Bipolar Depression & Carer/Spouse

Nazmataz

Hello all,
First of all please excuse my ignorance regarding entitlements etc.

My partner suffers from bipolar disorder and currently experiencing a serious depressive episode which has prevented her returning to work. It wasn't ever a good idea in the first place. She's certainly not able to return to work for the foreseeable future at least.
Without going into details of her illness and causes, I can tell you that she receives middle and high rates of PIP and is pretty much a prisoner in her own home due to this illness and PTSD, Agrophobia, etc etc.

My question is that with three of us in the family, the two of us plus a ten year old, is it at all possible for me to be in a position to quit my job and care for her and the little one full time? Small tasks that we would generally find straight forward are almost if not impossible for her and I feel that I need to be there for the both of them.

Am I able, or are we able to access benefits that would enable us to live on a month to month basis, pay rent, bills etc and allow me to care full time? I've looked but find it all a bit confusing and am at a loss really as from what I can see, carers allowance etc would not sustain us. Am I wrong?

Thanks for reading, and thankyou for your time,

Nick

Torry_Quine

She could apply for ESA which initially only needs a fit-note (sick-line) from her GP and you could be added to that claim presuming you have less then £16,000 in savings. Or you could claim carer's allowance with an income support top-up.

You sound like a caring husband and it must be hard for you to juggle everything.

pmlindyloo

First of all is your partner receiving any sick pay?

Nazmataz

Thank you both for replies.

Yes, she's been off work now for near on 3 months and is in receipt of SSP I believe, and as I understand it will run til middle of December.
I'm at my wits end really as I work away week on week off, while I was away she became extremely suicidal, mostly passive but lucky my neighbour was at hand.

Horseunderwater

The welfare of your whole family is very important, so I would claim Carers allowance now & quit your job. You can then claim an income Support top up that will give various premiums for her disabilities & if you ren housing benefit will be available too. Also if you are buying then there is mortgage interest support too. You would also get full child tax credit, so help with free school meals. Free prescriptions & dental treatment.

pmlindyloo

May I first suggest that you speak to your employer, explain the situation and see if they can help in any way.

Next have you any family that could provide care for your wife whilst you are at work/away?

It is worth trying these options first. I am not making light of the situation as it must be horrendous but living on benefits is not much fun, but if needs must then............

Since your partner is receiving SSP then if you leave your job you can apply for Income Support (joint claim) to top up the SSP.

This will give you automatic entitlement to HB and CT reduction.

You can google to find out how to claim.

You can also claim Carer's Allowance as your partner is receiving a qualifying benefit. (again google)

When you eventually get the CA you will need to notify Income Support as this will count as income and be deducted from your Income Support. However, a Carer's Premium will be added to the IS - extra money so you will get IS,CA and reduced IS.

You can also claim child tax credits. If you already receive tax credits you must notify them of the change of circumstances.

Income Support, HB and CT reduction are means tested so you must not have savings over £16000. Below £6000 and you will get full entitlement. Between £6000 and £16000 the benefits are reduced £1 for every £250 over the £6000.

You can put the different scenarios into the benefit calcualtor here:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check

to get an idea of the entitlements.

Good luck and I hope your partner gets some good medical treatment/advice.

Nazmataz

Thankyou all for your replies and advice,....
Yes she is receiving ongoing medical treatment but as you may or may not know it's finding the right cocktail and the Dr.s that will actually listen and act as opposed to, 'do this, take this, you'll be fine'.....frustrating......

Again, thank you all

Nick