Financial/benefits advice needed please

foxy47

I have a debilitating condition (osteo arthritis) mainly plus some other problems that I am struggling to cope with. I work permanently and only manage to do so due to strong pain relief but this has adverse side affects as you can imagine.

Sleep is very difficuly as the pain is in my shoulders and back. Turning over and getting comfortable if difficult. I rarely sleep at all at night which impairs my I believe cognitively during the day.

My mobility has become impaired now. I have a blue badge thankfully so I can park close to shops etc. My question is this?
If I seek retirement on ill health through my employer, what financial assistance would I receive, as the process can be a timely one. I am a single person age 49. My employer would only pay full sick pay for 3 months then 50% slary for a further 3 months.

I pay into a local authority pension, would this be reduced if this was paid to me if I retired due to ill health?

If the process was to go on for a yr I would have no salary. What would I be entitled to claim in terms of benefits - if anything.

I would be very grateful for any responses whatsoever

thanks in anticipation. Foxy47

Indie_Kid

You may be able to claim PIP if you have care and /or mobility needs.

You may get ESA. If you're entitled to contributions based ESA and have a pension, the first £85 is disregarded and 50% of the remainder is deducted from ESA. IE:
pension is £100 a week. £85 is disregarded leaving £15 a week. Half of £15 is £7.50. £7.50 a week is deducted from ESA.

foxy47

Thanks for the advice above.

Is it worth making a preliminary application for DLA whilst working until I retire. What would be my chances of a successful outcome given that I work?

Foxy47

pmlindyloo

foxy47 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice above.

Is it worth making a preliminary application for DLA whilst working until I retire. What would be my chances of a successful outcome given that I work?

Foxy47

You can no longer claim DLA. You need to put in a claim for PIP (google for more information)

PIP is about care and mobility needs. It is not means tested and you can work and still receive PIP.

If you decide to claim after doing some research then I would advise getting some help from CAB/welfare officer to complete the forms.

Edit:

A good guide:

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/personal-independence-payment-pip

judexx

If you're a member of a Union, could be worth asking them for advice, especially regarding ill health retirement.