Applying for ESA advice

[lenniep]

Hi, I'm in need of some advice please. I currently work and have done so with the same employer for the past 26 years. I have however been off sick since January with a severe COPD exacerbation due to Lymphangioleiomyomatosis requiring hospital treatment and now severe depression. I have received a copy of the occupational doctors reports to my manager and he has stated that until I receive a lung transplant I am not fit to work and not even from home as I had been doing previously. And as I have also to loose a certain amount of weight prior to the procedure (I have already lost quarter of it) this will hider me further. So reading between the lines, I think they've made their minds up that I'm out the door.

So I need advice desperately please. I've never not worked. I can't walk the length of myself and I'm goosed. Without my husbands help, I do know what I'd do. He does all the housework, laundry, cooking, ferrying me to and from appointments, helping me shower. He is a god send.

Thank you in advance xXx

[stone-UK]

Hi

Ring the Benefits advisor at BLF 03000 030 555

You will receive uptodate information on the best way forward.

[lenniep in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you for this, very much appreciated.

[lenniep]

Hi, sorry for my ramblings, what I meant by out the door is paying me off on ill-health.

Thank you for getting back to me Payalot, so very much appreciated. I shall take your advice on board and contact BLF for financial advice when the time comes.

Thanks again. Pam xXx

[WheezyAnne in reply to lenniep]

When I was medically retired 4 years ago, I managed to help at the local day care centre voluntarily for 2 hours a week. It wacked me out for the rest of the day, but I enjoyed it, as most of the time I was sat down just talking or reminiscing. Unfortunately I can't even do that anymore. I made cards for the children's birthdays for the church I sometimes go to. I am still making them, but as lately I keep forgetting to get them posted, I have arranged for someone else to do that part. A local Social Worker is now helping me search for other things that I could do, if transport was available, and would be going with me, so I see what would be required of me. I have some empathy with people with Dementia, and I can always just sit there and either listen/talk or lend an understanding ear, though that will be exhausting, we will see. Perhaps you will be able to approach your County Council to see if they can help? It does lift your spirits a bit, knowing you are trying to find something helpful to do. Think I have waffled enough now. First of all though, recommend you ring that number @stone-UK sent you for the BLF Benefits Line. Just coming on here helps me no end.

[lenniep in reply to WheezyAnne]

Thank you so much WheezyAnne for your informative reply, it is very much appreciated. Pam xXx

[y_not]

lenniep, it might be a long shot but, given your length of service, you MIGHT fine that you have a benefit available from your employer that you are not aware of. I found out (after eight years) that we have an insurance which pays 70% of basic salary indefinitely!!

Worth looking at any health insurances, work related benefits and other insurances e.g. mortgage insurance - some of these offer cover against long-term disability.

Whilst it's probably unlikely, it has to be worth checking!

Also contact Welfare Rights as you are probably eligible for PIP (rather than ESA - I don't think you can claim both ... but not sure)

Best wishes

[lenniep in reply to y_not]

Thank you so much for your reply, much appreciated. I wasn't aware of work insurance paying 70% of basic salary indefinitely. I shall make that tomorrow's task of asking the union.

Thanks again. Pam x

[lenniep in reply to y_not]

Sorry y_not, I forgot to say, I am already in receipt of PIP but I wasn't aware you couldn't claim ESA at the same time. Now I'm really worried about what to do. But I'm sure I'll get there.

[mrsmummy in reply to lenniep]

You can claim both ESA and PIP.

[lenniep in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you mrsmummy x

[ldwilliams in reply to lenniep]

you can, I do

[lenniep in reply to ldwilliams]

Thank you, much appreciated x

[WestWalesPaul in reply to y_not]

PIP can be claimed irrespectrive of income, but ESA is income-related.

[lenniep in reply to WestWalesPaul]

Thank you x

[Sillysausage234]

Benefits and work website guide to filling out the forms.good luck.alan

[lenniep in reply to Sillysausage234]

Thank you Alan, I appreciate the advice Pam x

[Shazrab]

Hi lenniep just wanted to say well done for loosing some weight it's hard thing to do when your not very mobile , I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis and I know what it's like when you need to leave your other half to do everything , I hope somehow your breathing will get better sending gentle hugs ((())) 🌹

[lenniep in reply to Shazrab]

Much appreciated, Pam xXx

[malcolmmason11]

What ever you do after checking with BLF ,whenever you have a "chat about your situation with any one from work formally or informingly make sure you record it ,whether you tell them or not is up to you . I did and it was the best thing l could have ever done , when you print it off its word for word bum cover and they cannot deny anything , they want you to go as cheaply as possible.