What can I claim?

Howitto

I've been off work for the past 9 weeks due to ill health. I'm only currently receiving SSP at around £450 a month.

My partner receives other benefits including housing, child tax and child maintenance.

I will list below my conditions and how they effect me. I'm at wits end and job centre tell me I can only claim JSA but my body just won't allow me to work.

Nasal Polyps - Constant blocked nose, pressure in my nose and constant headaches.

Severe allergic Asthma - 95% of the day I'm wheezing, coughing and have sleepless nights. I struggle to walk short distances so have to stop now and again to catch my breath.

Constant sinus infections - Effects my breathing, post natal drip that causes my Asthma to become aggravated.

Constant chest infection - As above, chest becomes clogged and effects my asthma.

Pressure headaches - Pain is unbearable due to build up of mucus around my forehead. Effects my eyesight.

Severe allergies - I come out in rashes, asthma gets bad and constantly sneezing and blowing nose.

Weak bones and aching joints - Find it hard to walk or do day to day activities.

Planter Fasciitis - Find it difficult to walk on my feet. If out, I have to stop every 30meters or so to levitate my feet. Effects my knees and shins also.

Chondromalacia Patellae - Knee problems. Find it hard to stand up without being aided, struggle to walk up stairs.

Body feeling bruised - Effects from steroids. Have to avoid physical contact as always feel bruised.

Depression - Self explanatory.

Anxiety - Always on edge, cannot leave the house without someone with me as cannot face outside world. Avoid seeing friends or going out and get very overwhelmed and have to come home.

Acid Reflux - Struggle to swallow food, wake up with acid in mouth.

Hyperhidrosis - Excessive sweating. Have to change my top at least 3 times a day.

Well that's all I can think of at the moment. Just cannot face going to work!

Any help is appreciated.

Caz3121

has your doctor said you are unfit for work long term? If so you can look to claim ESA
off topic a little but...
are you receiving treatment for any of your ailments?
I am not a medic but having previously suffered problems with plantar faciitis and knee problems. I found insoles (not off the shelf) and some physio sessions worked wonders and I have been knee and shin pain free for a few years now
If you currently take something like Omemprozole on prescription for reflux, maybe suggest to doc that they look to change prescription
Have you discussed surgery for the nose problems, so many of these ailments are interconnected and obviously debilitating for you so you could be a candidate for surgery

paragon909

Seems like you're the walking dead!

Have you been to a doctor with all your symptoms?

Since you're getting SSP you could probably only claim PIP which isn't means tested but would need a medical before any award is made. How does your SSP last for? Can't you try sort out your self diagnosed conditions before you go back to work. Because if you claim ESA you would get like £140 every two weeks until you for a medical which isn't guaranteed.

Howitto

Well to be honest I cannot see anything getting better and thinking about handing my notice in as unfair on them. Can you claim ESA and PIP together?

So far I have had 4 surgeries regarding my nose. I am currently seeing a physio, respiratory specialist, a consultant regarding excessive sweating and someone about my knee.

I am on all sorts of meds which I'll list below. All have awful side effects.

Ventolin - Thrush
Flutiform - Thrush
Montelukast None
Piriton – Makes me sleepy
Diazepam - Sleepy
Citalopram – Sleepy
Codeine - Headaches
Calichews - None
Predisolone –
Omoperazole - Rash
Antibiotics - Thrush

paragon909

Oh wow, That's a lot of medication....

Yes you can claim ESA and PIP along side each other...

Howitto

My sick note runs out tomorrow and I have an appointment with the GP that my mother is accompanying me.

Many issues I have mentioned on here they are aware of but some they just ignore. I have written an A4 sheet listing problems and how it effects me. Looking into it, they need to provide a statement for DWP so will present him with the info for him to do this. When I apply for ESA, do you start getting paid straight away? Like a lower rate until 14 weeks?

Howitto

paragon909 wrote: »

Oh wow, That's a lot of medication....

Yes you can claim ESA and PIP along side each other...

I have a massive box with it all in. So ridiculous! I'm 28 and makes me so upset that I cannot properly provide for my partner and 4 year old girl

paragon909

oliverhowitt wrote: »

My sick note runs out tomorrow and I have an appointment with the GP that my mother is accompanying me.

Many issues I have mentioned on here they are aware of but some they just ignore. I have written an A4 sheet listing problems and how it effects me. Looking into it, they need to provide a statement for DWP so will present him with the info for him to do this. When I apply for ESA, do you start getting paid straight away? Like a lower rate until 14 weeks?

You can have a look here about ESA Rates

You would be on assessment rate for 14 weeks which is basic rate at £73.10 a week,

If you pass the medical you would be put into a group.

TELLIT01

If you are receiving SSP you can't claim ESA at the same time. If you partner isn't working you can claim Income Support at top up to SSP. Once SSP ends, if you still haven't returned to work, you can then claim ESA.
You can request backdating of IS but it's unlikely you will get it backdated. Get on the phone tomorrow.

Topcat1982

You say your partner is claiming .... but you have to claim as a household. If you resign the HB may go up. You will notify them of change of income. Same with HMRC.

I feel for you, I have bad asthma, with me its dust or dust mites so i spend a couple of hours a day getting rid of dust in my flat. But then getting on bus/going to work etc is the problem

Poppie68

Do you live with your partner? As you mention she is claiming tax credits etc....All claims should be joint.