Hi, my name is AlanKnights! I don't know what benefits are out there to help me

AlanKnights
AlanKnights Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited December 2021 in Benefits and income
Hello, I have just had my diagnosis confirmed the other week for mystaemia gravis and I am in early stages of dealing with this condition I don’t know what benefits are out there to help me I have been off work since I went into hospital in September , and top this off today the company I work for has decided to lay me off due to my illness is there anyone out there that could give me some advice please . 
Many thanks
Alan

Comments

  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 17,214 Championing
    Hello @AlanKnights - & welcome to the community. I'm sorry to read that you've just had a diagnosis of Myasthenia gravis which has affected your ability to work. You can use a benefits checker here: https://www.entitledto.co.uk/    to see what may be available.
    Are you getting Statutory Sick Pay from your employer? Some info here: https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility
    You may also find the UK's Myasthenia website helpful for advice on living with this, etc. Please see: https://www.myaware.org/
    Please do come back with any questions, as we have members that may be able to advise.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    Hi,

    New style ESA can be claimed if you've paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2018 to March 2020. You will need a fit note from your GP to be able to claim this. Details in link.
    Universal Credit is a means tested benefit, so whether you qualify will totally depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you claim as a couple. 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. Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=6b0e1ff8-72ad-4735-86ae-cd5c278bd319
    If you claim both of those together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.
    PIP, isn't means tested. It's not awarded based on any diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors. You also need to have had your condition for at least 3 months and expect it to last at least a further 9 months. Claiming this is not about your ability to work. A successful claim can potentially take about 10 months. More details in link. https://pipinfo.net/

  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Hello @AlanKnights

    Welcome to the community, thanks for introducing yourself and I hope you are well.

    I'm sorry to hear that the company you work for has let you go, that must not have been pleasant to go through. Regarding benefits, I hope the above replies have been helpful, have you filled out a benefits calculator to try and get an idea of what you could claim? They will provide an estimate for you which can be helpful in making you aware of what you could potentially claim. You could give this one a go.

    I hope you enjoy being a part of the community and if you ever have any questions then don't hesitate to ask. Just to let you know, I have moved your discussion over to our benefits and financial support category and altered the title to include details of the subject.

Categories