I've been unwell for years, and am struggling to keep a job. Is this something I can claim for?

Eleanor2012

Good afternoon,
I am really very stressed out about life atm I have been unwell for years with my mental health but in the recent few my health has deteriorated I get jobs I enjoy and then after a few weeks end up with chronic exhaustion and depression it's taken over my life now and got to the point I can't walk very well and have terrible fatigue but I can't afford not to work or to live just off my husbands wage I feel like a burden to my family and a let down at work as I'm never in, 😢 is this something I may be able to claim for? Thankyou in advance xxx

L_Volunteer

Hello @Eleanor2012

Thanks for reaching out to us. I always appreciate how much courage it must take to reach out. I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with employment. I am just wondering, have you looked into Access to Work? And what is your work-life balance like when you get a job?

It sounds like a really tough time for you, but you have done so well in trying to reach out for support. Well done. I was wondering if you have looked into benefits you may be able to access to top up your household income? If you feel unable to work, of course. This would be on a case by case basis unfortunately though, so I can't say for sure. There is a benefits calculator which may give you more insight which you can find at https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators if you are interested.

I am also just wondering if you have managed to speak to anyone else about your mental health and employment? Your GP may be a good first starting point if you feel comfortable talking to them. It is important that you feel heard and supported with regard to your mental health, even outside of employment. Please remember we are always here for you, listening to you, and supporting you 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @Eleanor2012 Thank you for joining the community today, and for telling us about your situation. 

I was going to suggest much of the same as L_Volunteer kindly has. Using a benefits calculator can be a helpful tool in getting an idea of what you may be able to claim. Have you ever heard of PIP? It's not awarded on your ability to work, but if you feel as though your daily living and mobility is affected, it might be worth looking into. You can read the descriptors here on pipinfo.net.

If you'd like to stay in work, then looking into Access to Work (gov.uk) and reasonable adjustments (Scope) may be a good route to go. Some people find that this helps to make work more manageable. 

That being said, you're not a burden or let down at all. There's no shame in feeling too unwell to work. Have you spoken to your husband about how you're feeling?

Along with L_Volunteer, I'd be interested in knowing whether you've spoken to your GP or another medical professional about your depression and fatigue. Though it doesn't always feel like it, there are things you can try that can help you to manage depression and other mental health problems. It's important that you speak to someone so that you can find out what's available to you, and try and work out a way forward  

poppy123456

If you’re entitled to SSP from your employer then they must pay you this for 28 weeks. https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

3 months before the SSP ends If you’ve paid the correct amount of NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years then you can claim New Style ESA with a fit note from your GP and the SSP1 form. You won’t receive any money until the SSP ends. If you’re not entitled to SSP then you can claim ESA if you’ve paid the correct NI. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance#eligibility

Universal Credit is a means tested benefit and you will need to claim with your partner. Whether you’re entitled to anything will depend on both your circumstances. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you’re excluded from claiming. A claim for UC will end any tax credits you may already be claiming. 

If you claim both together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. Use a benefit calculator to check entitlement. 

There’s also PIP as mentioned above. 

Eleanor2012

Thank you all for your lovely words and great advice, my GP is aware but I find it difficult to to even get a phone consultation from them recently and get so anxious trying to get in touch that I give up through anxiety attacks . But again thankyou for the advice I'll have a look at the benefits although I've looked before and we as a couple couldn't claim anything as we are just on the threshold unfortunately . I've always worked fulltime until I had a very traumatic experience and since then found the stress had affected me both mentally and physically and that I just can't do it anymore physically and now I've been working from home and had a nervous breakdown and can't even face that I'm just a little lost but I'm very thankful I've found this community xxxx