couple) of over 16K - eliminated.

If your husband is at a real risk of not making it 6 months, he may himself be entitled to PIP.
If this was the case, then you would be able to claim carers allowance for looking after him - if you did this over 35 hours a week.
Caring can include just watching over.

Thank you for this advice.

We have in excess of £16,000 savings.

My husband is not really at risk of losing his life as the cancer was contained within his bladder. It was a tumour which was removed. He has BCG treatment which if successful will boost his own immune system into fighting any new tumours. This treatment is given over a three year period. Without the treatment he has a 98% chance of further tumours. His only option, other than doing nothing, if the BCG treatment is not a success, is to have his bladder removed. We feel pretty confident that he will survive, unless he is very unlucky and it manages to spread into his other organs. I can't honestly say that I need to do anything for him other than support him through his flu like illness whilst having the treatment and generally giving him mental support.

We have never actually claimed any benefits other than child benefit, when the children were younger.

I guess I am a bit frightened to venture out of my comfort zone.

Cacran

Bennifred wrote: »

Would you be able to retire early with an enhanced Ill Health pension?

I wouldn't have thought so. I pay into a works pension but it is only a small amount as I only earn a small amount. I cannot imagine it could be anywhere near my current wage though. I work so few hours I don't think I would be entitled to much help.

I don't like to ask about it at work in case I am backed into a corner. I really need the facts from somewhere, to help me know whether it is worth struggling through or making my life easier to handle.

dippy3103

How old is your husband? Is he old enough to qualify for savings credit element of pension credit,

Going forward, would it be an option to do some voluntary work at the school? Maybe even just an hour a week listening to the kids read- if you enjoy it, there must be some benefit of you carrying on in a reduced capacity. Obviously it would need to be declared.

I truly hope you can get some help so you & hubby can enjoy a long, happy retirement together x

Cacran

dippy3103 wrote: »

How old is your husband? Is he old enough to qualify for savings credit element of pension credit,

Going forward, would it be an option to do some voluntary work at the school? Maybe even just an hour a week listening to the kids read- if you enjoy it, there must be some benefit of you carrying on in a reduced capacity. Obviously it would need to be declared.

I truly hope you can get some help so you & hubby can enjoy a long, happy retirement together x

My husband is 61.

I did consider that I might like to do a little bit of work with the children at school as a volunteer. I know I will miss the children and the company of my work friends.

Thank you for your kind words.

Morglin

Some info about ESA:

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim

Some info about PIP:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_sick_or_disabled_people_and_carers_ew/benefits_personal_independence_payment_e/benefits_claiming_pip_e/pip_how_to_claim.htm

Lin