Ready to give up work

[gnunesvaz]

Hi I'm new to the site, I am still working at the moment but finding it extremely difficult. I'm getting to the stage where I need to give up work. But I don't know how to, and I am a bit afraid to in case I can't manage. I have never been on benefits, and I don't know where to start. Any advice would be really helpful.

[bluebell99]

Hello gnunesvaz and welcome to our friendly fibro forum where you can find understanding, help, advice and support along with a chuckle or two to lighten the day.

Have you seen our Mother Site fmauk.org ? Here you will find a wealth of information about fibro including guides and links.

I suggest you make an appointment with the Citizens Advice to get information about sickness benefits also your work entitlements. Do not put your notice in, there are procedures that employers must make. This link may help.

gov.uk/taking-sick-leave

I feel sure you will find other helpful replies from our members who have been and are going through this.

I advise you to lock your post for your internet security. An unlocked post can be read by anyone on the internet as can the replies and some members are reluctant to reply to an unlocked post for this reason.

If you look to Pinned Posts on the right you will see instructions to lock your post along with other guides and tips to gain the best out of the forum.

Hoping to see you around the forum.

Kay

[BlueMermaid3]

Hi there

Welcome to the forum

Unfortunately you have found yourself in a situation that many of us here on the forum have gone through.

Firstly, I would say that I am not an expert but I have been a member of the forum for 5 years and this has come up a lot.

I jumped before I was pushed regarding my job so I have not gone through the experience myself.

I am going to give you a link of all the benefits that are available for you to apply for.

Have you been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia? Just to let you know that having Fibro does not mean that you will automatically be awarded any benefits.

The DWP go on how your illness affects you. Like you, I had worked all my life (34 years) and had never claimed a penny before.

Unfortunately as far as the DWP are concerned this doesn't count for anything.

You can claim ESA and PIP. One is means tested and the other one isn't.

For PIP you can fill in an anonymous questionnaire online to see how many points you would be likely to score.

Do you belong to a Union at work? If so, I would recommend that you speak to your Union Rep and ask their advice as to how to go about leaving your job.

One thing I would say is do not just resign. If you do, you will find that getting benefits is even harder than it already is, as the DWP will say that you have made yourself jobless.

Personally, I would recommend that you make an appointment to see someone at the CAB and find out what your best course of action is.

I know what a hard and difficult time this is.

You will find that everyone on the forum is caring kind and compassionate.

We all have Fibromyalgia so we understand how you feel.

Here is the link that I promised you:

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

Try to gather as much information as you can before you make any decisions.

Once again a very warm welcome to the forum

Wishing you much peace

Lu x

Administrator

[mysmugcat]

I understand. I consider it a lot.im ok Monday at work sometimes and sure enough a day or so later I'm exhausted at work. I'm off sick for a short while because of this and other issues. I'm not sure it's easy to get benefit.

[Janet28]

Hi gnunesvaz welcome to our wonderful forum ☺ I'm sure you will come to find the forum invaluable in chatting to others who are going through the same experience as you, talking to others at different stages of their lives with Fibro and learning from their experiences

I'm sorry you are going through this period in your life and I was same when I gave up work, I had never claimed benefits in my life and it is strange & scary but I can assure you its not as bad as you think & you will get through it my friend. I see you have already had some fantastic advice from BlueMermaid3 & bluebell99 that I can't really add to. I just wanted to say Hi & wish you well with it all.

Peace, luv n light

Jan x

[TheAuthor]

Hi gnunesvaz

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I can see that you have been given some wonderful advice and information, so I will simply and sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken