So unfair

Derek123_2

I am 45 and worked constantly from leaving school up until 2yrs ago.When i was working my wife was a housewife and didnt sign on for stamps so i assumed that cos my wife has worked since moving to Wales 2yrs ago that i didnt need to sign on as i wouldnt be entitled to any benefit.I now find myself incapable of work for the foreseeable future through illness (been advised it could take up to 3yrs to sort out)and i have been told that i cannot claim incapacity benefit cos i havent paid my stamps for 2 yrs.Another reason for not signing on is that i have actually been ill for over 12mths and new i couldnt work anyway!The reason i have only recently applied is cos to be honest,when i first moved up here i registered at the doctors who found blood in my water and i was sent to hospitals all over North Wales before getting the all-clear.That made me scared of going doctors again until my health deteriated so much that i had to.Has any-one got opinion on whether or not i can successfully appeal their decision?(They will now pay for my stamps whilst i am ill)

healy

I dont think you could appeal this decision and succeed because you should have made a benefits claim 2 years ago in order to keep your National Insurance contributions up to date.

Morglin

No, there is no appeal against the IB decision, as you haven't paid stamps for the qualifying period.

If your wife is working, then you wouldn't be entitled to Income Support.

You can try this link for housing benefit etc.,:

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

If your illness/disability is libale to last for a while, you can apply for DLA (which is non-contributory):

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10011731

Lin