Benefits assistance please?

Hi all. Just joined having been recently diagnosed with copd. I've had problems with breathing for some years, but following an 8 day hospital stay in March due to type A flu and pneumonia, they confirmed copd too.

I've been unemployed for over a year and am in receipt of universal credit - unfortunately, the amount they give me is around £400 per month less than I need to live! I rent privately, which takes the majority of my UC, and I've had to sell my car to help make ends meet.

So, as much as I dislike having to do this, I need some guidance as to what other benefits I may be entitled to claim. I've never been on benefits before, and I have no idea about the system. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[hypercat54]

Hi look on the govt site. You need to apply for ESA and/or PIP. You also need to be applying for housing benefit and also council tax rebate. You can also call the BLF helpline as there is a benefits advisor there. Remember though it's not about the illness you have but how it affects you. Good luck. x

gov.uk/

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks hypercat54. I'll call the BLF helpline. Cheers.

[hypercat54 in reply to Hidden]

You are welcome. Have a look on the site as well. x

[aberdeenman]

hi you should apply for pip that doesn't come under universal credit, you should be getting housing and council tax benefit.

[Nottobad]

This may help you blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[Tricity125]

Hi. Floyd. Yea THEY don't make it easy. When I first got ill 11 yrs ago I could not make a restart and got signed off. And spent 16 weeks with nothing. Really ill 11 yrs latter I need a transplant my. Goverment money stayed same from 2010 to 2018. So it is a major problem for sick folk to get help they need. I think your 1 st step get letter from. Drs involved. They not alaways kine last time I had to pay £25. But. You need evidence. Keep all letters from Drs Hospitals. And don't give up. It's a hard world we live in and seem survival of the smartest fittest And last. If this does became life changing with lung illness can. Friends and even. family. Can. Take advantage. Of. You. So. Stay really. Really. Positive. Take good care.

[cofdrop-UK]

As well as contacting BLF, you might want to contact a benefits expert at Welfare Rights, CAB or DIAL. It really is about how your conditions effect you in every day tasks (care component) and how your conditon effects you getting about (mobility component) eg how far you can walk without stopping because of pain, breathlessness etc. Never answer just yes or no when they ask if you can do something or not - you need to explain why eg you need to stop because of .........

Obviously you need to be honest but saying that there are ways of answering the questions on the application that will get you points, hence why a benefits expert will take out the pressure for you. Just talking about PIP here but a benefits expert should go through any entitlements you may have.

Good luck

Cx

[Soul01]

Just a note for information, Universal Credit includes an amount fo housing costs so you can’t also claim Housing Benefit.

It is worth claiming PIP.

You probably can’t claim RSA but can claim the limited capability for work element in Universal Credit if your GP will give you a fit note.

Ask the BLF or local organisation to help with a benefit check as you might be able to get extra money through the means I’ve mentioned.

[belzy]

Hi Floyd1 iv had copd 5 yrs or so now, i gave up my job on a taxi firms desk as i woz constantly out of breath, u need 2 go 2 ur doctors, get a medical certificate(sick note) get 2 copies of all paperwork as u need 2 keep 1 then get in touch wiv job centre plus + put claim in 4 esa 1st also put claim in 4 pip, this takes time 4 forms 2 get 2 u + face 2 face appointments 2 b made where u go along + basicaly plead ur case that u r not well enough 2 work, esa, and ur daily life is severely impacted by ur illness, pip, look on websites + citizens advice also help wiv this process which u need 2 b ready 4 a long fight as these benefits r gold dust, but i needed them + ur copd gets worse over time so deep breath + get ready 2 fight 4 ur rights, good luk my friend x♿👍🙏💐🤓💖

[sibkev]

benefitsandwork.co.uk/try these peaple best 20 quid ive spent

[Ergendl in reply to sibkev]

Agreed. Even though I haven't had to use their guides yet, I've learnt a great deal from them about the present "welfare" system and how it likes to put the boot into those already down.

[Masteryoda]

Hi Floyd 1,

The best thing we ever did was make an appointment with Age UK.They will come out to you & go through everything with you. It is completely free.

Good luck.

[Patchpoppy2]

You should apply for pip, (personal Independence payment)

[Hidden]

Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it.

I'll be busy with phoning and form filling for a while I guess!

Thanks again.