Need a little advice.

[FusionEsque]

Posting here for traffic as this issue is a little time sensitive.

I've posted before that we have my MIL staying with us due to ill health. She is currently claiming SSP however she has recently come to terms with the fact that she will be unable to return to work.

I don't want to get into her specific condition but it involves a multitude of issues ranging from anaemia to arthritis and heart problems in between.

My question is this: what does she need to do now? She can't claim SSP forever but I can't imagine she would qualify for UC if she left the job she is currently in. I guess I'm asking what her next steps should be.

The main problem for my DW and I is that we can't afford to support her financially and she's too lethargic from pain killers to seek the support herself.

Any advice would be gratefully received. :)

Hi, I'm sure she can apply for long term sickness benefit from the DWP; I want to call it ELA but that could be incorrect. my Exh was out of work basically his whole adult life due to mental health issues, and he received benefits in the form of a bi-weekly payment from DWP and I believe he also received housing benefits etc now.

You can always contact Citizens Advice, or pop into your local DWP office to chat to someone (when lockdown permits). Also Government websites often have calculators that can help you input your situation and see what you could be potentially be entitled to.

Hopefully someone else will come along with some more detailed advice.

Once SSP runs out she should be able to apply for New Style ESA (previously known as contribution based ESA). She’ll need to provide sick notes and they will call her for an assessment to decide if she is capable of work. If they decide she is fit for work then the next thing to try is universal credit. Leaving a job due to health reasons (backed up by evidence) should not result in sanctions.

She can also apply for PIP (personal independence payment), again she will have a medical assessment and they will decide if she meets the criteria.

Without knowing the ins and outs of the situation, it's almost impossible to know what help she's entitled to. Speak to the Money Advice Line, Citizens' Advice, a GP and the Job Centre and see what they say.