Hi all, need some advise.I've had one of my worse flare up yet! 6 weeks off work and going back 11th April. I work 4 days a week and I'm terrified to be honest. I'm still so tired and legs are hurting. I had COVID and a Kidney infection weeks before my flare up. I get PIP already but I feel my work days maybe over. I'm becoming weaker. My husband works full time and also my carer. Work have been great. (I'm desk based.) Will I get any other benefits is my question to anyone that knows??
Happy Easter everyone ❤️
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Arlo31
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bless you, I hope this bad patch improves soon. Mental health is key you just have to learn to go with what your body says. If you have to give up work you could possibly get your pip increased it certainly worth a try. I haven’t used it but I saw someone mentioned there is a benefit helpline, maybe give them a try. Hope you feel better soon.
Have your employers asked for an occupational health assessment? You are protected by the Equality Act 2010 and if you have had an assessment then whatever reasonable adjustments they suggest could be put in place to help you remain in employment.
I went through the process in 2014 and I am still working which I never thought would be possible.
Have work suggested a phased return to make sure you are not overdoing it. The last thing you need is to feel pressured.
Regarding benefits, give the helpline a call, as I'm still working I don't really have any knowledge of the available benefits. What I do know however is do not leave voluntarily as that would delay any benefits as you have left employment of your own accord. I would imagine that as you are married your husband's income will come into any calculations for means tested benefits.
As above, as Dinkie said, do consider an OH assessment & discuss 'reasonable adjustments.' Your employer doesn't have to put them in place, as it's whether they also consider them reasonable (& affordable). Please see: acas.org.uk/reasonable-adju...
Would you be able to reduce your hours? It's understandable that you feel weak & your legs hurt with what you've been through, but many would say that continuing to work benefits them mentally as well as physically.
If you however decide you'll have to stop work, then there are some benefits you may be eligible for. As benefits are increasing from 10th April, then you may wish to then see what options there may be. If you have enough National Insurance contributions for the past 2 financial years, then New Style ESA may be possible. Universal Credit is for those on a low income, but your husband's income would need to be considered as you'd have to claim as a couple (savings of over £16k between you, would mean you wouldn't qualify). Try this benefits calculator here next week to see what may be possible: entitledto.co.uk/
Sorry to hear. Just come through a bad flare myself and 3 weeks off. Back limited days but up to 5 from 17th. Also struggling with the limited days so bit worried about the 5.
Lucky work has been understanding but it's hard going working with Fibro.
Hope you work it out, see if you can gradually build back up to 4 days, that would help if your boss is understanding.
I don't qualify for anything as my husband has savings that he won't touch as he says saving for retirement and is in full time work.. I went into the benefits calculator and put in all our details and because if his savings apart from my basic pip am entitled to nothing..but they didn't say about pip when I couldn't work 20yrs ago so he had to support me completely till 2yrs ago and I have had fibromyalgia and other health conditions that have gotten worse over the years. I would definitely get all information you can.good luck
Hi, Ihad to give up work as i could not physically or mentally cope any longer. You can apply for the New Style ESA as this is dependent on your NI contributions and is not means tested. X
Welcome, and you may want to lock your post to the Community, otherwise your info can escape to the general internet. You will get more replies to a locked post, and it helps to keep trolls away.
It's worth getting in touch with DWP about any possible extras you could get (I believe there is a Severe Disablement payment you may be able to get).
Can you get Medical retirement from your company? Contact your HR and ask for referral to Occupational Health, who could assess you.
I don't know too much about this, as I have been retired for 15 years.
When you make your post you will find two options, not entirely sure where but I think near the top pf the page. One says Community only Tick that one and your post will be locked. (It's a long time since I made a post myself, so They might have changed a few things) But I think its right. You will see a little padlock when it's locked.
Hi the same happened to me I struggled on for a further 2 years reducing my hours then working from home 16 hours a week I too was desk based eventually I took redundancy on health ground. Benefits depends on what your household income is and what saving you have new style esa is not income or savings based and dose not take into account what your hubby earns or there is universal credit but that is means tested and will be based on both incomes and savings you cannot claim the old style benefits any more I would speak to welfare rights you can get there number from Internet for your area they are normally quicker to get appointment with than citizens advice and can do it over the phone or as I do by email they will be able to do a benefits entitlement check for you. New style esa you can claim once your SSP runs out so even if you still have employment but to ill to go back to work if they stop paying you then you can claim that and if you stop working cause of ill health again you can claim that you will need a sick note from the doctor until you have been assessed and a dission has been made on witch group you will go in that should be completed within 13 weeks of the date you first applied but there is a back log at this time mine took 7 months but I was put in support group and my money was back dated but remember with new style esa you cannot get any cost of living payment but you would get 150 for the disability element PIP I hope this helps good luck
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Struggling to work fulltime.. 
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