Unsure how to go forward

[Bigears16]

Hi I am new to here I was diagnosed in March with Fms suffered almost 20years with it I also have osteoarthritis of my spine. I have been really struggling for past 6 months and kept pushing myself I knew I was being made redundant at the end of this year as my place of work was closing work wasn’t supportive when I gave them a line from Gp to reduce my days at work (emergency physio appointment gave me elbow crutches) I was told I needed to work with social services to get residents rehoused then they could let me go off sick!!!! They even had me cooking in kitchen while on crutches I have now been off sick for 4 weeks and still not regaining my mobility as usually by now I have some improvement when this has happened in the past. Current sick line runs out on 6th January and I do have an appointment to renew this with my Gp how do I go about claiming sick pay from the government as I will no longer be employed as of the 27th this month. I have tried to go for job interviews before going off sick but seem to muck them up with brain fog and nobody wants to employ a care manager that can’t find her words and I know physically I can’t go hands on anymore.

Any advice welcome thanks Lynne

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi lynne, and a warm welcome to our community. You might also wish to visit our main site fmauk.org for more general information on fibromyalgia.

I am sorry to hear about your work situation. Regarding benefits, there are 2 benefits you can claim. Employment Support Allowance (esa) - which is now part of universal credit and is for when you cannot work due to health, and personal independence payment (pip).

FMA UK have a benefits helpline you can call on 0300 999 0055 (Mon, Wed, Fri 10.00-12.00 ) or you can email them on [e-mail]

They can email you guidelines on applying for both benefits xxx

[Bigears16 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Sounds like a bit of in safety k. The workplace your employer should have made other arrangements for you it is the law..as for sick pay,,do you have a partner with Income? If not apply for ESA ask job centre to help you..see if you can find a local welfare rights officer too. Are you In. Rented accommodation? Claim housing and c.tax benefit..if you need further help find Janet our benefit advisor on our wbsight

[Bigears16 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and my hubby does work but he also been my carer I will contact welfare rights I am waiting on OT coming out for assessment re equipment and also I live in a housing association upstairs flat so I will possibly need moved as the stairs stop me going out xx