What benefits can I claim?

PM22

Hi,

My employer told me on Friday that I have 2 choices; disciplinary performance management or I can leave.

I can't face going in on Monday. I have Bipolar and am currently depressed.

I need to get another job ASAP. What, if any benefits can I claim whilst looking for work?


Please help....

TimeLord1

Let them dismiss you first or depending how long you have been working? Your entitlement will be based and savings.

PM22

For the sake of my mental health, I can't return. I don't have any savings 

Rubyroobs

You need to look at Universal credit or a contributions based benefit like new style JSA or New style ESA if too unwell to look for another job. If you have rent costs to pay then UC is the better option as will give you some help with rent costs.

TimeLord1

If your condition is known by your GP go and get a certificate for as long as possible PIP is also something you can look into. 

PM22

Why, what's the point going sick? I would have to disclose my condition which I'm not willing to do

itsthelittlethings

You can self certify for a week. So you can call in sick on Monday and don’t need a doctors note for a week. That gives you some time to think.

Would you be open to asking the doctor if they would give you a sick note for stress or depression? That way you don’t have to disclose bipolar.

Look after your own interests. If you resign you may not be entitled to New style JSA or Universal credit I think. So you do need to be careful about how you go about it.

itsthelittlethings

Whether or not you call in sick are you getting any help for your mental health? You don’t have to do this without support. Call the GP and ask their advice if you are at the point where you feel you can’t go back to work due to mental health.

PM22

I went to the mental health team on 9th December and I said I was suicidal and they said..........we'll send you an appointment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TimeLord1

Well at least you are on here trying to get some stable advice. Are you on medication? If yes maybe it needs looking at.

PM22

Yes, I need a meds change as my antidepressant is no longer working but I'm still waiting for an appointment with the mental health team. I haven't bothered them for 2 years now but there is no help when I need it.