PIP, ESA, UC etc

RickyH88

Hi all,

I am new to the world of benefits I have never claimed a thing. I have put in a joint claim with my partner for UC. I have applied online for ESA and am in the process of applying for PIP. 

My question is can anyone advise on any other benefits I could apply for? I recently lost my job due to health issues so we are in a bad way financially.

I have valve disease and am awaiting open heart surgery and suffer with severe anxiety where I can't leave the house without my partner. She is literally my carer, she helps me get upstairs, get dressed, wash, my medication etc. 

I have no clue how any benefit works, what evidence to provide, how decisions are made, the process of claiming any benefit etc 

Any information on claiming would be a help. Sorry it's so vague but I am a total beginner and have no idea about any of it.

Thanks

poppy123456

There's no financial gain to claiming both ESA and UC at the same time because the ESA is just deducted in full from any UC entitlement. Although if entitled it's still worth claiming it. Whether there's any entitlement will depend on your NI contributions in tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22.

For UC if you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. You need to make sure you report your health condition, supported by a fit note within 7 days of that. Then continue to send in fit notes until a decision is made on your work capability assessment. More information here on UC with a health condition. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition

If found to have LCWRA then you'll be entitled to extra money from the 4th month after you reported your health condition. You can see the descriptors here for LCWRA. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

If the UC is recent claim if there's any entitlement then you'll receive your first payment 1 month and 6 days after you first claimed.

If you're successfully awarded PIP then your partner can claim carers element of UC (assuming there's some entitlement) if they care for you for at least 35 hours per week.

The only other benefit that maybe possible is council tax reduction. This needs to be claimed from your Local Authority.

There's a good guide here for PIP, which will be worth having a read. PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

L_Volunteer

I would just like to add a warm welcome @RickyH88. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything else we can do to support you - even if that's just listening or if you have any further questions 

maz77

I filled a new health questionnaire out last November and still haven't heard anything

L_Volunteer

Oh no @maz77. Do you feel able to reach out to the team who provided the health questionnaire and ask for an update?