depression and work

alifpb66

its undecided when i can go back to work because of covid 19......im classed as self employed and only worked part time. 
without going into it too much, my mental health has really hit rock bottom, ive been relying on savings, which are dropping very fast, since last november.
i havent got the confidence to find another job, but hopefully when i am back to my job i can get more hours, but i cant carry on with no wage coming in. 
ive been told i have ptsd now, and struggling to concentrate and make decisions.....can anyone please, please offer any advice... x

poppy12345

New style ESA maybe possible but it will depend on your NI contributions in tax years April 2017 to March 2019. You'll also need a fit note from your GP to be able to claim this. It pays £74.35 per week (over 25's) information here. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

This isn't means tested so savings/capital do not affect it.

Also Universal Credit but as it's means tested then claiming will depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 then you're excluded from claiming. Savings of £6,000 and over and your UC will be reduced by £4.35 per month for every £250 or part there of over that amount.

Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=bf43f43a-6e04-4a0e-baaf-3d42476e8003

You'll need a fit note to claim limited capability for work through UC. If you claim both then your ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

Council tax reduction can be claimed from your local council.

A claim for UC will end any tax credits you may already be claiming.

alifpb66

thank you so much for replying......
as my anxiety/ptsd is bad at the moment i struggle with concentration and forms etc....i did the 'entitled to' form and put in my savings plus ive had a small payment from seiss, (£600)  (ive too much savings for UC) and it said im not entitled......do you think i would be able to phone them and they help me with any forms.
thanks again, you have no idea how the likes of yourself help the likes of me, lifes hard enough these days without dealing with my new found mental health stuff. x

[Deleted User]

You may well already be engaged with mental health practitioners as you have a PTSD diagnosis, but I would urge you to make that your absolute priority. You can ask your GP or therapist to help you cope with the current mental health situation, although they can not help with the financial issues. 

In terms of the financial side I would urge you to take a calm and methodical approach. Give yourself time to breath by making a list as you go, so you can tick off what you are doing and where you are in the process, that way you can see you are achieving, which should hopefully reduce some of the anxiety. 

The UC form is not that difficult if you take it bit by bit, rather than trying to tackle it all in one go, do it a section at a time, you can save it as you go and that way you can take it step by step, rather than it being one task which might feel too intense otherwise. 
https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/

Grumpy_chap

Do you have a social worker who can assist with the forms?
Or, maybe CAB can either provide assistance with the forms or point you to someone who can?

poppy12345

alifpb66 said:

thank you so much for replying......
as my anxiety/ptsd is bad at the moment i struggle with concentration and forms etc....i did the 'entitled to' form and put in my savings plus ive had a small payment from seiss, (£600)  (ive too much savings for UC)

Your SEISS grant won't affect a future UC claim. Although as previously advised, if you have £16,000 of savings/capital then you won't be able to claim Universal Credit at all.

If savings prevent a claim for UC then look at claiming New style ESA providing you've paid the correct amount of NI contributions.

alifpb66

MadMattUK its a tricky one....i was put into temp accommodation/refuge in feb by authorities because of domestic abuse, i had to leave there as they gave me a £4k bill..in that time ..i already had depression/anxiety, i was told i had ptsd...since i moved back home to the same old situation, authorities have dropped me cause i have gone home/savings...im just holding on to my sanity as its all overwhelming.....once ive moved out of the home situation i think i can process things, as it was easier whil i was 'away' but i cant find anywhere to live...i ve too much in savings to get UC....but savings really are dropping as only £1200 since nov (had foot op then covid)Grumpy_chap i did have a housing officer and someone similar to social worker, but not heard from them since ive come home.... because i have savings....ive learnt its not good having savings....i will give CAB a go thanks..poppy12345 i defo cant get UC..but will phone and see if they can 'talk me through' a new style esa..... thank you again everyone..

poppy12345

New style ESA can be backdated for 3 months but you'll need a fit note from your GP, which also needs to be backdated. Of course you'll need the required NI contributions to be able to claim it.

Grumpy_chap

You should not be forced back 'home' if home is not safe.
Definitely try to contact your social worker again, or go via the GP to get a new referral.  The GP may also be able to introduce you to other support channels.
However hard this is with savings meaning limited UC income support, it would be harder without the savings.
Do you have any family or friends that you can call upon for support, or a spare room?

alifpb66

poppy12345 thank you...i think i need to find the confidence to get back to the gp....not good at asking for help, just put on a 'front'...Grumpy_chap yep even my local MP is shocked. thats another story with government/mental health/domestic abuse....when im having a bad day (which is most) i do feel grateful my parents have left me money, friends have been good, but again im not good at asking for help, thats where, for me these forums really help, cause the ptsd/anxiety makes me struggle with thinking...i just have a feeling i will need a friends spare room.......thank you again everyone..

Grumpy_chap

Take care @alifpb66 and hope things all work out for you