can I claim benifits

magicman62

I am a 64 year old and at the moment I work 20hrs a week. I find it difficult to work longer hours due tocurtain health issues I have be told that Ihave polymyalgia (muscle pain) knee problems which include osteo arthritis and fluid , including my ankles .Whilst i can work  i find after about 4 -5 hours i really struggle with discomfort so I chose to do at least part time work  although i wish i could work more even so if I did try I would be unlikely to secure a job mainly because of my health issues and the also the fact I retire in 18 months time..I even struggle with my own interests and cut back ...so can i claim any benifits  if so how do I claim  and which ones.

A_Lert

You could claim PIP, but don't be surprised if you don't get it.

poppy12345

PIP isn't means tested but claiming this will depend on how your conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors. It's not about a diagnosis. A successful claim can take several months, maybe longer. See links. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

Universal Credit is the only other benefit, if you're working as well. Claiming this will depend on your circumstances because it's a means tested benefit. If you live with a partner you claim as a couple. Savings/capital of more than £16,000 will exclude you from claiming.

A claim for UC will end any tax credits you may already be claiming. Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=b9b5553b-f541-4452-be09-74e13da2a3a7

magicman62

At the moment I dont claim any benefits and have no partner , I have been managing, just, and I didnt want to claim , but i need glasses , dental work but just cant afford it anymore...my dentist said i may be able to claim ..

poppy12345

Have you used the benefits calculator i posted above? If you haven't then please use that and it will tell you if you're entitled to any Universal Credit.

As you are working more than 16 hours per week and don't claim a disability benefit then you won't be able to start the work capability assessment process off. If you were receiving a disability benefit then working more than 16 hours wouldn't affect a work capability assessment process. If you claimed PIP and were successfully awarded then you'll be able to send in fit notes to start that process off for Universal Credit. This doesn't mean you're not entitled to any UC though.

For the NHS treatment while claiming UC you were need to have net earning of less than £435 in your last UC assessment period.

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/

Have you looked into applying for the NHS low income scheme by filling out a HC2 form? If entitled to it then you would receive free NHS treatment for eye tests, prescriptions and detal treament. See link. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme

magicman62

Hate forms, its all.so complicated lol Had enough when i was made redundant, However i am very intetested in the NHS low income one , will try that one later , thanks ..

Galloglass

Hate forms, its all.so complicated

If you contact your local Citizens Advice, they can help you with a new UC claim and perhaps the PIP/NHS forms. Worth a call.

poppy12345

Galloglass said:

Hate forms, its all.so complicated

If you contact your local Citizens Advice, they can help you with a new UC claim and perhaps the PIP/NHS forms. Worth a call.

Although this maybe a telephone appointment.

Alice_Holt

Galloglass said:

Hate forms, its all.so complicated

If you contact your local Citizens Advice, they can help you with a new UC claim and perhaps the PIP/NHS forms. Worth a call.

     For a new UC claim - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/
    or DWP directly -  https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit

    Your local Citizens Advice may well be able to help with a PIP form through a telephone appointment - 
      https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/check-you-are-eligible/

    Unlikely they would help with the NHS forms, as this relates to your own personal circumstances / income / savings - this is information you would (hopefully) have to hand.
 
   

magicman62

I have done the NHS form on line , it was  not as official as the government benefit forms, will now have to wait and see now..

poppy12345

Have you at least used the benefits calculator to check if you qualify for UC?