Newly disabled GULP need help what next ?

jopsey

Basically 7 week's ago I fell and fractured my spine and it was a bad fracture and had to have a spinal and fusion surgery.
I was really pleased with my progress at first and didn't even think of going through the process of claiming sick pay as i'm self employed and it can be a nightmare sorting it all out

I'm my Mum's carer and claim carers allowance i was still able to carry this on as a lot of Mum's care is just being with her.

I'm a self employed florist i can normally do a wedding in a day thankfully most of my weddings where covered while i was in hospital but i really struggled doing 1 wedding a week instead of a day,I can't stand ,sit down for very long at all and my movement is very limited

I can't lift more than 5lb in weight I am really struggling with house work thankfully my kids age 11 and 6 have been amazing helping me doing things around the house

I tried to go shopping today just for a few bit's it took me 3 hour's to what would normally take 30 min's to cut a long story short I just broke down and sobbed I think i have to realise that this is not going to be better overnight and it'sgoing to be along term injury

I'm am a landlord so get a small income a month ,can I still apply for anything else ?
some day's I can do more than others and desperatly don't want too not work completly as I love what I do but can't manage more than a few hours a day

any advice greatly recieved

Ames

You should apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment). It's replaced DLA and is awarded for care and mobility needs. If you google it you'll find the rules and 'descriptors', which you have to meet to score points.

I don't think you'd be entitled to means tested benefits. The value of the property you rent out would be classed as savings and if it's worth more than £16k you wouldn't qualify. As you get Carer's Allowance you wouldn't be able to get ESA, which is an income replacement benefit.

I don't know the rules around tax credits so can't advise you about those.

jopsey

Ames wrote: »

You should apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment). It's replaced DLA and is awarded for care and mobility needs. If you google it you'll find the rules and 'descriptors', which you have to meet to score points.

I don't think you'd be entitled to means tested benefits. The value of the property you rent out would be classed as savings and if it's worth more than £16k you wouldn't qualify. As you get Carer's Allowance you wouldn't be able to get ESA, which is an income replacement benefit.

I don't know the rules around tax credits so can't advise you about those.

thankyou so much I looked online and had absolutley no idea on what was what that really helps

GlasweJen

Visit citizens advice, they'll point you in the right direction.

You should also consider "shortcuts" like online shopping instead of going to the store for big shops. You can get pre-chopped fruit and veg to make cooking easier.

jopsey

Thank you, think I learnt the hard way today only wanted a dustpan with a long handle soI could try and brush up haha ended up in no dustpan and a near nervous breakdown lol

think I have been really posative till this week and it hit me like a brick wall that this could be it now how my life is forever,I do know I'm very lucky I'm walking and the operation was a sucess and feel really guilty that bursting into tear's this week
sorry for the ramble xxx

GlasweJen

Happens to us all, you'll get there. You need to prioritise your energy spends so to speak. Spinal rehab is good so make sure you're seeing someone who can make sure you don't lose what you have, backs need exercise!

Life is too short to put yourself in a painful situation, stuck in bed for days because you've overdone it.

If the kids are helping you out get them registered at young carers (just google "Young carers [your town]). Support depends on resources available locally but it's good for them to know they're not alone.

poppy12345

jopsey wrote: »

Basically 7 week's ago I fell and fractured my spine and it was a bad fracture and had to have a spinal and fusion surgery.
I was really pleased with my progress at first and didn't even think of going through the process of claiming sick pay as i'm self employed and it can be a nightmare sorting it all out

I'm my Mum's carer and claim carers allowance i was still able to carry this on as a lot of Mum's care is just being with her.

I'm a self employed florist i can normally do a wedding in a day thankfully most of my weddings where covered while i was in hospital but i really struggled doing 1 wedding a week instead of a day,I can't stand ,sit down for very long at all and my movement is very limited

I can't lift more than 5lb in weight I am really struggling with house work thankfully my kids age 11 and 6 have been amazing helping me doing things around the house

I tried to go shopping today just for a few bit's it took me 3 hour's to what would normally take 30 min's to cut a long story short I just broke down and sobbed I think i have to realise that this is not going to be better overnight and it'sgoing to be along term injury

I'm am a landlord so get a small income a month ,can I still apply for anything else ?
some day's I can do more than others and desperatly don't want too not work completly as I love what I do but can't manage more than a few hours a day

any advice greatly recieved

I'm sorry to hear what's happen. Others have said to apply for PIP but i see that your accident happened 7 weeks ago. To be eligable for PIP you must have had the difficulties for at least the past 3 months and expect them to last at least a further 9 months.
I've added this link for you to look at.
https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

Savvy_Sue

poppy12345 wrote: »

I'm sorry to hear what's happen. Others have said to apply for PIP but i see that your accident happened 7 weeks ago. To be eligable for PIP you must have had the difficulties for at least the past 3 months and expect them to last at least a further 9 months.
I've added this link for you to look at.
https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

Just like to add to this that seven weeks is very early to expect to have 'finished' your recovery from any major surgery, IMO. I hope you are seeing a decent physio and doing whatever exercises you've been given, and I don't know what the outlook is for you, BUT it may be a lot better than you fear atm.

However, in these early days, it's so easy to do more than you should / can, and you do end up in meltdown.

Baby steps, says the lady who caught the train to Sainsbury's for 'just a few bits and pieces' a few weeks (and far too soon) after having brain surgery. Had to get my son to come and rescue me because I just couldn't walk a step further on my own, LUDICROUS because there was nothing wrong with my body! :rotfl:

nannytone_2

how much were you earning as a florist and from your rental property?there are strict earnings limit for claiming carers allowance