Don’t know where to turn

[55hopefull]

Hi all , I have given up a job of 22 years and been in my new care job for 3 months. I’m supposed to work 7-3 however they let me work 7-1. Now I’m doing 7-11 but I’m struggling still. I can’t even wring out a flannel without pain. Today I’m calling my GP hopefully I will get signed off work. I’m not earning any money and I’m getting working tax credit for working 30 hrs. But I’m not doing 30 hrs. What do I do next please?

[CM1EDSUK]

I'm sorry to read you've had to leave your long term job, & now in this new one you're having to reduce your hours due to the impact on your health. As you say, WTC is for when you're working at least 30 hours a week (combined if you're in a couple with children), so you should report the change in your circumstances to HMRC asap (supposed to be within a month so be careful what you say).

It's not all bad news, as, depending on your National Insurance contributions from April 2020-April 2022 you may be eligible for New style ESA. If you become eligible for Statutory Sick Pay if you become unable to work, then you can apply for ESA 3 months before this ends (SSP lasts 28 weeks). You would need a from SSP1 from your employer if this is the case. Please see: gov.uk/employers-sick-pay/e...

If ESA isn't possible, then you can apply for Universal Credit (UC). There's also PIP, but unfortunately from claim to decision averages at about 10 months with PIP.

I would suggest you try this benefits checker to see what your best options may be: benefits-calculator.turn2us... Be aware that if you go onto UC, then you couldn't go back onto ESA if eligible for the latter. Also if things improved, you couldn't go back onto WTC if claiming UC, as this is one of the benefits that UC replaces.

[55hopefull in reply to CM1EDSUK]

Thank you so much for your help with this matter. It’s my ch appreciated.

[CM1EDSUK in reply to 55hopefull]

You're more than welcome. Please come back with any questions, & let us know how you get on.

[55hopefull in reply to CM1EDSUK]

I will thank you.