Hi, my name is gatesheadgirl78! Advice with claiming benefits

gatesheadgirl78

I’m new and need advice I’ve recently been diagnosed with a chronic problem with my pancreas, after a over a year of being too I’ll to work due to bile acid malabsorption after having my gallbladder removed. I’m currently still employed but only receiving ssp with limited to no prospects of returning to my current job role due to its physical nature. I have gone from being fit and active in the last 14 months and doing a job that I loved for over 20years to being house bound due to painful flare ups and having toilet related accidents. 

I need advice on what I need to do next as I am currently facing up to the reality that I’m going to lose my job and don’t know where to start with claiming benefits or what if anything I may be eligible or entitled to attempt to claim, I am extremely reliant on the support of my family to support me in my everyday needs and support me with my personal care on most days. Any advice would be greatly appreciated and welcomed.

thanks in advance 

poppy123456

You can look at claiming Personal Independence Payment. (PIP) It's a disability benefit that isn't means tested so other income, savings, capital do not affect the amount you mayb entitled to. There's some links here with information. 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

For any other benefits, there's Universal Credit, which is means tested. 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 then you're excluded from claiming. There's a deduction of £4.35/month for every £250 or part thereof over £6,000. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/ You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

If you claim UC then you should report your health condition and provide a fit note within 7 days of that. There's a guide here about claiming 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

There's also New style ESA which isn't means tested. Being entitled to payments will depend on your NI contributions. For a claim now they look at tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22. From the first Sunday in January the benefit year changes to 2021/22 and 2022/23.

It can't be paid at the same time as SSP. You can start a claim 3 months before your SSP ends but payments won't start until after they've stopped. You will need your SSP1 form and a fit note to claim it. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

If you claim both ESA and UC together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

It's a lot of information to take in so if you have any questions please ask.

gatesheadgirl78

Thank you it’s all very new and confusing to me at the moment as you can imagine.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @gatesheadgirl78

I see Poppy has given great advice. I just wanted to pop a comment and welcome you to the community! I'm so sorry to hear you have been so unwell. Can I ask, are you still getting support from your GP / Specialist?