Looking at reducing hours at work, am I entitled to benefits to top up lost income?

[Lucky13]

I'm new to this very helpful forum and am looking to reduce my hours at work (NHS worker) but am worried about loss of income, along with my personal embarrassment. The benefits system seems very confusing and not my preferred route... HELP!

[thekeys46]

Hi Lucky

I am also an NHS worker. Not able to answer your question though. How many hours are you thinking of reducing to. I will be going down to half pay in the next month or so and I don't think there is anything I would be entitled to other than applying for DLA which when I looked at the form didn't feel I would get .Not sure about working tax credits though. I rang my local jobcentre and an officer dealing with disabilities talked me through a few things.

Its bad enough having a chronic illness without having the added money worries. Hope you manage to sort things. xx

[jo100]

What about ESA (employment support allowance) I think lets you work up to 16hrs a week and tops up income. Worth a try.

[sciqueen]

Hi

Beaware of the changes that they are bringing in, regarding ESA & DLA! Needless to say they are making it harder to claim either one - part of the government cut backs.

Sci x

[Beth58]

Hi Lucky,

Without knowing your circumstances it's impossible to advise. You should go along to your local CAB for specialist advice.

If your a single parent you could claim tax credits to top up income, however, if you have a partner I doubt you'd be entitled unless you have very low total income.

Your best bet would be to apply for DLA mobility if you have problems walking, you could apply for care rate too but I doubt you'd get that if your working.

ESA is a sickness benefit paid if you leave work and sign sick, you'd be entitled to contributions based this is paid for a year then, again depending on your circumstances you may be able to claim income related ESA, however, if you have a working partner you wouldn't be entitled to income related.

It's all very complicated these days, as has already been said the government is continuing to make changes to the benefit system despite major charities opposing the changes.

From 2013 new claims and people already claiming DLA will be reassessed for the new benefit PIP (personal independence payments) which is going to be even more stringent than the current system.

Go get proper advise from the CAB.

Good luck

Beth xx

[Hidden]

As far as i am aware there is a limit on how much you need to live on each week. If you are below it they will top up your monry. It really depends on how much income you have each week. Sorry not much help.

[Hidden]

Hi Lucky,

I thought I'd mention that I was entitled to Tax credits even though my children had grown up because you can get it as a disabled worker (if you have DLA). Best to check with CAB though or jobcentreplus disability adviser.

Good luck

Judy

[Lucky13]

Many thanks for your help on this. I think going to the CAB and making more enquiries at work is going to be my first port of call .

I work full time in administration at the NHS and I am married with a husband who also works very hard (self employed) so I guess we are pretty lucky financially in comparison to a lot of people and I do realise this and am grateful. I just do not want to put my husband under any more pressure than he already is. I feel terribly guilty and ashamed that I can't continue working full time even though MY health is HIS only concern here and not how much money I can bring to the table (luckily for me).

I work in London and the round commute of three hours every day, five days a week is proving too much for me. My diagnosis was made seven years ago, and since then I have a constant battle with feeling bad about myself every time I get a flare or catch whatever coughs and colds are going around at the time. The illness and the medications make you susceptable to every bug going so it's a catch 22 but the time has come now where I just cannot carry on. I recently went to Occy health at work but again, my guilt made me play everything down and I actually see the rheum consultant in my place of work (they are very helpful) but again, I always seem to want them to think that I am fine when I am not because I am frightened of being thrown to the dogs/losing my job because of this rotten illness.

Anyway, I feel like I have gone on enough about it all now.... I am hoping to make it back into work tomorrow where I can hopefully make a start into getting the ball rolling with things. Thanks for your answers and help above. I am still finding the whole DLA etc a bit confusing but it seems I am not entitled to help anyway, but it's nice to chat with like-minded people.

L

[Lorraine_NRAS]

Hi Lucky

I would agree with all everyone has said about the benefits system and its complexity, which I am sure serves the government's purpose in trying to deter people from claiming. I would certainly suggest you find out what may be possible before deciding that you are not entitled to any benefits and the CAB and Jobcentre should be able to advise. There is also the confidential advice line provided by the DWP and a call to them may help identify any help you determine what you may be entitled to - their contact is 0800 882200 and they are open from 8.30-6.00. If you haven't already seen the NRAS booklet on Benefits and RA and the DLA booklet then you can order them online or download from the website on this link nras.org.uk/help_for_you/pu....

Best wishes

Lorraine

[Lucky13 in reply to Lorraine_NRAS]

Many thanks for your advice here Lorraine. I shall have a read of the booklet and give the DWP a call and see what they advise.

With best wishes

L