Falling through the benefit cracks....

kelloggs36

Ah, thanks, I didn't realise that it was only for single people - as per usual this Bloo*dy government does nothing to help couples!!!!!

dmg24

kelloggs36 wrote: »

Ah, thanks, I didn't realise that it was only for single people - as per usual this Bloo*dy government does nothing to help couples!!!!!

No, I meant all people with no children. Why would you think that couples would not qualify?!

Paul_Varjak

kelloggs36 wrote: »

I thought that working tax credits was if you worked over 16 hours per week, if you work 30 or more you get a higher premium though.

Most people have to work 30+ hours to get Working Tax Credit but disabled people can qualify for WTC even if they only work 16+ hours per week. You do not have to be in receipt of DLA in order to claim you are disabled for WTC purposes. WTC has its own 'rules' on what persons are classed as disabled.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/tctmanual/TCTM02504.htm

In the above link point 20 is relevant to the OP. It reads:

You cannot normally sustain an 8 hour working day or a 5 day working week due to a mental condition or intermittent or continuous severe pain.

brightondebs

I was all excited when I read that but looking further on that site I went back to:

To qualify, you have to meet all of these conditions:

• you must usually work for 16 hours or more a week
• you must have a disability that makes it hard for you to get a job
• you must be receiving, or have recently received, a qualifying sickness or disability-related benefit

That is my problem

dmg24

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

Most people have to work 30+ hours to get Working Tax Credit but disabled people can qualify for WTC even if they only work 16+ hours per week. You do not have to be in receipt of DLA in order to claim you are disabled for WTC purposes. WTC has its own 'rules' on what persons are classed as disabled.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/tctmanual/TCTM02504.htm

In the above link point 20 is relevant to the OP. It reads:

You cannot normally sustain an 8 hour working day or a 5 day working week due to a mental condition or intermittent or continuous severe pain.

The problem with this criteria is that it is so difficult to prove, as the criteria is pretty much the same as DLA or IB, and most people are applying on this point as they have in the past been declined for DLA/ IB. One of those vicious circles?

I know of three people who have applied for WTC using this reason, but none have succeeded. I do feel it gives people false hope.

Paul_Varjak

brightondebs wrote: »

I was all excited when I read that but looking further on that site I went back to:

Quote:
To qualify, you have to meet all of these conditions:

• you must usually work for 16 hours or more a week
• you must have a disability that makes it hard for you to get a job
• you must be receiving, or have recently received, a qualifying sickness or disability-related benefit

That is my problem

What you have read is only half the story. Yes there are certain 'qualifying sickness or disability-related benefits but you can also qualify in other ways.

You said that when you gave up work that you did not work for one year. If you really did not work for 52 weeks because of your disability and did make a claim Incapacity benefit (but was refused) you may still qualify under the 52 week rule. I think you will need to show some other evidence of incapcity (such as a report from your speciallist confirming that your diability prevents you from working full-time)