Hi, I am having to give up work, can I claim any benefits?

trisha1919

Hi my name is Trisha I am self-employed but I am having to give up work because I have osteoarthritis in my hands. I am 63 years old and wondering if I can claim any benefits because I can’t work anymore. I was at home Baker and sold products at markets. My husband is still employed at his work so not sure if I can claim anything. If anyone can give me any advice I would really appreciate it. Many thanks Trisha XX

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

You could be entitled to new style esa but it depends on your ni contributions during the previous 2 tax years 

For uc you would have to apply as a couple so your husbands wage could prevent you getting this 

Try using a benefits calculator found on gov website to enter all your details 

poppy123456

Hi,

NI Contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021 is what counts to be entitled to New style ESA. To claim this you'll need a fit note from your GP. You can check your NI contributions here. https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record

Whether there's any entitlement to Universal Credit will depend on your joint circumstances with your husband. Use a benefits calculator https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=baad32f6-cb64-4ec9-acc2-341c529ebab6

If you claim both of those together the ESA is deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

You can also look to see if you qualify for PIP, which is a disability benefit. It's not means tested but being unable to work will make to difference to this because people work and claim PIP. Whether you're entitled will totally depend on how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities.

https://pipinfo.net/

Ross_Alumni

Hello @trisha1919

Welcome to the community, I hope you are having a nice Saturday so far and that your weekend is lovely.

Sorry to hear that you are having to give up work due to your condition, the work you have done sounds very enjoyable and I can imagine it is saddening to have to leave it behind. 

We have a work and employment category on the community which you are more than welcome to look through, there are many other discussions in there with similar topics as your post so you might find it useful to have a look through.

I have moved your thread over to our benefits and financial support category which is also worth a browse if you'd like. Feel free to get involved across the community wherever you'd like, and if you have any questions then please ask.

trisha1919

I’m so grateful for your comments and thank you so much for your help I will check this out right now