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Benefits advice please Options
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Mick51
#1 Posted : Monday, February 08, 2010 7:26:59 PM Quote
Rank: Newbie

Groups: Registered

Joined: 12/15/2009
Posts: 4
Hi Guys,
I was wondering of anyone could give me some advice about benefits as I have never tried to claim before,and am not sure if I qualify.
I am a 52 year old self employed carpenter,diagnosed with RA in july 2008.,and have always paid my N.I. contributions. I have nt been able to work since feb 2009,and since then have been living off savings.I am lucky in that I have about £60k from my divorce settlement,but would like to keep that safe as I do n't own a property,and hopefully one day I will be able to use it as a deposit.

At the moment I am living with my 86 year old Mother as she was finding it hard coping on her own.I have 2 children who live with their Mother,and I have no mortgage,but pay half the household bills.
My main questions are;

1 Will my savings disqualify me from claiming benefits?

2 If so, how much are we allowed to have in savings?

3 Should I qualify,what benefits should I go for?

Thank you in anticipation,
Mick.
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joeyvt
#2 Posted : Monday, February 08, 2010 7:32:55 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


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Joined: 1/7/2010
Posts: 441
Location: Bristol
Hi Mick,

Don't have the answers but can recommend seeing the Citizen's Advice Bureau. When I was about to stop working last September on account of the RA, I popped in to our local CAB. They went through my circumstances, asked loads of questions and produced a list of all the benefits I would be able to apply for. They gave me all the telephone numbers I needed and also offered to help me fill in any of the forms. I can't sing their praises too loudly.

Good luck with it

Joanna
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MaryLewis
#3 Posted : Monday, February 08, 2010 7:40:42 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 585
Hi Mick
I am shore Bob will be able to help you with this
good luck
Mary L
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chockers
#4 Posted : Monday, February 08, 2010 9:34:49 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

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Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 1,035
Location: in a house
you may have too top your N.I UP till penshon age ???????They send me a bill .


i had too give up work in feb 07 i get incapticy now . But having said this i am useless with money /s But i always go too someone who knows whats what and it goes from there .christine
The chocolate eating housewife ...The washer woman .....naughty lady
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Mandy_M
#5 Posted : Tuesday, February 09, 2010 9:56:52 AM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

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Joined: 12/7/2009
Posts: 176
Morning Mick!

I think getting advice from the CAB is the best bet too, but a short answer is not all benefits are means tested. I know DLA isn't and am pretty sure that Incapacity Benefits isn't. Others, like housing are. Good reliable advice, from an up to date source will help you.

All the best!
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barbara-o
#6 Posted : Tuesday, February 09, 2010 1:39:38 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


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Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 690
Hi Mick,

If you have paid into NI and are up-to-date you are entitled to claim Employment Support Allowance - ESA (used to be called Incapacity Benefit), which is a non-means tested benefit any saving you have are safe are not taken into account. If you have not paid in enough and are unable to work due to illness then any savings you have above a certain amount, not sure how much it is now, ESA will be reduced or you might not be entitled to claim at all. You could also claim Disability Living Allowance another benefit which is another non means tested benefit.

I hope Bob sees your post, or you could call the NRAS helpline and ask to speak to Bob who is a volunteer and very knowledgeable when it comes to work and benefit related issues.
CAB are another option.

Good Luck,

Love,

Barbara
XXXXX
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Mandy_M
#7 Posted : Wednesday, February 10, 2010 9:30:18 AM Quote
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Posts: 176
Thanks Barbara - you are far more up to date than me.
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barbara-o
#8 Posted : Wednesday, February 10, 2010 11:12:27 AM Quote
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Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 690
You're welcome Mandy, must admit to having a bit of an advantage, but not since going off sick and I've lost track with all the changes that have occurred, ESA is one of them. I work in social care and also help people with benefit issues, but not with the more complex stuff and leave that for my colleague who is a Welfare Rights Adviser to deal with.

love,

Barbara
XXXXX
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