I've received an offer of work and need help to see if I can accept it.

[THG123]

The benefits advisor told me my hours had to be a minimum of 16 per week and that I need to have a disability to calim working tax credits.

I have Bi-polar Affective Disorder and Fibro, both of which are reasonably well managed but still cause me difficulties from time to time. Are either of these two conditions considered to be disabling? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[ladymoth]

Hi TH123,

I think you might have the best chance with your bi-polar disorder, which can be considered a disability.

Fibro is not really accepted as such unless it's effects have actually caused you a disability.

It might be a good idea to contact MIND mind.org.uk/

This organisation will be able to advise you how to proceed with your possible employment, and help you to claim any benefits you may be entitled to.

Very best of luck - I hope it works out for you!

Moffy x

[THG123]

Thankyou so much. I'm surprised that the BP takes precedence over the FM - that's the illness which causes me the most difficulties. I will contact MIND for further advice.

[Maladjusted]

The way I understand it, in order to receive Working Tax Credit, you need to be in receipt of DLA. I could be wrong but this was explained to my autistic son recently when he was encouraged to take a 20 hour a week job. He does receive DLA, so has his wages topped up

[THG123 in reply to Maladjusted]

Thankyou. My application for DLA was denied so this is a bit of a worry. I;ll bear in mind what you have told me.

[shazzap12]

I do not think you have to be disabled to claim taxi credits. I think it depends on the level of income you have. If you are receiving dla you get a diasability element which increases your payments. Here is the lift for the current earning levels and payments hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/peop...

[Maladjusted]

You don't have to be in receipt of DLA in order to get tax credit on low income grounds, however, if you are working less than 20 hours per week you cannot get Tax Credits unless you are disabled - in which case you need to be receiving DLA. AT least that is how it was explained to me

[suwie]

Yes fibro us I get low care rate dla for my fibro the cab helped me as I didn't know I could claim & when my son left school to go to uni I rang them & they said you can only get tax credits if you get dla so I was & I still do part time & receive tax credits I wouldn't be able to survive if I didn't & the little I get helps even with prescription charges hope this helps xx