Redundancy and benefits

jamsponge

I need a little help please.

Husband was made redundant, just as well as his health is deteriorating. He is losing his sight as well, he is going through sight assessments at the moment.

I am applying for PIP for him. The plan was to claim for ESA and carers for myself.

I’m looking to change career direction and starting my own business.

His redundancy will clear the mortgage and we will have a small amount left for my training.

Has anyone got any advice please. Really don’t know much about the benefits system so am I on the right track?

Brie

Would your husband be eligible for an ill health retirement? It might be worth investigating this option sooner rather than later as the process can take a long time. While working your way through it save all the letters/texts/emails regarding his health. You'll likely need them for both PIP and ill health retirement. Once PIP has been agreed he can apply for a blue badge. If PIP is refused then get citizen's advice to help file to challenge the decision. They'll know how to word things to get the best reaction.

Others have more knowledge about the other benefits.

Sam_666

Did your husband had workplace pension?
If he did, most have build-in health insurance, you must check with HR.

Use this website to get more info on benefits.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/?e2dwp=y

jamsponge

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82066910#Comment_82066910

yes but it was with nest. I am looking into all avenues but in the mean time need to get him on some sort of benefits and thought this was the best out of a bad situation.

kaMelo

It's unlikely any Ill health retirement is possible as the OP's husband has already been made redundant. As far as I'm aware ill health retirement is only possible if someone is an active member of the scheme.

With regard to PIP, it's impossible to offer any help as not enough information has been given to know whether eligibility is likely or not.

huckster

For you to claim Carers Allowance, the person cared for would need to be in receipt of disability benefit such as PIP.

At the moment it is taking over 13 weeks before PIP is being awarded.

Your husband can claim ESA which is not affected by redundancy payment. The basic rate for ESA is only £95.55 per week. And the claim is subject to work capability assessment process.

I would suggest you contact Citizens Advice about getting full benefits advice based on all information. Your post does not provide enough Information.

BridgetTheCat

Sorry just to correct @Brie a little bit. You don’t need to get PIP to get a blue badge. They are separate processes. PIP is awarded by the DWP, and the blue badge by your local council. While a higher rate PIP award for mobility makes you automatically entitled to a blue badge, you can also get a blue badge without ever claiming Pip. (I know this because I’ve done it myself several times.)

It’s probably worth doing a separate blue badge application because the PIP application/award process takes ages.

BridgetTheCat

Has your husband been diagnosed as severely visually impaired? If so you can apply for the Blind Person’s Tax Allowance, which gives an extra 3k or so on top of his personal allowance. He’d also get a 50% discount on a tv licence.

OutdoorQueen

When your husband has his sight assessments, ask if he qualifies for a Certificate of Visual Impairement. This can tick boxes and open doors to other services, including a council bus pass. Normally issued by the hospital consultant I believe.

NedS

To summarise:

1. He can claim ESA immediately. This is not means tested, and eligibility is based on having paid NI contributions from work during the last two years. He will need a Fit Note from his GP at the time of claiming to say he is unfit for work. DWP will do a Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
2. You may be able to claim means-tested benefits (Universal Credit) if your joint savings / assets are under £16k. If you have more than £16k then you will not be able to claim any means-tested benefits.
3. PIP is a disability benefit and requires him to have had the condition for 3 months already, and for it to be expected to last for at least another 9 months. Get advice from someone like CAB as it is difficult to make a successful application without it.
4. As others have advised, your husband being in receipt of PIP is a requirement for you claiming Carers Allowance.
5. Good advice above about visual impairment and blue badge

Hope that helps

HillStreetBlues

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82067309#Comment_82067309

Sorry to correct you but higher rate PIP doesn't automatically get you a BB.It matters where you get the points.
You need score 8 points or more in Moving Around or in Planning and Following Journeys 10 Points in E" Cannot undertake any journey because it would
cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant".

It's a strange set up where a person could automatically get a BB on a standard award, but a person on an enhanced award doesn't