Remaining politically neutral during General Election 2024


Under guidance from the Electoral Commission and Charity Commission, it's important that Scope remains politically neutral during General Elections.

While we understand that this period will see many passionate discussions and do not want to discourage open discussion, we cannot allow discussions which are purely intended to influence voting.

As ever, please make sure that your comments remain respectful of other people's opinions and keep to our online community house rules.

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

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Lisa55L
Lisa55L Community member Posts: 2 Listener
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 

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  • Lisa55L
    Lisa55L Community member Posts: 2 Listener
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    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
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 56,052 Disability Gamechanger
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    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/




    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,964 Disability Gamechanger
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    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
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 56,052 Disability Gamechanger
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    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,506 Disability Gamechanger
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    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
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