I really need help with UC but I don't think I'm going to get it

[babypleasenow]

Hi

I am 22 and work 15hrs per week because I have kidney failure (now transplanted) and have nerve damage in my legs and feet. I have tried to claim PIP a few years ago but that wasn't allowed. I am now trying to claim universal credit because I'm really struggling, does anyone know if my circumstances are going to mean they'll help me? I live with my auntie and pay £200 rent so doesn't leave me much for the month but she needs the money. Will this go against me as I live with family and I work? I have a feeling they're going to award me £0.00.

I worked as a UC advisor for CAB for a while and I do recall that it was hard for people who paid rent in informal circumstances to get the housing element due to not having formal contracts. That may have now changed though, it would be worth getting in touch with CAB and seeing if anyone over there could advise you. I think that you should also give claiming PIP another go. I now get it but had to go through to tribunal.

Good luck!

You might not get the housing element but you may be awarded the personal element. Have you used any of the online calculators? www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
If you can’t work full time because of your health you are likely to be entitled to some top ups at the least.
Best of luck!

Oh, you could get a lodger agreement too... that may make you eligible for housing element.

I don't think you can claim the housing element from family members unless that's changed recently. Even with a proper, full tenancy agreement; it's a nightmare.

But you may well be able to get the personal elements, and I'd second the recommendation to apply for PIP again if you feel that you qualify. That's not an easy process, but it's not uncommon to have to appeal to have it awarded, and it's a lot easier than my experiences of claiming help with housing costs from anyone related to you.

Ahhh that's great. Thanks everyone!

So what makes you eligible for the personal element of UC does anyone know? I understand why it will be difficult for the housing element at the moment.

I am in touch with a kidney care advocate for trying pip again, but thought I should give UC a go in the meantime!

Also @SteveArnottsCodeine they have told me that they'll contact me if they need anything else and left it at that, is that normal? they haven't asked me for any proof of my illness etc which is why I'm thinking they've already decided to award me nothing...

Complete this calculator it will advise you what benefits you’re entitled to.

As you’re on a low wage and have a disability I think you’ll be entitled to ESA not UC.

www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=00af0348-6bef-48b3-9895-68b6ee7d085c

@Bythehairywartsonmywitchychin thank you I tried the calculator it says I was entitled to nothing. Just applied for ESA though x

Look on Facebook at “young adult kidney group”, they are linked with kidney care uk and will be able to help you with your specific circumstances. They’re also all patients 18-30 and really knowledgeable and helpful.

[quote babypleasenow]@Bythehairywartsonmywitchychin thank you I tried the calculator it says I was entitled to nothing. Just applied for ESA though x[/quote]
No problem, I think you’ll have more luck with ESA. Also perhaps reach out to the FB that user has recommended, and perhaps the CAB If you need further support with PIP ect

I’ve also found this

www.kidneycareuk.org/get-support/financial-support/

Uc will ask for a fit note from your Dr and if that will last longer then 28 days then you will have to fill out a form and you may need to see their dr to assess your fitness to work. Also with pip they nearly always turn people down first go. It's always worth it to appeal and a huge number get it on appeal

You need to get a fit note from your Gp to stipulate that you are limited in the number of hours you can work, then ask Uc to refer you for a work capability assessment. Even if you are only awarded LCW ( rather than LCWRA which comes with more money), you would get a work allowance meaning a certain amount of your wages is disregarded before earnings reduce your UC meaning you should be better off.

@babypleasenow

Ahhh that's great. Thanks everyone!

So what makes you eligible for the personal element of UC does anyone know? I understand why it will be difficult for the housing element at the moment.

I am in touch with a kidney care advocate for trying pip again, but thought I should give UC a go in the meantime!

Also @SteveArnottsCodeine they have told me that they'll contact me if they need anything else and left it at that, is that normal? they haven't asked me for any proof of my illness etc which is why I'm thinking they've already decided to award me nothing...

Everyone is eligible for the standard element but then wages reduce that amount by 63p for each pound you earn so your wages may just be wiping it out, especially if you won't get any rent element. If you got the LCW element in place ( as per my post above ), the first £513 of your wages would be disregarded, before your wages reduce your standard element , so you are much more likely to keep most of the standard element so you would get some Uc and your wages. Say you earned £600 a month now, your standard Uc would reduce by £378, but if you had LCW in place ( after a medical assessment by DWP ), it would only be reduced by around £55, leaving you much better off.

Not UC, but if you have issues with mobility you may qualify for a disabled bus pass, this isn't means tested, you complete the form and your gp would sign it. Assuming your in England (that's where I am) you get free bus travel after 9.30 Mon - Fri and free all day on weekends.
I have a physical disability and it saves me a fortune.

Just google your county + disabled bus pass

Also it's worth reapplying for pip. See if you can get help to complete the form from a charity connected to your illness or CAB. Even googling your condition and pip would give you helpful pointers. Also worth appealing if you are unsuccessful, many people win on appeal.

You should get UC. I would speak to Cirizens Advice

Speak to CAB about UC and PIP. Unless your 15 hours pays well above minimum wage and you have a lot of savings I’d be amazed if you don’t get anything at all.