Work and Benefits

[Bob1959]

Hi all i'm Bob i'm 60 years old and have stage 3 COPD , I wish to find out information about stopping working .However I have no idea who to talk too and worry I will be left finacially broke should the Benefits people deny my claim for giving up work voluntarly . due to my condition . I feel helpless as should I contract Coronavirus and it then becomes COVID 19 i will have little chance of survival . I live on my own and have no family . I work as a agency driver and therefore meet all kinds of different people and no two weeks are the same reagrding my job assignments , I really feel I am at risk .

[Hidden]

Hello Bob

From what I understand is that you qualify for a sick leave from your GP to allow you to self isolate. If you are self employed then you can claim; Employment Sickness Allowance (ESA), they are calling it the new ESA. It is only £73 week, but it is something. You can claim it through the job centre. But the 1st thing you need to do is to get your sickness certificate from your GP.

Best regards

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Good advice, you will be fine. Keep us updated on what you decide. Have a good night and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

[Hidden]

Hi Bob and welcome

I would discuss this with your doctor, he can provide a sick certificate and recommendation you are unfit for work, risk etc. Armed with this you can apply for benefits.

With an initial sick certificate for a time your employer should pay you sick pay. Check with BLF helpline benefits advisory.

Best wishes and keep safe.

[Spacecat1 in reply to Hidden]

Have a chat with BLF or cab they should be able to advise you as well as good advice you are getting from everyone on the forum

[hopetorun]

Yes you can retire early. Or leave on grounds of ill health. You should be able to claim esa. And any private pensions or work pensions you have.

You may qualify for pip at the lower level.

The down side is the lack of socialisation . So taking up some hobbies would be good.

Best of luck with your descion.x

[SORRELHIPPO]

The Department for Work and Pensions is on the GOV.UK site, lots of information on there.

[jessiem]

Get a sick note and claim either Universal Credit if it’s in your area, or ESA if not. You’ll get help with housing if you rent. If you haven’t already, claim PIP.

[annienell]

Hello Bob, you could call the BLF Helpline (03000 030 555) and ask to speak to Biddy who is our Specialist Adviser on benefits.

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[Kristicats]

Any Gp would give you a sickness cert at the moment due to you being vulnerable. You could ask for a month , during that time sort out financial help for your future?

[arcangel17]

Hi Bobif you look to the right of this page you'll see a list of Administrators and underneath it's says pinned post the young lady with Social Care Help beside her picture should be able to help she was a tremendous help for me

I think her name was Marie

Good luck

[Bob1959]

Ok so i've sorted out my sick note got a month from my GP , tried ringing the BLF Helpline and can't get through , idea's anyone please ?

[skischool in reply to Bob1959]

Do as Chrihko advised and research other agencies as well as the BLF for advice on your financial situation now you have the time to do so,the BLF will be extremely busy potentially dealing with more challenging problems i imagine.