Hi I'm very new and really have no idea of what I'm meant to do

Lisa55L

That is why I have joined as I would really appreciate advice as I have never claimed any type of Benefit and have been having health issues for many many years and I'm now 55 and these have affected me as I can't do what I am trained at  Hairdressing and didn't even know that I could apply for help but have no idea what I'm meant to do, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. My gp just keeps telling me to change my career which is easier said than doneThanks Lisa 

Lisa55L

I have never claimed or tried to claim any type of benefit but have been advised to as I have numerous health issues which have prevented me from being able to do the job I am trained for and would like advice on what I need to do to contact DWP. 

poppy123456

Very difficult to advise without any information. Having a health conditions doesn't automatically entitle you to any benefits.

Do you currently work? or are you claiming any SSP from an employer? If not and you've worked and paid the correct NI contributions in tax years 2020/21 - 2021/22 then you can claim New style ESA but you'll need a fit note and your SSP1 form if you've claimed this from an employer. You can't be paid New style ESA at the same time as SSP.

Universal Credit is means tested so whether there's any entitlement will depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you need to claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. If you claim this you can report your health condition and send in fit notes. Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=3d2bd1b0-450c-46bc-a578-7ba866c51f0f

If you claim ESA and UC together the ESA is deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

If you can't use a benefits calculator then i'd advise you to speak to an advice agency near you for a full benefits check.

PIP maybe possible but it's not about your ability to work nor about a diagnosis. It's how those conditions affect you against the 12 PIP descriptors. It's a disability benefit that isn't means tested. Information here. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I would start using a benefits calculator found on gov website so you can enter all your details and it will tell you what you may be entitled to 

You can also look into pip and if you would be eligible lots of info on our pip page 

poppy123456

Duplicate thread here. https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/101068/hi-my-name-is-lisa55l#latest

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @Lisa55L I've merged your two threads together so that all of the responses you've had are in one place. 

The benefits system can be a bit overwhelming, but I hope that the information and links above have helped. If there's anything you're still unsure about, please just let us know!

Do you feel you're receiving enough support to help you manage your health conditions at the moment? 

If you do feel as though you'd like to explore new career possibilities, you might want to consider accessing one of our friendly employment services.