Lynne ,
there are so many variables that you really need specialist one to one advice before you make a decision.
Any amount of benefit is dependant on your own situation , ie age, marital staus, dependants , NI contributions etc etc
Are you on SSP at the moment or have you been able to work?
If you are too ill to work and you need monetary support , and if your GP or consultant will write you med certs to say you are unfit for work for a period of about 13 weeks then it is possible to retire medically .
If you have paid enough NI contributions then you will be entitled to ESA (contribution based) and this is not affected by spouses income , savings , property etc
It should be noted that the present Government intend to allow ESA(contribution based) to last only one year , then it will be means tested (ie savings spouses income etc will be taken into account) This is all in the current Welfare Reform white paper.
You will have to have to fill in a medical assessment form ESA 50 and attend a medical (unless you obviously fit the criteria for the support group ).
The medical itself (Work Capability assessment) is under review at the moment as is the whole process.
If you are found fit for work , you can claim Job Seekers Allowance , but after a period of 6 months all savings and other income and property will be taken into account.
If you are placed in the Work Related Activity group , then you will be expected to make some effort to get back into work , attending work focussed Interviews ETC , this is all under review by the current Government.
The basics are... if you are too ill to work and need to claim support from the state , you will be expected to make varying degrees of effort to get work or make yourself employable UNLESS you fit the criteria for the support group.
Are you on DLA? , as that could open up options of Working Tax Credit at 16 hours with a disability element included, if you feel you can reduce your hours instead of retiring.
You really do need to go to an advice centre , and one that knows of the Governments proposals for Welfare Reform in the future , and not just the present.
Get back to me if you need more:)
Rich
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
