Financial help

[LadyV88]

What financial help can I get if I can't currently work due to severe anxiety, social anxiety, severe depression ? 😭

[Suzie40]

Not too sure to be honest, but didn't want to read and run. Sure someone else will be able to advise. Have you looked at the DWP website? x

[20Voices]

Really depends on where you stay. I stay in Scotland and if you are not fit to work you can apply for ESA which is based on your national insurance stamps.

Please go and speak to your local job center if you are in the UK as they should be able to help.

I got ESA, but had to go for one of those medicals, even although I don't have a physical disability. I got ESA payments but was told I couldn't get anything else when they run out. I was so bad that I didn't go back because I believed them at the time and ended up in a lot of debt and only eating one meal a day because I had not money and was getting threatening letters.

When I did go back I had used nearly the last of my money to get the bus to my nearest job centre since they had closed down the one in my town. They looked at my claim and initially told me that I was not eligible for anything. As the office was open plan I made a right fool of myself because I couldn't stop the tears I explained that if I'd known that was going to be the answer I would not have used that money on bus fare because I could have used that £5 to get me food to last another week. Fortunately another member of staff came over and they managed to get my claim through and also got an emergency food parcel set up for me.

So I'd definitely say that you need to check with the job center. Unfortunately you have to fill the forms in online these days. the website is gov.uk and fill in the forms.

There may also be charities in your area that could help you and there may also be a food bank that you could try as well.

Please go and ask for help as I ended up in an awful state because I just had no fight or the will to make a fuss when they originally told me that there would be nothing after my ESA payments finished. It caused me great stress at the time and I will never know if something could have been sorted out for me at that time and if it had been if I would have had a job by now. I made that mistake and I wouldn't want anyone else to do the same.

Take care and good luck.

[tofler]

If you're in the UK this page might help to point you in the right direction:

moneyadviceservice.org.uk/e...

[Hidden]

Hi I presume you are in the UK? Look on the Gov.UK site to find out about benefits and how to claim. What you might be able to claim is dependant on many factors with the most important one do you live with a partner who is working? Do you pay rent or mortgage? Do you have dependant children? It's impossible to advise you without knowing these. x

[Cur40164512]

If your in the U.K. Try your local job centre for esa

[rossie1942]

I would ring your local CAB they will do a full benefit assessment and make sure that you claim the right benefit.. Sometimes one benefit contradicts another and they help you decide. ESA will run out but if you do not have a partner or a lot of savings you can still claim employment support means tested benefit.

[blossomgirl]

Depends where you live. I'm in Australia and my dr said too hard to prove from work and they charge extra for appointments but if claim is unsuccessful it costs you more money. We have disability payments here.

[flimsymimsy]

Hi if your in uk could also have a nosey at entitledto which will also advice what you would be able to receive in terms of any benefits. Im currently claiming esa and i as i live on my own I also get help with council tax payments, and mortgage interest which isnt much but is a help. You could try and claim pip but I know alot of people have been turned down for this based on anxiety alone and would also need a physical disability too to qualify .

[Hidden]

I'm wondering the same thing! I'm at my ends here trying to figure out what to do. My anxiety and depression control me completely! Can't work, drive, socialize or anything.

[rossie1942 in reply to Hidden]

As I suggested to OP please do not struggle alone. The Cab will help you and also put you in touch with charities who help people in need. You need help and don't be afraid to seek it.

[Hidden]

Hi , I think you might be able to claim employment support allowance ( ESA). Also you might be able to claim personal independent payment (PIP). Go to local job centre plus & get the necessary forms, don't delay as your claim takes weeks to process.