Benefit Check - Have I missed something?

Turmoilat37

(edit: I posted the below thread in the general forum and was advised to post here to check I am claiming everything I can - and also to ask for advice on what the limitations on savings and benefits are.
I am in the ESA support group and receive standard PIP care and higher PIP mobility
I understand I can earn up to £120/week on ESA, which I would like to try to do to improve my financial situation - which isn't great. I understand that I can only save up to £16, 000 without losing entitlement to benefits.
A poster also suggested looking into improving my chances of employment/higher wage, if my health improves, with a qualification. Again, I don't know if there is any study grants for disabled people looking to improve their lot. Many thanks for any advice/suggestions)

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post in - please advise if it would be better elsewhere.

I'm a bit embarrassed posting this - sometimes you write something down after avoiding thinking about it and the problems looms quite big, large and foolishly.

I'm worried about by financial situation, the future and how to create a secure and stable life for myself. I have made mistakes, not been on the ball and many other things - I accept that I have got myself into this situation and have only myself to blame. I'm looking for advice on how to tackle my current life situation and improve my present and future prospects.

I'm 37 years old. For 12 years I got myself stuck in a job which paid minimum wage. I was single for most of that time and had to live at home as rent was too high for my salary. I also didn't earn enough to get a mortgage. I ran a car, paid my parents rent, paid for my own food, toiletries etc..paid a credit card and went on holiday once a year. You can't be extravagant on minimum wage but I wasn't tight either and spent what I earned.
In 2013-2016 I worked part time as a photographer alongside my fulltime job - not well from a business perspective - and this also cost me some money.

Two years ago I became suddenly very unwell and had to leave my job. I was diagnosed with an autonomic nervous system disorder and have been signed off sick since then. I am currently in ESA support group and receive PIP payments. This is my sole income. I am still living at home but hoping to move out this spring.

I am very worried for my future. I would love to own a home one day but I realise that time is running out for me for a 25 year mortgage - and it looks unlikely that I will be working regularly for the foreseeable future. My pension from my former job is worth a a few hundred pounds. I've completed 16 qualifying years for a state pension. I've no idea what's going to happen to me when I'm older if my health doesn't improve.

Savings: £0

Debt:
student loan of £18, 000
Credit card: £2400

I am not fit enough to work reliably, regularly and have very restricted mobility - I am essentially housebound and unable to look at computer screens for lengthy periods of time. I am looking at ways I could possibly earn a little income somehow - but this is also restricted in terms of amount due to my benefits. I cannot risk losing my benefits.

I don't know what to do to try to secure my future and improve my current situation. I don't really know where to start of what I should be prioritising.

I was thinking of setting a Life ISA before I reach the deadline. I might also be owed some money from some student loan repayments I paid when I shouldn't have - this might cover my credit card which would at least leave me debt-free.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who essentially sleep-walked into my 30s. I also never imagined losing my health so early in life.

Thank you for any constructive advice, suggestions and comments.

Wizardy18

However harsh this may sound, I'd be questioning if you are bad health wise as housebound how you can work up to 16 hours, yet not find full time employment.

Sorry, but you are either housebound and unable to work full stop, not able to work 15 hours and 59 minutes but no more.

I'd be careful, working 16 hours doesn't clash with what you said during a pip assessment.

Not much hope, and no one a judgement but that's how it'll be looked at by some.

[Deleted User]

Your CC debt makes no difference to benefits, and as you know you don't repay student debt until you earn over 21k (rising soon to 25k).
Have you looked at one of the benefit checkers? turn to us or entitled to?

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefit-calculations/

Turmoilat37

Wizardy18 wrote: »

However harsh this may sound, I'd be questioning if you are bad health wise as housebound how you can work up to 16 hours, yet not find full time employment.

Sorry, but you are either housebound and unable to work full stop, not able to work 15 hours and 59 minutes but no more.

I'd be careful, working 16 hours doesn't clash with what you said during a pip assessment.

Not much hope, and no one a judgement but that's how it'll be looked at by some.

It's OK it's a valid comment if a little cynical and lacking in understanding/knowledge.
Disabilities come in many forms. I am unable to stand and move around, let alone walk. I also suffer issues with my pupils which make lengthy periods at computer screens and outside difficult. It's for these reasons I receive PIP. I'm not a vegetable but I do suffer severely impaired mobility and movement amongst other thing . Earning an income - a few hours a week at a computer or on a phone with total flexibility in times to allow for my worst days (when I am close to a vegetable) might be something that I can do. I also did not state that I wanted to work for 16 hours a week, nor would I likely be able to do. I was simply showing that I was aware of one restriction.
Your comment unfortunately shows a black and white understanding of a complex situation.
Disabled people frequently have limited ability to do most types of jobs and may also struggle to work some days or many hours making regular or contracted employment impossible..

Being disabled does NOT render you completely useless, non-functioning, unable or unwilling.

[Deleted User]

Turmoilat37 you do not have to explain yourself here, we will always endeavour to answer any benefit problems/questions you have without making judgements.

And welcome to MSE I hope you find it useful have a good look around you might save some £££££££

tazwhoever

Turmoilat37 wrote: »

It's OK it's a valid comment if a little cynical and lacking in understanding/knowledge.
Disabilities come in many forms. I am unable to stand and move around, let alone walk. I also suffer issues with my pupils which make lengthy periods at computer screens and outside difficult. It's for these reasons I receive PIP. I'm not a vegetable but I do suffer severely impaired mobility and movement amongst other thing . Earning an income - a few hours a week at a computer or on a phone with total flexibility in times to allow for my worst days (when I am close to a vegetable) might be something that I can do. I also did not state that I wanted to work for 16 hours a week, nor would I likely be able to do. I was simply showing that I was aware of one restriction.
Your comment unfortunately shows a black and white understanding of a complex situation.
Disabled people frequently have limited ability to do most types of jobs and may also struggle to work some days or many hours making regular or contracted employment impossible..

Being disabled does NOT render you completely useless, non-functioning, unable or unwilling.

I totally agree with you, I am not in a wheelchair but disabled and unable to work.

weavedribbon

Turmoilat37 wrote: »

It's OK it's a valid comment if a little cynical and lacking in understanding/knowledge.
Disabilities come in many forms. I am unable to stand and move around, let alone walk. I also suffer issues with my pupils which make lengthy periods at computer screens and outside difficult. It's for these reasons I receive PIP. I'm not a vegetable but I do suffer severely impaired mobility and movement amongst other thing . Earning an income - a few hours a week at a computer or on a phone with total flexibility in times to allow for my worst days (when I am close to a vegetable) might be something that I can do. I also did not state that I wanted to work for 16 hours a week, nor would I likely be able to do. I was simply showing that I was aware of one restriction.
Your comment unfortunately shows a black and white understanding of a complex situation.
Disabled people frequently have limited ability to do most types of jobs and may also struggle to work some days or many hours making regular or contracted employment impossible..

Being disabled does NOT render you completely useless, non-functioning, unable or unwilling.

:T I wish I could like your post multiple times over

poppy12345

Turmoilat37 wrote: »

It's OK it's a valid comment if a little cynical and lacking in understanding/knowledge.
Disabilities come in many forms. I am unable to stand and move around, let alone walk. I also suffer issues with my pupils which make lengthy periods at computer screens and outside difficult. It's for these reasons I receive PIP. I'm not a vegetable but I do suffer severely impaired mobility and movement amongst other thing . Earning an income - a few hours a week at a computer or on a phone with total flexibility in times to allow for my worst days (when I am close to a vegetable) might be something that I can do. I also did not state that I wanted to work for 16 hours a week, nor would I likely be able to do. I was simply showing that I was aware of one restriction.
Your comment unfortunately shows a black and white understanding of a complex situation.
Disabled people frequently have limited ability to do most types of jobs and may also struggle to work some days or many hours making regular or contracted employment impossible..

Being disabled does NOT render you completely useless, non-functioning, unable or unwilling.

Fantastic post! I really do hope you're able to find work that suits you along side your ESA claim. I really do wish you all the luck!

Tommo1980

Agreed, well said!! There are now more barriers than ever for disabled people trying to get into work.

GlasweJen

In terms of work you should start by listing what you can do with no support, what you could do with a bit of support and what is absolutely out of the question then go looking for part time work in your area with your list in mind.

Access to work can help with the middle category, they can help with the cost of a specialist chair and desk or if you need help with transport to work (but not if you have a mobility car - then you're expected to use that).