Claiming benefits?

Kimy · October 2020

I have had 20 years of depression and anxiety and every time I work I get ill again... I’ve read all the PIP info and it doesn’t apply to me.. is there anything I can claim? My husband works and has a pretty good job but I don’t have any money of my own. The only way I can stay healthy is not to work!

poppy123456 · October 2020

HI and welcome,

Have you worked and paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax year April 2017 to April 2019? If you have then New style ESA maybe possible but you'll need a fit/sick note from your GP to be able to claim this.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

May i also ask if you're currently working at the moment? If you are then you should look at claiming SSP from your employer before claiming the ESA. SSP is payable for 28 weeks.

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

If you're not entitled to the ESA because you haven't paid enough NI contributions then the only other benefit will be Universal Credit. As this is means tested then you'll need to claim with your husband as a couple. Whether you'll be entitled to anything will totally depend on his monthly net earnings. Use a benefits cakculator to check entitlement.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=95c9a2ec-4c2b-4a8c-8746-3de3232fdf58

Regarding PIP, it's not awarded based on a diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors. It's also not about not being able to work. It maybe worth having a read of this link here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

This will give you a better understanding of the PIP descriptors and what they mean. It's very easy to under score yourself, if you don't fully understand it.

Hope this helps.

janer1967 · October 2020

Hi and welcome @Kimy G;ad you have joined us and hope the information given id of use to you, if not we are always here to help

Kimy · October 2020

thank you for all the advice poppy. Much appreciated
kimy xx

Cher_Alumni · October 2020

Hi @Kimy and welcome to our online community.

It would be lovely to see you about more so feel free to have a look around our categories while you are here, and in-particular, our virtual coffee lounge which is nice for some company and random chat.

In the meantime, I've moved your post over to our What benefits am I entitled to? board so its in a better spot for advice.

Take care and I hope you have a great afternoon.

poppy123456 · October 2020

You're welcome. If you have any more questions please do ask.

Claiming benefits?

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