Benefits...

[MaryLou13]

So, we have always worked but after husband has sustained a hypoxic brain injury it may be unlikely he or indeed both of us will be able to work again . It's so hard, we have so much of our lives still... Anyway, do people manage on benefits? I'm so scared of us losing our house etc x

[razyheath43]

you muddle through.tight budget,if you rent check that you can claim housing benifit,and try to go out and have some fun when you can,All the very best xx

[fred59]

My partner has a hypoxic brain injury and can't work but I managed to organise support through social care/direct payments so that I could continue to work. It's a fight, but worth it if you can get it. It may be a bit different as we don't live together, but I would definitely go for it. Benefits he can claim cover most of his expenses. Pm me if you need any help!

[cat3]

Economise wherever you can MaryLou by cutting down on gas/elec/phone consumption and shopping at discount stores 'til you've got the measure of your monthly expenditure.

From there it'll be clear whether you need to continue with the new regime or whether you've been over cautious. It seems we've all been gradually downgrading luxury items over time to the same status as necessities, resulting in unnecessary stress for people on low income.

To ensure you're claiming all your entitlements you might like to try this website for clear and helpful advice :-

benefitsandwork.co.uk

It's rotten having to cope with the stress of outgoings on top of health concerns isn't it. Good luck with everything m'dear ; I hope all goes well. Best wishes, Cat x

[Hidden]

hi Marylou. Do make an appointment to see the financial advisor at your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They can talk you through all the benefits you are entitled to. You should also be getting carers allowance and your council tax will be reduced by 25%. There are also other things like reduced admission prices, etc. Make sure that you are getting everything you can. Jan

[Hidden]

To repeat advice given previously DO get advice from you local advice centre not only for benefits but also advice for other things such as debt etc

[moo196]

Hi, just wonder if you might contact remploy who gave good advice re work/benefits when I was newly discharged from hospital.

Worth a call ??

[bluesgirl37]

Hi Marylou agree with everyone who says take advice. I would add going to citizen's advice bureau too. Medicals can be quite difficult and knowledge is power. As Cat says economising helps. I work (part-time) but my partner doesn't and so we do claim some benefits for the time being. I understand if you're a bit daunted, it's a big change going through all this stuff.

Also maybe worth looking at Carers Uk too.

Very good luck