Help with benefits

LosPolosHermanos

Hi,

Firstly I have tried using benefit calculators and looking at various sites to see what we are entitled to but have not been able to figure out what we are entitled to.

This regards me and my partner who has MCTD and some other auto immune diseases. Because of her illnesses I can't quiet figure out what we are entitled to.

I'll try to give as much detail as possible so I'll start off with myself.

I am 24 years old. Currently I am claiming jobseekers allowance and housing benefits and actively looking for work. I have since claiming used both of my domestic emergancy pass things so that I could take care of here. We currently are not living together but plan on moving in togethor at the beginning of October.

My partner is 30 years old and is currently doing freelance work for a company in manchester but is having to leave at the end of the month as she is too ill to work. She is currently pregnant and expecting at the beginning of April. She has a mortage on a property in Manchester, which is where we will be living.

This is her diagnosis which is where I struggle to figure out our entitlements.

1. In 2003 she was diagnosed with Lupus
2. In 2013 we figured out it wasn't just Lupus and she was diagnosed with MCTD (Mixed connective tissue disease)
3. Fibromialgia
4. Chronic fatigue syndrome
5. Complete regional pain syndrome
6. Mobility aids: Crutches, Disability bathroom and a disabled parking badge.
7. High risk during pregnancy so will be on perm bed rest for around half the pregnancy.

As we will be living together and expecting a child, I'm not sure if everything will be a joint claim or only parts? And what we are exactly entitled too. My partner is to scared to look at what she is entitled to herself and as I have said above I have no idea what we actually are entitled to.

[Deleted User]

seems quite complicated and you might want to seek advice from CAB,but once living together you will be treated as a couple for benefit claims

atolaas

Just echoing what Woodbine has said and go to the CAB. I'm sure that you will be entitled to some benefits, but as your case is quite complicated, they need to be worked out by someone who is familiar with the system. Good luck to you and I hope your partner has an easy pregnancy.

merlin68

You will be entitled to joint jsa which is £112 a week. Has she put in a claim for pip as this will then entitle you to extra premiums. You can apply for smi for the mortgage and council tax benefit also.

Indie_Kid

If she's too ill to work, ESA would be another option. She needs to get sick notes from her GP.

The names of her conditions don't matter. All that matters is whether she meets the criteria.

pmlindyloo

Indie_Kid wrote: »

If she's too ill to work, ESA would be another option. She needs to get sick notes from her GP.

The names of her conditions don't matter. All that matters is whether she meets the criteria.

From what you have said and if pregnancy means that there would be a serious risk to the health of the baby or your partner then she will automatically be eligible for the support group of ESA.

See here:

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/employment-and-support-allowance-overview

So when she finishes work she needs to get a fit note from her doctor and then apply for ESA. When she applies she can ask what evidence she will need to provide to say that working would be a serious risk to her and her baby's health.

You can then end your claim for JSA be added to her ESA claim.