cant afford to work - cant afford not to

newcook

Well, following on from some of my old posts, OH returned to work - not because he was ready to but because we couldn't afford for him not to be at work.

We were turned down for housing benefits and council tax benefits even though OH was signed off on IB due to stress anxiety and depression and so fell behind with the rent by a lot and c.tax by a little. I have spoken with the housing and they were really understanding and have arranged a repayment plan and I have done my sums and can catch up on c.tax this month.

OH has found returning to work really hard and is now saying he doesn't think he is ready to be back (this morning he was even crying as he knew he couldn't go but felt he was letting me down by not going) - TBH I don’t think he is ready either but at the same end of the cr@ppy end of the stick we cant afford for him not to be at work. My wage just about covers the bills - that doesn't include bus fares or food.

Is there a way we can appeal the housing benefit decision? OH's doctor was not happy he decided to return to work and when he went for his appointment at psychiactric unit (he has been an outpatient for approx 4 months) the doctors there also thought it was a bad decision.
Would it be possible to ask them for a letter to back up the appeal??

Cute_'n'_Quirky

What reason did they give for refusing CTB and HTB?

newcook

Cute_n_Quirky wrote: »

What reason did they give for refusing CTB and HTB?

apparrently I earn too much (16k)

Cute_'n'_Quirky

Maybe you need to do some accounts so that you can budget for your housekeeping, etc.

It sounds as if your husband should be claiming DLA - shouldn't be a problem with the GP's support. Has this been suggested?

newcook

Cute_n_Quirky wrote: »

Maybe you need to do some accounts so that you can budget for your housekeeping, etc.

It sounds as if your husband should be claiming DLA - shouldn't be a problem with the GP's support. Has this been suggested?

He got refused DLA - the reason they gave was that he is able to do things himself and doesn't need care.

I would love to be able to budget the housekeeping but as I said before my wage literally covers the bills - we even tried to switch the mortgage (shared ownership property so 50%rent 50% mortgage) but because at the time OH was on IB plus neither of us have the best credit history most mortgage companies wont touch us with a barge pole - we tried to get the mortgage fixed as we are on variable at mo and that would have given us a bit more disposal

dmg24

If you have been turned down for HB and CTB because you earn too much, then there is little point in appealing.

I have every sympathy for your husband, I am also unable to work at the moment for the same reason. Has he considered part time work? It may be easier to cope with. Also, if he does have to work, maybe get in touch with Remploy, they may be able to provide him with some support, and possibly help with his employer in making reasonable adaptations (flexible hours, homeworking if suitable etc).

Best of luck x

rachnbri

Would you be eligible for any working tax credit?

Cute_'n'_Quirky

newcook wrote: »

He got refused DLA - the reason they gave was that he is able to do things himself and doesn't need care.

I would love to be able to budget the housekeeping but as I said before my wage literally covers the bills - we even tried to switch the mortgage (shared ownership property so 50%rent 50% mortgage) but because at the time OH was on IB plus neither of us have the best credit history most mortgage companies wont touch us with a barge pole - we tried to get the mortgage fixed as we are on variable at mo and that would have given us a bit more disposal

I got DLA both Mobility and Care and no-one does anything for me!
I still scored 135 on the table that they use - to be considered unfit to work you need to score 15.

When the time comes for your mortgage to be reappraised go to an Independent Mortgage Adviser - you will get impartial and suitable advice as to whether you can move mortgage and be better off, even with adverse credit history, etc.

TheWaltons_3

Hi Newcook

It is not acceptable that your partner is crying before going to work. This could go two ways in my opinion. This could make his Mental Health Issues far worse, or it could improve them. Only you yourself will be able to gauge how it is going, but I would definitely appeal where possible.