Help please

[muddiford]

Hi everyone. I have emphysema due to my working life over the last 45 years. I'm currently going through several tests due to my condition getting much worse. I've just turned 61 and can't retire until 66 but I can't continue with my job due to the condition. How do I get help, please? My doctor is vague and my wife who works in mental health seems to think I'm not entitled to any help. Apart from jumping of the nearest high bridge, does anyone have any ideas, please? Thanks in advance.

[Hidden]

I’m 57 in the USA and not old enough yet for retirement. I was diagnosed ten years ago at 47. It’s been difficult financially. My options are to sign up for social security disability and that means no money for five to six months if I’m accepted the first time. I believe I will be as my emphysema is end stage and I have other conditions. Then the government insurance of Medicare has a two year waiting period. So I must somehow pay for my own private insurance. I tell my kids I’ll be moving in...lol

[corriena]

Thear is help out thear. call the blf help line they can give you help and guidence on all aspects of your diagnosis and any benefits. also age concern can give advise on benifits ect and for more general day to day advice thear is always the health unlocked members.

[Spacecat1]

Have you applied for pip. You Have to

ring up also universal credit make sure you get sick note.

[claque]

Hi , You should be able to get help. Speak to the advisers on this site or to Age Uk. They will be able to advise you how to go about it You should be able to get Pip at your age Once you get past retirement age you can apply for attendance allowance but you are better off doing it now . You get a better deal. Best of luck

Chris

[annienell]

Hello muddiford, and welcome to the forum. As others have suggested, do phone the BLF Helpline and ask to speak to Biddy who is the Welfare Benefits Advisor. See her post here - healthunlocked.com/blf/post........ where she details her working hours and phone number. If she is not available you can leave your number and she will call you back.

I'm sure there is help available for you and Biddy can advise you on this.

Very best wishes, Annie

[wheezyof]

Hi Muddiford,

Yes there is help and there are benefits to help. You have been paying National Insurance for just such an event as this. You are entitled to help. Some are means tested others are not. Biddy at BLF will help you. Please don't think jumping of a bridge is the answer.

Let us know how you are getting on xxx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi and welcome, please phone the BLF helpline, someone there can help you. As someone has already said, jumping off a bridge isn't the answer. There is lots of help and support out there for you, the BLF will help guide you in the right direction. We are all here to support you, so please post regular we are all friends here. You take care and let us know how you are.Have a good day.

😊 Bernadette xx

[Offcut]

If you are unable to work due to ill health then the first thing you could get is ESA. If you have paid 24 month NI in the last 24 months then you can claim Contribution if you have not then you would go for income related. These then come in Support and WRAG groups. Best advise is you get help on the forms as the wrong word in the wrong place can mess things up. If you are having trouble with mobility and support then you could go for PIP as it is now as well.

You can call BLF and speak to them about the help you could get or speak to CAB or Age UK

[lKeith]

muddiford

Hi, I would suggest that you make contact with the dept of work & pensions, they will know what you can and cannot claim for. Failing that try Citizens Advice. If you cannot work it may require a test of some description to assess your ability. At 61 you are still young enough to probably get a transplant or other treatments, so there are some opportunities for you and all is not lost. Keep smiling, take life somewhat slower and don't overdo things to wear yourself out.

IKeith