To ask how much you could survive on if you didn't have a mortgage/rent to pay?

[Bluebird282]

We're early 40's and have about 12 months left on our mortgage however my health is taking a dramatic nose dive (chronic illness for 20yrs). We have 1 DC who's 13. If I can no longer work we'll be £1300 per month worse off. Our mortgage is £500 so money would be very tight on DHs wage alone. I'm panicking.

How much do you think you could realistically survive on?

I had to take nhs early ill health retirement in my 30s. its a long process - I was off sick for over 18 months, then they dismissed me at the same time as the dismissal process was going through I was referred to occupational health to be assessed for ill health retirement however they first had to look for alterations to job/reduce hours, then similar jobs and then any job within the NHS I may be able to do, then they refer to an independent doctor who decides on occupational health recommendations and allocates type of retirement depending on future predictions, my union said that most cases need appealing and don't get the higher tier I was lucky not to have to go through this - accumulation of evidence was what helped. It was a long stressful process which I had no choice about because it was deemed I'd never work again but the small pension is now for life and very helpful.
I also applied for esa (means tested) and pip (non means tested) and universal credit.
I'd also say not working isn't always the best option, it's very detrimental to your mh and I found my job had shaped my adult working life and when that was gone I didn't know who I was, I also feel even now 7 years later that working would be better for me mentally although unfortunately physically I am unable to do so.
If you are struggling I'd go to your manager and ask for OH referral see if they can make alterations to your job and see if that helps. Retirement should be your last resort so start looking at ways in which you can work, also keep documentation of your struggles /what you've tried and join a union if you're not already in one they helped me through the whole process even getting me a grant to buy a wheelchair and pay some bills while I was waiting for the pension to come through (6 months).
Best of luck finding the right balance.

@Ikeeponkeepingon

If looking at pip get a disability support group to help you with the application.

This is a great idea. For most chronic illnesses/disabilities there is usually a charity and they generally will help people navigate benefits applications and planning for living on ill health pension and such. Your Doctor may even have a social worker in their organisation to help if its a chronic illness that usually causes inability to work.

Op, you have given 20 years service to the NHS, take what you are owed even if that means 6 months off sick. Many do who don’t deserve it. If you can, start to really save and build up a nest egg, cut costs now as if you had lost that income and save the money so you can use it in the future. You are pretty much mortgage free, that is fantastic planning for your 40’s, a lot of people are only getting mortgages by then!
Chronic illness sucks, I hope you get through it all ok

We have downsized our bills over the years: more efficient everything, solar, double glazing, insulation etc. Lower wattage lights, TV, etc. Other than rates and insurance we literally only have food. So yes, very very cheap.