COPD

[Jebbadya]

HI, I have been ill for sometime (over 3 years) and have recentley been seeing doctor. I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 COPD with a FEV 39%, I finished work last year and have been living of savings as my energy levels and short of breathe as well as dispersing up to 400ml sputem everyday and internal pains.. My family have said I may be able to get some financial help by means of ESA or something. I do not understand how it all works so I asked my doctor for a sick note and they declined to give me one. How unwell does one have to be to recieve a sick note these days?? And does Severe COPD fall into the "sick" category for benefit help??

Thank you in advance for any response...

[Hidden]

I stopped work April this year if you have £16.000 and over you support yourself. £16.000 and under you can claim esa contributions benefit. Your doctor should be giving you sick lines to send into job centre .Seek advice from Cab or ring blf helpline xxx

[sassy59]

Great advice from two great ladies Jebbadya. Good luck to you. Xxxxxxx

[skischool]

i believe that ESA is not means tested and that your savings should not

affect your entitlement,Given that ESA is a bit like unemployment benefit for the long term disabled/sick it is dependant on the amount of NI contributions you have made and an element is related to your previous annual salary.Sorry its a bit vague,but when my wife had to retire due to ill health i.e stroke and the hospital eventually sacked their hard working NHS comrade she became entitled to ESA.others on this site have far more up to date info on this subject,good luck

[skischool in reply to skischool]

sorry just to add that all benefit entitlements and rates are available on the Government website gov.uk/

[skischool in reply to skischool]

me again,i was wrong but only in the fact that your contributions element is not based on your savings.Also you will have to fill out an assessment form and possibly if it is contested you would have to have an interview/assessment.Please investigate the link if you can.x

[lKeith]

jebbadya

Hi Have you tried the dept of work & pensions, depending on age you can get PIP payments, or if you are past 65 you can get attendance allowance (several levels, they determine which one you can get. Alao you may be able to get a carers allowance for your partner.

Dept of work & pensions can be found online.

Keith

[shadow4me]

You are entitled to ESA and PIP I have sever COPD and get both ,I would push your Doctor or ask to see another one