Am I entitled to anything?

SilverMist

Hi

Brief history - I'm female, 41, live with my partner and 6 year old. I have worked for a further education institution for 16 years. Initially full-time, part-time since having my daughter.

I have been off ill since May. After experiencing some strange and painful symptoms (pressure headaches, crippling pain in back of head, dizziness, numbness, tinnitus, neck and back pain) I had an MRI and have been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, which is a neurological condition. Basically the base of my skull is smaller than it should be and my brain has herniated through, down onto my spinal chord. Surgery may be necessary at a later date. I've seen a neurologist twice and two different neurosurgeons. It's quite an unknown condition so not so straightforward to treat ie no medication can control the fluctuations in pressure.

Anyway, work have been brilliant, supportive texts, phone calls but pretty much leaving me alone. Emotionally I'm a mess, was already on antidepressants but am now on three times the dose to try and bring me out of the depression and isolation this brings. Had a meeting last week with my manager and hr rep (I actually work in hr) and as the neurosurgeon wants to see me in March 2017 before anything is decided (the surgery is major and pretty awful) they have to make a decision what to do. I'm also waiting for tests to measure the pressure of spinal fluid in my head. Currently signed off til 9th Jan but it's clear to them/me/gp/everyone that I am not fit for work so will be extended. Just clicked over to half pay and been given a ssp1 form from payroll to send to dwp.

Work have 3 choices - Ill health retirement, phased return when well (IF it's imminent) or termination. I know they have to do this, they can't wait forever - termination seems most likely (I'm not sure both my gp and consultant would be willing to say I'm permanently unable to work as this could change, particularly if I have the surgery- but there are no guarantees even with this).

Physically and emotionally Im struggling, trying to work out if I'd get any benefits or help either now I'm on half pay or if my contract is terminated is just too much! I don't even know where to start. I know from when we had a small amount of child tax credits when my daughter was born that my partner earns just over the threshold for us to get that. But he can't support us solely on his wage. Obviously I will look at our budget for food etc but we would be £ 950 a month down if and when I finish.

Sorry for the essay, if anyone can advise or point me in the right direction I'd be extremely grateful another part time job may be an option in the future but not until my symptoms are managed better (I end up on the sofa with my head on a cushion for 3-4 hours every day)

Thank you!

Pop_Up_Pirate

You could be entitled to ESA and/or PiP. Fill out the forms and tell them everything you can about how Chiari affects you.
The CAB can help you fill out the forms.

I have Chiari malformation too, have not had surgery as its too risky.
Chiari is also common in people with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome too. Maybe something worth asking your GP about.

pmlindyloo

Sorry to hear this.

From what you say you have now exhausted your Statutory Sick Pay - probably paid with your contractual pay (check your wage slips) - since work have given you the SSP1 form. You can now claim contribution based Employment Support Allowance which does not take into account your partner's salary or any savings.

So you should be able to receive your half pay (for 6 months?) and contribution based ESA.

You do not say whether you are renting or own your own house.

You can put your details into the benefit calculator on https://www.entitledto.co.uk to find out if you are eligible for any other benefits like HB and CT reduction but if your OH earns too much for child tax credits then you may not be entitled to anything else.

Do not resign. Your work seem to be very supportive so concentrate on getting sorted health wise and take each day as it comes.

With a bit of jiggling with your budget things may not seem so bad.

If you go over to the Deftfree Wanna Be forum (not just for those in debt)and post they are wonderful at finding ways to cut down your expenditure.

The only other benefit is PIP which is for care and mobility needs (again not means tested) but you may not meet the criteria (google for details)

Good luck with everything.

Darksparkle

Not much to add on why has already been said but just wanted to say I agree with pmlindyloo about not resigning, one reason for that would be that you continue to accrue holidays when off sick so you will have this to be paid if/when they terminate you so the longer you remain employed, the more you will have.

pmlindyloo

And just to add... if you have a mortgage it may be worth getting in touch with your mortgage company and see if they can help. You may be able to take a mortgage holiday, go interest free for a while or extend your term.

No guarantees but worth a try.

nannytone_2

just a bit of encouragement ...
my friends daughter has chair malformation and was operated on at great ormond street when she was 15.
they widened the opening at the bottom of her skull so the pressure on her brain was lessened.

she's been fine ever since

ohreally

Is there another option, when your ½ pay runs out, put you on nil pay, start a temp and review the situation?

SilverMist

Thank you for your replies, I'll read and respond properly later