Depression and benefits

Tibbie's_mum

I suffer from depression, have done for many years but have only been under the doctor for it for the last 3 years.

Up until 7 years ago I had a well paid managerial job but left due to stress, I did not return to work as I went on to have children. Because of financial issues my OH has been hinting I should return to work, I can only just cope at home looking after myself and the children, the idea of returning to work seems nigh on impossible to me.

Is they any help I can seek benefits wise, I only started claiming Child Benefit for my first 2 children recently as we never really needed the money before and claiming was just another added stress, I know I still need to apply for my 3rd child.

We are going to put our house on the market, and if it sells, we will downshift in order to help our financial situation, but until then is there any other help I can seek.

TIA

jetcat

maybe disability living allowance, as it is not means tested, so it doesnt matter if your husband works (even if you start work if and when you feel up to it - as long as you still meet the criteria).

give them a ring - 08457123456, and ask for an application form. i receive dla for depression (amongst other things!) but it can sometimes be a bit of a fight to get it awarded!! a supportive gp would be a help!

also, their are agencies to help, as well as other websites. give me a pm if you want the name of one that i often use, as i am not sure if i am allowed to post the address?

take care, and try not to get forced into going back to work if you not ready! ( i know - easier said than done!)

Benefits_Blagger

you shoud be entitled to IB &/or IS, plus should get a minimun of the lowest rate of care allowance.

my advice ? get claiming!

Conor_3

You say looking at going back to work fills you with dread. Is it because you have the idea of going back to a similar job and having the same stress?

There's no law that says you have to do that. There's nothing wrong with getting something like a nice little job in a bakery serving customers cakes and sandwiches or doing supermarket work. You'd not have the stress that you had with your last job with something like that. Maybe that's something to look at.

krisskross

Incapacity Benefit relies on you having paid NI contributions in certain qualifying years. If you have not worked for 7 years then you won't be entitled. any income support claim would be assessed on family income.

You need to claim child benefit for your 3rd child and look into child tax credits. Get help from the CAB if you need it.

bestpud

Yes, you definitely need to look into tax credits as you will be entitled unless your OH earns more than around £60,000 a year!

It will be a lot less stressful than claiming DLA too! I think you will find the whole DLA process a nightmare if you can't cope with claiming child benefit (one of the 'easiest' benefits out there) tbh.

It is fairly normal to dread returning to work after having children though, so please don't assume it is all about your depression. And many jobs will be a lot less stressful than having three under fives imo!

As said, look for something 'smaller' than management to start with and build up later, if you want to. You may find you actually enjoy a less stressful job.

I hope you can get something sorted for you all - work and family rarely fit together well in my experience, no matter what the govt spin tells us!