Can I receive any further benefits on top of tax credits and child benefit?

Moonandmoon

Hi all,

I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer whilst I was pregnant with my son who is now 19 months.

Due to stress from both variables my Dr's have recommended that I don't return to work if my husband and I can afford it.

We currently receive tax credits and child benefit. Our combined salary is 21k annually. I am still registered as employed as it was ad hoc work and they are happy for me to stay with a PAYEE number until I am ready to come back but my income obviously is nil, which tax credits have been informed of (but apparently I still earn £800 a year...sigh!).

Are there any other benefits we can apply for? We live in Wales.

I can't get ESA or DLA as the Dr's have said they will take one look at me and say 'well if you can look after a child then you can go back to work.'

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We manage as I spend a lot of time shopping for offers and meal plan.

TIA

Moonandmoon

blondebubbles wrote: »

DLA (or PIP as it is now) can be paid whether you work or not. It isn't means tested. It is based on your care and mobility needs.

https://www.gov.uk/pip/overview

There are also plenty of people with children on ESA.

Thank you.

bloolagoon

Are you unable to work due to health or is it just best not to if you can afford it. That is two different things. One could perhaps give access to ESA if you have correct NI contributions.

What care needs do you have? That is PIP

Moonandmoon

bloolagoon wrote: »

Are you unable to work due to health or is it just best not to if you can afford it. That is two different things. One could perhaps give access to ESA if you have correct NI contributions.

What care needs do you have? That is PIP

For my Dr, consultant and family it is that I unable to work due to the fact that if I enter a stressful situation I may have a breakdown, which will set me back further.

I have completed active treatment and so am just on tablets now. My original main employer (a different one to the ad hoc one) wants me back when I'm ready. They want to do a gradual return to part time work and are extremely sympathetic to the situation (they wavered my probation period to ensure maximum sick pay and maternity benefits as I have worked for them previously). I would love to go back there.