Council houses, loss of job and benefits? Help!

Monkeyballs

Hi All,

I'm in a pickle because I have been on long term sick for about 9 months now and my company sick benefit is coming to an end... I'm getting a bit stressed about the whole thing, specifically a few questions which I'm hoping somebody will be able to help me with?

1. If/when I lose my job it will be because I am unable to sit/stand (after a few minutes I feel discomfort and after about 10-15 mins it's painful) to be able to perform my role. If I do lose it, what benefits will I be entitled to and will I be expected to start looking for another job despite losing a good, well paying one that I've been doing for almost 8 years?

2. I've used the benefit calculators online and based on what they tell me, I won't get enough to pay for the (privately) rented place I live at the moment so have decided to move back to my Mum's and get added to the council tenancy agreement. My Mum is on state pension only and gets a heavily reduced rent and council tax, when I move back I fully expect to have to pay full (or a much increased rate) while I still have an income from an employer but what about when I am reliant on benefits only?

3. People keep telling me to enquire about DLA, but honestly I'm sceptical as I can get about and my problems don't stop me from doing everything... It's just painful... For example if I walk 15 minutes to the shop and buy a bag of crisps I'm in pain by the time I get back but a lie down and exercises mean the pain is gone after maybe 20 mins but if I do the same walk but with a 4 pint of milk then I'm shattered and in serious pain (I actually shut everything out just to get back) but after maybe 30 mins of rest and exercise I'm ok? I'm worried that any benefit I get will be swallowed by transport since I can't get buses (vibrations are shocking) I'm reliant on either lifts or taxis (I'd love to use my bike but it's painful and dangerous getting on/off).

4. Does anyone have any thoughts on jobs I might be able to do? LOL everything I think of involves the need to sit or stand or walk!

Thanks in advance of your replies

MB

DomRavioli

Monkeyballs wrote: »

Hi All,

I'm in a pickle because I have been on long term sick for about 9 months now and my company sick benefit is coming to an end... I'm getting a bit stressed about the whole thing, specifically a few questions which I'm hoping somebody will be able to help me with?

1. If/when I lose my job it will be because I am unable to sit/stand (after a few minutes I feel discomfort and after about 10-15 mins it's painful) to be able to perform my role. If I do lose it, what benefits will I be entitled to and will I be expected to start looking for another job despite losing a good, well paying one that I've been doing for almost 8 years? Pop your details into the turn2us calculator - it gives a good idea. If you are unable to work due to an illness or disability you may get ESA, and you may also claim PIP. Pop on the gov.uk website for info.

2. I've used the benefit calculators online and based on what they tell me, I won't get enough to pay for the (privately) rented place I live at the moment so have decided to move back to my Mum's and get added to the council tenancy agreement. My Mum is on state pension only and gets a heavily reduced rent and council tax, when I move back I fully expect to have to pay full (or a much increased rate) while I still have an income from an employer but what about when I am reliant on benefits only? Housing benefit is done on a case by case basis. It is likely that as your mum is the tenant, she may have a "non-dependent" charge put on, its usually around £15 per week, but it is completely dependent on your local authority, as both housing benefit and council tax are dealt with at local level. Call them for more advice.

3. People keep telling me to enquire about DLA, but honestly I'm sceptical as I can get about and my problems don't stop me from doing everything... It's just painful... For example if I walk 15 minutes to the shop and buy a bag of crisps I'm in pain by the time I get back but a lie down and exercises mean the pain is gone after maybe 20 mins but if I do the same walk but with a 4 pint of milk then I'm shattered and in serious pain (I actually shut everything out just to get back) but after maybe 30 mins of rest and exercise I'm ok? I'm worried that any benefit I get will be swallowed by transport since I can't get buses (vibrations are shocking) I'm reliant on either lifts or taxis (I'd love to use my bike but it's painful and dangerous getting on/off). You would need to claim PIP - DLA is no longer available to new claimants. If you have a disability or illness you can claim, it is always worth putting in a claim, but be prepared to submit a lot of medical evidence to support your claim. You may also need to attend a medical (which can take place at an assessment centre or at your home, with a medical letter). CAB can help you fill in the forms, and some councils have Welfare Rights advisors who can also help.

4. Does anyone have any thoughts on jobs I might be able to do? LOL everything I think of involves the need to sit or stand or walk! Perhaps speak to someone such as Remploy, or a charity/not for profit which deals with your specific medical condition. They usually have some great advice.


Thanks in advance of your replies

MB

Hi OP

Please see above. You don't actually say what is wrong with you, so can't tailor it too much. Hope it helps.

Monkeyballs

Hi Dom,

I've actually done a lot of what you've mentioned and come away more puzzled than when I started LOL but I've been getting a bit confused recently and my attention span is shot to pieces!

I also called and tried to speak to the local benefits people re. housing benefits and they pretty much told me to wait and see as they can't advise until I claim which was a bit frustrating... Oh well

My problem is that I fractured a disc in my back and slipped a disc.

The fracture has healed but the disc turned out to be completely gone! I've been on pain killers since December last year and gone through physio (also tried acupuncture, massage, etc to no avail). I've had an MRI which is what told me the disc was gone but went on to say it wasn't impacting on a nerve so shouldn't be causing pain...

Sadly, it does. But it's only while I'm upright, load bearing I guess... I'm at the point where I just feel useless and ready for the scrap heap! I need some good news

Cheers,

MB

sulkisu

Also, you might not be able to be added to the tenancy agreement - which would effectively make you a joint tenant - especially as you have been living elsewhere.

Monkeyballs

Hi Sulkisu,

Thanks for your reply.

I got to speak to someone who made sense today at the council and they have told me that it won't be a problem getting my name added to the tenancy agreement.

As it's my Mum they wouldn't oppose it but I would be classed as a non dependent and there would be a rise in rent and council tax (which I fully expected) but it would be affordable on ESA

Thanks again,

MB