Blue Badge and benefits?

[billinSurbiton]

I seem to be on a writing roll today ✍️

I’ve read some of posts about getting a blue badge for parking, and so I am wondering, now or in the future, what the Situation is of people with

PMR Applying for benefits? I am completely in the dark, and need to do some homework. Presently, I am living off of savings, after being made redundant almost 2 years ago. I suppose I need to look at “contribution based Jobseeker’s Allowance” first of all. I have worked for 17 years in the UK the last five years being at a higher than average salary. I paid a shedload of tax at the higher rate-not that I have been diligent with managing my tax here. I am a scattered personality by nature 🙁

I am frankly intimidated by the thought of walking into a job centre or any office, really, applying for benefits. In the USA, claiming unemployment compensation is a bit easier, and a bit more “acceptable”, especially in the slow economy years.

Justly trying to plan for worst case scenario

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Bill,

The Blue Badge is primarily for those with mobility problems and cannot walk far. It’s not for PMR as such, but many on here, like me have other problems which is why we have it. I, for example, have arthritis in my lower back, shoulders and knees. Walking, or even standing is extremely painful. Others who have PMR but no arthritis can walk distances every day I can only dream of!

As for other benefits, let’s just say - you’ll be lucky! As I’m retired I applied for the equivalent to disability benefit as it was then called when I had GCA, it was bounced out, I appealed- still no change. The paperwork seems very slanted towards your mental ability rather than physical as I mention in a post the other day. If you’ve read any of morrison’s post recently you find she just lost her benefit I believe. I’m sure she won’t mind me mentioning that.

You can search PiP (which is the new improved name) using the search box at top of screen.

[Rose54]

Hi

Contribution JSA

You are expected to sign a agreement that you will spend so many hours a week searching for work and apply for a certain number of jobs each week .

Attend appointments at Job Centre in some areas it will be mandatory to attend daily .Break agreement and you will be sanctioned

I don't think Contribution JSA entitles you to free prescriptions

Their is also sickness benefits if you are unable to work but a medical is required ESA .

Personal Independent Payment two parts to be assessed for Mobility and Care I feel unless you have another illness on top it would be difficult to get .

The enhanced rate of PIP for mobility entitles you to disabled Parking Blue Badge .

But you can apply to your local council again you would need to attend medical .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rose54]

Hi Rose,

I guess you used to work in this area, and whilst I appreciate there is less and less money to go around these days it does seem a bit hit and miss to who is deemed to be entitled.

My late hubby had a number of heart attacks in his late 50s culminating in a triple bypass which unfortunately wasn’t particularly successful, and he was never able to return to work. He applied for Disaility Allowance as it was then and one simple phone call after the initial paperwork he was awarded it - obviously the words heart attack and continuing angina made the decision easy.

I know many aren’t as straightforward as that, but it does seem to be a minefield, and I wonder if he was applying today, almost 20 years later whether the decision would be the same.

[Rose54 in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi DorsetLady

Its a minefield now as you say used to be relatively easy

All based on what you need help with and how much pain you are in doing things ,Plus their used to be Low ,Middle and high rate DLA now its only Standard and enhanced for PIP

And they want medical evidence as well so asking GP for a letter can be costly .

Most are turned down and then have to ask for a Mandatory reconsideration and even then most will have to go to tribunal and if their lucky will get something .

CAB are over run with appealing for customers and with all the cutbacks it difficult to get help with appeals.

Hence why I am still working although i would be better with reduction of Pred not working. I would only be told to claim JSA imagine the stress of Job searching .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rose54]

Absolutely! Thanks for clarifying.

[SheffieldJane]

I think on the benefits question a lot would depend on whether you were fit for work and could demonstrate that you are actively seeking work. That is for Jobseeker’s Allowance. Conversely if you are unfit for work and wish to claim sickness benefit there would be some sort of medical assessment. They don’t make it easy, even in our age group, just ask morrison, she’s just signed on at 62. You should be entitled to something but it all comes with strings attached. They don’t seem to care that you’ve worked all your life. It’s worth noting that you also get credits towards the state pension via the benefits system.

[Mgt1234]

Hi Bill, it is challenging enough to suffer with any chronic condition without the challenge of trying to manage financially. To see if you qualify for PIP please check out. ... benefitsandwork.co.uk. and click on their free PIP test. Hope this help.

Margaret x