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Original poster

What other benefits could I be entitled to?

27 replies

Soubriquet · 15/02/2023 13:42

I can’t work right now. Walking is not possible for long, and sitting hurts after a short time too.

I’ve managed to claim PIP, but it’s only £21 a week. Not a huge fortune.

I also claim child benefit and child tax credits.

DH works.

Is there anything else I could be entitled to? It doesn’t seem like I’m contributing a lot

OP posts:
SouthCountryGirl · 15/02/2023 14:38

Have you worked recently? You may get contributions based ESA

AnneLovesGilbert · 15/02/2023 14:39

The CAB should be able to advise.

AdditionalCharacter · 15/02/2023 14:39

Have you told tax credits you're receiving PIP? That might increase your tax credits.

Interested in this thread?

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Benefits
TooMuchPowder · 15/02/2023 14:39

I presume you checked for Universal Credit already?

Spotsstripes · 15/02/2023 14:45

I'm slightly different as I'm a single parent but I claim esa, pip, uc and child benefit. Which part of pip do you get as this can open doors to other help? For example I get free car tax because I get high rate mobility. Have you tried a benefits calculator site?

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 14:46

You may get a free bus pass, if disability severe enough

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 14:47

Actually you prob will bus pass if you don’t/ can’t drive

lopsees · 15/02/2023 14:49

Are you claiming UC as a couple? In which case his income will rightly be taken into account

Original poster
Soubriquet · 15/02/2023 15:52

I get standard mobility. I ought to apply for daily living tbh because I believe I’m entitled to it but it’s a fight ok not looking forward to.

I will definitely speak to someone who knows more

OP posts:
Uptownswirl · 15/02/2023 16:15

If you get mobility element you can claim a blue badge. Also prescriptions and dentistry may be free if you're on UC

uncomfortablydumb53 · 15/02/2023 16:40

If you have worked recently you may well be entitled to" New style ESA" which is based on your NI contributions.
Low rate Mobility entities you to half price Car tax
With evidence you will get a bus pass
I'm on old style benefits so I'm not sure about that
I'd make an appointment with Citizens advice to go through your eligibility
( they can also complete a PIP form if you wish for the daily living)

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 16:40

Soubriquet………it’s not a big deal, describe worst day, it’s unpleasant yes, my interview was on the phone, had a friend help fill out form.
Got what I needed easily, if like me things will only get worse do what you can.
interviews different since Covid I believe

VanCleefArpels · 15/02/2023 17:01

Use the benefits calculator on Turn2Us - give information as a couple and see what it says. If you claim ESA / Lcwra element if UC you must provide doctors notes confirming you are unable to work for the duration of the time you claim.

gogohmm · 15/02/2023 17:04

Check to see if you would be better off with universal credit rather than tax credits, it depends on circumstances but my friends are significantly better off on uc. New style esa is a possibility if you've worked recently

Original poster
Soubriquet · 15/02/2023 17:07

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 16:40

Soubriquet………it’s not a big deal, describe worst day, it’s unpleasant yes, my interview was on the phone, had a friend help fill out form.
Got what I needed easily, if like me things will only get worse do what you can.
interviews different since Covid I believe

I was awarded the mobility rate really easily so I was surprised when I received nothing in the daily living rate. I mean one of the questions was “if you were in the shower, would you hear the fire alarm” and no I wouldn’t

OP posts:
Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 17:16

I think you need to reapply, who is your specialist, I have neurologist and Parkinson’s nurse.
Get evidence from them to back up your needs

YaWeeSkitter · 15/02/2023 17:24

Most people tend to fail their PIP application at first as its human nature to downplay the effects of illness to outsiders.
I always advise PIP applicants to imagine their daily life from the minute they wake up.

Are they okay to rise from the mattress - if not what is the problem?
Once upright can they swing their legs out of bed and put on slippers & dressing gown as appropriate. Can they stand and then move quickly to the bathroom under their own steam - if not why not? Etc , etc, throughout the day.

Its amazing how much more detail comes to the surface when you look at the day like this.
Plus you can add further pages to the form if necesary so dont let the amount of information stop you.

Original poster
Soubriquet · 15/02/2023 17:40

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 17:16

I think you need to reapply, who is your specialist, I have neurologist and Parkinson’s nurse.
Get evidence from them to back up your needs

I don’t have a specialist yet. I’m still on the waiting list for an endoscopy to try and diagnose what I may have.

im also going to request an appointment with a rheumatologist to see if it could be fibromyalgia and then ask for pain management clinic

OP posts:
Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 18:11

Soubriquet Please keep
YaWeeSkitter………..yes always worst day,

HumourReplacementTherapy · 15/02/2023 18:27

Have you tried doing a calculation? Depending on your DH income/your recent employment history over the last 2 tax years you might get ESA/UC
Have a look at 'entitled to' website.

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 15/02/2023 20:34

If you’ve worked recently then New Style ESA is one you should claim for.
it’s a contributions based benefit. It can be claimed with UC, but can also be claimed as a stand-alone benefit if your partner works (or you have savings).

Original poster
Soubriquet · 15/02/2023 20:39

I last worked in 2020.

OP posts:
SouthCountryGirl · 15/02/2023 20:40

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 18:11

Soubriquet Please keep
YaWeeSkitter………..yes always worst day,

It's hie you are half the time. Not just on your worst days.

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 20:54

You describe your worst day, which reflects how you really are, on the forms.

Babyroobs · 15/02/2023 21:14

Nsky62 · 15/02/2023 20:54

You describe your worst day, which reflects how you really are, on the forms.

This is such poor advice. It is fine to describe a worst day but please don't write the answer to every question based only on a worst day. When a condition is variable you may be unable to walk 20meteres on five days a year. If you put that you can't walk 20metres with no explanation that this only applies for five days a year, then seriously you are going to end up with problems. It is if you meet a descriptor for 50% of the time that you score points for that descriptor. They should also assess whether you can meet the decriptor reliably, within a reasonable timeframe etc.