support and finacial advice with heart failure

[ROCKET3MAN]

Hi all

I'm new to this group and I have a long term kindney condition and was diagnosed in march with heart failure, soon after i was also admitted to hospital with kindey stones. Fortunately the symtons are not as bad as my diagnosis. I have 10% heart function but can still do most things but not for as long as i could. the problem I have is that i'm self employed and work on property, Although i'm told to do what i'm comfortable with i have not worked since march and my son who did work with me has had to find a job. i don't feel pysically bad enough to say i can't work at all so I am trying to secure small jobs but no luck yet. I have searched the web for places that offer finacial advise but can't seem to find any. I am lucky enough to own my own property and have a rental which brings in a small amount but because of this i don't seem to qualify for anything from the government but still have a mortgage to pay. As I say i know i'm lucky but a little short term help would really help reduce the worries. my question is does any body know of any support groups or advise centres that i could talk to face to face to discuss my options?

Thanks Dennis

[Prada47]

Hi

I believe Citizens Advice Bureau are a good first contact. Fortunately never been in the position you find yourself in so wish you luck in finding an answer.

[ROCKET3MAN in reply to Prada47]

Hi

I did try CSA but they just refered me to an online benifits calculator which i didn't qualify for, They seemed to have the opinion i should sell up and downsize, problem is i don't feel ready to retire yet and - being selfish, i've worked for around 40 years so a little help to allow me to sell when i want to would be nice, even if it was some sort of loan like students get.

I have tried the Money Advise website and they have said i might get ESA or possible qualify for PIP although l'm a bit doubtful of that. the're sending some links so i'll keep you all posted

Thanks

[Prada47 in reply to ROCKET3MAN]

is CSA CAB ??

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Prada47]

My recollection is CSA is the Child Support Agency which became something else in 2016 or thereabouts.

[ROCKET3MAN in reply to MichaelJH]

Sorry meant CAB

[NorthantsSteve in reply to ROCKET3MAN]

Hi. If you can’t carry out normal daily activities you might be entitled to PIP: gov.uk/pip

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Rocket3man

I have a PIP, I have just completed my review and I am waiting for them to say I will continue to qualify.

I have become worse since I applied 4 years ago but the DWP have a terrible reputation of not awarding or stopping the benefit.

It was one of the most stressful things I've gone through. My assessment had to be stopped because I had an angina attack.

I strongly recommend you get help. The application form is 40 pages long!

The Citizens Advice Bureau is a good place to start.

I used this website too.

benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Be ready not to be awarded a PIP, fail the Mandatory review and then be ready to go to Tribunal where about 70% of people are awarded a PIP

Good luck!

[ROCKET3MAN in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for that, I have mixed feelings about it all as I'm sure others do, feel like I should be entitled to some thing but all the time I can do things I want to. Seems almost like you have to give up all hope and stop doing things just to get a little help!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to ROCKET3MAN]

No please don't give up hope!

It is not easy but it is absolutely worth it because you are worth it and entitled to the benefit.

You fill the form in and describe your worst day.

On my worst day I am debilitated in pain and can do nothing and need to go into hospital.

On a good day I can almost live like I used too and like you do most things I want to.

[ROCKET3MAN in reply to Milkfairy]

Sorry didn't mean to sound so negative, not the giving up type. I do get angry though when you work hard and just because you've tried to put things in place for the future you don't get any help even short term. Rant over, mustn't get stressed!!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to ROCKET3MAN]

Don't worry rant away!

Better out than in.

We have a house rule. I am allowed a quick rant and then we say breathe.....my other half even stands and lowers his raised arms as he says breathe to me....works everytime😉

[Janma123]

Hi Dennis,

Being self-employed and not fit to work is a problem. You don’t say how old you are, but if you are below state pension age you could try the CAB. Is there a small business group in your area, who may offer advice? Do you have a pension fund that you could draw on as you may be able to access the money in that before you reach state pension age.

My hubby who is 70 is not ready to retire despite having a CABGx4 followed by a stroke last year but we did not qualify for any support as he was over pension age.

Best wishes

[ROCKET3MAN]

I'm 62 but always been fit, I have had to take part of my private ension already as a lump sum bit think I need to look at activating the actual payments, I think I can do that even if I do find any work,

[shopman]

I have been in the same position as both Rocket3man & Janma123. Being self employed leaves you with limited choices of what you think you can and cannot claim for. AgeUK helped me and ended up getting PIP for myself & Pension Credit for my wife.

Age UK - ageuk.org.uk/

Turn2Us - turn2us.org.uk/

Z2K - z2k.org/ - if you live in the London area

[Prada47]

Hi Rocketman

You say you own your Home and have a Rental property but still have a mortgage to pay !!

Downsizing is a relative good option but everything depends on quite a few different considerations. Like the area you live in, do you wish to stay in that area, is there alternative property in that area. Would you feel comfortable with medical facilities in a different area.

Another alternative could be Equity Release it seems all the rage according to TV adverts !

I don't think the Government have any loan schemes to help people out short term but I stand to be corrected. A reputable Financial Adviser may be a route to take, I thinkAge Concern have a list of Trusted Advisers ??

By the way the best job I have ever had is retired got a lot going for it lol

[ROCKET3MAN]

I live near crossrail and expecting a property boost if they ever finish it, We will move away from London but have a 2 to 5 year plan and figures don't stack up if I bring it forward. I think I'll get by but just another thing to deal with, medically I'm waiting for a ICD and they won't sort out kidney stones yet as they don't think I'm up to an op and heart meds conflict with what's best for my kidneys so like probably everyone here don't need too much else going on.

[Prada47]

Hi Again

I have met quite a few people here they are DFLs " Down From London " I can understand the wait for Crossrail it should bring a boost. One thing about having a plan is you need to be ready to adapt should circumstances change, so if possible stay Flexible. Most people here are happy when the ICD is fitted it makes them a little more secure !

Hope it all pans out

Regards

[ROCKET3MAN]

Thanks sure it will