Hello 👋 Worried about the future in the financial sense as I haven't a clue where to start

NadeemAzam42

Hi, Im Nadeem & 48 years old from Birmingham. Diagnosed 9 years ago with Parkinson’s.

Recently, the condition has progressed rapidly and i am suffering from severe ridigty and balance,pain, and related issues. I’m totally reliant on medication for my existence now with strong off periods. I have been referred for DBS.(brain surgery) as over time the meds lose their effectiveness. Currently off on sick leave from work ( first time ever I've been off with a sick note) and currently prospects of going back are looking very slim. 

As a result so worried about the future in the financial sense as I haven't a clue where to start and what to do next. I already get enhanced living component of PIP and have applied for mobility on my  current review form.

If you made this far, thanks for taking the time to read.

Nadeem 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @NadeemAzam42

Welcome to the community! How did you come to find us?

I'm ever so sorry that your Parkinson's has progressed rapidly. Do you feel like you have a good support system medically? 

I do not have the best knowledge yet on the benefits system but I have moved your post to our PIP, DLA and AA section in the hopes someone else could help

NadeemAzam42

Hi Hannah,

I think I found you whilst searching for disability and benefits.
Thank you for your help.
This is an amazing site, keep up the good work 👏. 

NadeemAzam42

Medically used to be good  before covid, but I feel everything has gone downhill since then and support and resources are lacking behind.

calcotti

Apart from PIP are you claiming any other benefits? Are you getting Statutory Sick Pay from your employer or has that ended? When did you last work?

Hannah_Alumni

Thank you @NadeemAzam42

It's such a shame to hear that. If you do need any help or have any questions or queries we will do out best to support you I was speaking to a friend who feels similarly about her GP surgery and I advised speaking to her local MP.

SueHeath

Good afternoon @NadeemAzam42 welcome to our great group, it's very nice to meet you.
I myself am not in the position to advice on benefits, but we do have some very good members who know all there is to know on this matter, hopefully they will pick up on your thread.
In the mean time have a look around the site, you might find some tips under categories.
I do understand your feelings over the lack of support since covid, far to many people having to wait for help at the moment. I look forward to seeing you around. 

NadeemAzam42

calcotti said:

Apart from PIP are you claiming any other benefits? Are you getting Statutory Sick Pay from your employer or has that ended?

Hi Sue,

Thank you so much for your response 😊 
I'm hoping to get company sick pay as I had  a flawless sickness record before this. I have not heard anything either way after asking for CSP and  i have been too down in the dumps to ask.
I am not getting any benefits apart from PIP. Daily living enhanced.  I have applied for mobility on my review form  which i sent off circa 3 months ago. Wife gets carers allowance. 
I just need a little guidance for both scenarios. If I get CSP do I just  carry on as normal  until they stop paying.
Or what do I need to do,if and when they start paying me only  SSP .
Do I apply for UC at that point.
Sadly I don't think I can return back to work in future 😪. What happens then. What am I entitled too?  TIA.

Thank you 
Kindest Regards 
Nadeem

NadeemAzam42

Hannah_Scope said:

Thank you @NadeemAzam42

It's such a shame to hear that. If you do need any help or have any questions or queries we will do out best to support you I was speaking to a friend who feels similarly about her GP surgery and I advised speaking to her local MP.

Hi Hannah, 
Thanks a million 😊 

calcotti

NadeemAzam42 said:

I'm hoping to get company sick pay as I had  a flawless sickness record before this. I have not heard anything either way after asking for CSP and  i have been too down in the dumps to ask.
I am not getting any benefits apart from PIP. Daily living enhanced.  I have applied for mobility on my review form  which i sent off circa 3 months ago. Wife gets carers allowance. 
I just need a little guidance for both scenarios. If I get CSP do I just  carry on as normal  until they stop paying.
Or what do I need to do,if and when they start paying me only  SSP .
Do I apply for UC at that point.

You should probably apply for UC now. You will need a Fit Note to evidence your health conditions so you can be referred for a Work Capability Assessment (the referral should be at 29 days). Initially you would be entitled to the standard couple allowance and your wife should care himself as a carer and would be entitled to the carer element. If you rent you would also get help with the rent. 

Following the Work Capability Assessment (which unfortunately may take several months) if you are found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWRA) you would be entitled to extra money from the fourth month of the UC claim.

Your wife’s Carer’s Allowance will be deducted from the UC and there will be a deduction of 55% of any SSP or occupational sick pay. Initially, particularly if you are not renting, there may be no UC payable but if you don’t claim you can’t start the WCA process.

When did you last work. If you were earning more than £123/week then your employer must, as a minimum, pay you SSP for 28 weeks. Whether or not there is any additional occupational sick pay depends on your terms of employment. 

SueHeath

Bless you @NadeemAzam42 i can understand you being down in the dumps, hopefully you will feel better mentally once you are all sorted with leaving work and you know what money you will be receiving.
@calcotti is one of the members i was telling you about, so please take note of what is said you will get very good advice, wishing you luck. 

NadeemAzam42

calcotti said:

NadeemAzam42 said:

I'm hoping to get company sick pay as I had a flawless sickness record before this. I have not heard anything either way after asking for CSP and i have been too down in the dumps to ask.

I am not getting any benefits apart from PIP. Daily living enhanced. I have applied for mobility on my review form which i sent off circa 3 months ago. Wife gets carers allowance. 

I just need a little guidance for both scenarios. If I get CSP do I just carry on as normal until they stop paying.

Or what do I need to do,if and when they start paying me only SSP .

Do I apply for UC at that point.

You should probably apply for UC now. You will need a Fit Note to evidence your health conditions so you can be referred for a Work Capability Assessment (the referral should be at 29 days). Initially you would be entitled to the standard couple allowance and your wife should care himself as a carer and would be entitled to the carer element. If you rent you would also get help with the rent. 

Following the Work Capability Assessment (which unfortunately may take several months) if you are found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWRA) you would be entitled to extra money from the fourth month of the UC claim.

Your wife’s Carer’s Allowance will be deducted from the UC and there will be a deduction of 55% of any SSP or occupational sick pay. Initially, particularly if you are not renting, there may be no UC payable but if you don’t claim you can’t start the WCA process.

When did you last work. If you were earning more than £123/week then your employer must, as a minimum, pay you SSP for 28 weeks. Whether or not there is any additional occupational sick pay depends on your terms of employment. 

Hi Calcotti,

I can express in words how much your help and SCOPE has uplifted my spirits. Thank you for your response. 

I have just checked my bank account and I have been paid full CSP. I have had employment  with the company totally 25 years over 2 stints and continuously for the last 17 years.

So i last worked circa 3 weeks ago since early December and I am on annually £ 30k plus car allowance currently, so over £123 a week.

I will follow your kind advice.

Thanks a million 😊.
Kindest Regards 
Nadeem

NadeemAzam42

SueHeath said:

Bless you @NadeemAzam42 i can understand you being down in the dumps, hopefully you will feel better mentally once you are all sorted with leaving work and you know what money you will be receiving.

@calcotti is one of the members i was telling you about, so please take note of what is said you will get very good advice, wishing you luck. 

Hi Sue,

Awww bless you too.

Yes it's the turmoil of not knowing what to do. I have been working continuously since 16 and started from the bottom of the ladder to work myself up to senior management with very little education. So it's hard letting go.
Yes calcotti has been a star already.
Wish you the very best too.

Thanks a million 
Kindest Regards 
Nadeem