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Husband had heart attack, what should we be claiming while he's unwell?

I wonder if anyone can help me. We have never claimed benefits as up until this heart attack my husband had had good health. My husband had a heart attack and suffered acute heart failure, just over 2 weeks ago. He is out of hospital but he's unable to work for the next few months as he will also need a bypass. I'm not sure if we have to claim, or he has to claim ESA contribution allowance and Universal Credit or just claim universal credit. HE has a sick note from the hospital. It also says on the website that Universal credit can't be backdated but his sick note is from 9th of November. It has also took past few days since he's been discharged to find out what we need to claim. If anyone can advise us ..please
Replies
Thanks for sharing this with us, and I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's heart attack: it must be a tough time for you both, and I hope we can help. We have some experienced members and benefits advisors here on the community who will hopefully be in touch soon and able to advise.
I am not working either.
We are in a UC area. I have to apply online as a couple and we have to attend an interview at jobcentre. He is still not in good health so that is unfair. I have heard they don't like you noto attending interviews. Will do our best .
I sat for what seemed like hours doing the UC application. It really worries me that they will make me look for work. I am 63 and only left my job at the end of October as it was too much. My husband was self employed and it was our only income. He had always been in good health and the heart attack and diagnosis is devastating. I really need to be at home with him. It is making me so anxious and depressed with no money whatsoever coming in and my husband being ill. He is very down also as it seems we will lose all we have worked for.
Will they make me look for work ??
We have no experience of any of this. Any advice is so appreciated.
His cardiologist has said he cannot return to work for at least 6 months. So hopefully he should qualify for The LCW. We have applied for PIPHONE but don't know if we will qualify.