Help with Benefits

thompson_2009

Hi

Need some advice, i have a good job but my wife cannot work due to a long term illness and she has no income at all. She applied for benefits but was turned down as they said she could wash and dress herself.

We live only on my wage and she cannot seem to get any assistance at all, such a dental costs ect and money is very tight these days, any advise would be really welcome.

Thanks.

Darksparkle

What is your income?

What benefits has she already applied for?

thompson_2009

she applied for income support, i earn 19000 per annum

thompson_2009

she applied for PIP

Detroit

Has your wife recently become unable to work? Has she recently had a job?

If so, and she has paid the sufficient NI contributions, she was be entitled to contribution based employment support allowance.

When did you get the PIP decision? You can appeal it within a month of the date on the decision letter if you disagree with the decision.

However, PIP is paid for difficulties with mobility and/or help with daily living activities. Many long term health conditions that can impact on the ability to work do not cause problems with these activities, and the criteria for entitlement is strict.

Do you have children? If so, you may be entitled to tax credits.

I would recommend you visit https://www.turn2us.org.uk to check that you're not missing out on any entitlement, or alternatively, ask CAB for a benefit check.

It would also be worth going to CAB for advice on whether you should appeal the PIP decision.

thompson_2009

i done the benefits calculator and we are entitled to 0.82p per week. so generous.

pmlindyloo

As already said if your wife previously worked before she became ill then she may be eligible for contribution based ESA. This is based on the two previous tax years of NI contributions made before she applies. She would need a fit note from the doctor.

She is not eligible for income based ESA as you are working full time.

So, the only benefit she can apply for is PIP. Did she receive help with completing the application form? Is she appealing? Go to CAB/see a welfare adviser for some advice about PIP.

If she is not eligible for any benefits in her own right - contribution based ESA or PIP then any other benefits would be based on your income.

Since you have done a benefit calculation and say you were awarded £0.89 a week I am wondering if this was housing benefit or council tax.

The benefit calculator does not take into account all scenarios.

If you have not claimed HB in the last 52 weeks and could afford your rent when you took on your tenancy then you could have a 13 week protection period when they assess HB on your current rent rather than the local housing allowance rate.

So, what is your local housing rate for a one bed place and how much rent are you currently paying? This might give us an idea as to whether you are eligible for some HB.

CAB would be able to do a Quick Benefit check for you using the 13 week protection period.

Otherwise you need to look at your income and expenditure.

Go over to the Debtfree Wannabe forum(not just for those in debt)and ask them for some help with your budgeting.

They are a friendly bunch over there and are truly wonderful at reducing outgoings.

Also have a good read of all the articles on this website (use the banner topics at the very top) to make sure you are getting the best deals for everything.