Need a job, but would be signed off. Benefits?

[Sortingfinances2]

Any advice for a situation that seems to fall in the gaps?

High earner husband walks out.
Non-working wife cut off financially.
Very acrimonious. Solicitors involved.
Will need a job. Asap. High anxiety, depression and stress since split. If working, wife would be signed off.
Any suggestions in terms of benefits?

Thank you!

I’m not sure about benefits. Am assuming you’ve tried meds dor the mental health issues? I’ve got high anxiety and depression but haven’t been signed off dor it as I feel if I did, I’d be off forever. Different meds are worth trying , also therapy. I’ve been referred for level 3 therapy as I’ve done the level 2 therapy a few times now. Just an idea.

Thank you 🙂.
Yes meds already. GP has provided a letter to say currently unfit to work.
If there was a job already it would be easier.
Being out of the work place for 10+ years is adding to anxiety.

Why have you been non-working for 10 years?

Have you checked the entitled to website?

Otherwise check directly with UC.

I have a disability but want to get into work. There are places that help disabled people get back into it. There is coaches through universal credit or in my area there is an organisation called work ways. I'm sure most areas have a similar organisation. They provide free courses for qualifications and they speak to employers who encourage positions depending on individual needs. Perhaps if you have an employer who encourages you and puts things in place it will ease the anxiety? X

You can't look for a job with the sole intention of being immediately signed off.

Benefit entitlement will depend on things like her housing situation and if there are children involved.

As suggested, use the entitled to calculator or just apply for UC and see what they say.

Non-working wife cut off financially.
Are there children cut off financially too or is wife just meaning no matrimonial allowance (is that what is called?)

Do they have kids?

@InfluencerHag No!!!! Not suggesting that.
Not worked as kids were young and H was high earner. Didn't need to, and would earn significantly less than H. Suited the family to have me at home.

Now need to work as he has cut me off. Him leaving has sent me spiralling so feel I can't currently even apply due to mental health. Will have to longer term.
So no sick pay as no job. Is there an equivalent benefit to tide me over?
Entitledto suggests around £70 a week from UC. No savings. No income.
Have I missed something?

No access to family savings.
Very minimal matrimonial allowance (not court ordered yet).
Grown up kids.

You'd need universal credit apply for LWRCA however there's a chance you'd be placed in the working group and not get the extra £300 income also they don't backdate for the first 3 months and it takes a fair bit of time for the assessment.

@shattered25 I've suggested a job might help improve the mental health.
Chicken and egg situation.

I said 'i' in a previous reply as it fitted the assumption of a couple of posts.

It's not me, a friend.

It does sound like you're looking for a job and then to be signed off as per previous poster's thoughts.

I'm confused, can you explain if you're actually looking for work if you've been signed off by your GP

I'd suggest she focusses on the divorce and accessing the savings. Was anything in her name? There won't be much entitlement to benefits ie she won't get much money that way. Does she have family who can help right now?

@feathermucker
No. 100% not looking for a job.
She doesn't feel able.
Looking for advice on benefits in this situation of not having a job and being too unwell to apply for one.
Dr has effectively signed her off, not actually signed her off. Letter advised the court that she is not well enough to work.
Hearing is months away.

Why has the GP given a letter to say you/they/whoever it is is not fit for work if you/they/whoever doesn't work?

Ok ignore, I've just seen it's for court.

Then as stated she needs to apply for universal credit & hand in sick notes be warned it's not much.

Universal credit, they will expect you to job hunt but may agree for you to be in the group getting work ready whilst your mental health stabilises. From what you have said though I think finding a job, even part time might be what you need to build confidence and self esteem, to believe you can manage.

When my ex left me I wasn't working. I signed on for UC. Went along for first meeting with work coach who could clearly see I wasn't in a fit state for work due to the traumatic circumstances of the split (abusive ex, totally had the rug pulled from underneath me as he quit his job, had two very young children to be looking after and had to sell my house etc).

He advised me to go to the GP for a sick note (or fit note as it's now called)- that way I would be able to claim UC without the expectation of having to look for work whilst signed off.

@ArcticSkewer nothing in her name.
Legal route to access savings is being followed. House will be sold eventually. It's a 6-12 month problem as H is causing unbelievable problems.

@DumbPrinceAndHisStupidWife thank you. That sounds similar, just without young kids.

@Sortingfinances2 💐 for the woman going through this. If it's anything like my experience it's utterly traumatic and won't ever leave her but she'll get through it.

What’s a minimal amount of matrimonial support? In comparison to outgoings?

Is there a mortgage to cover?

How long since they worked? Have they been covering their NI payments for pension?

You say it’s been 10 plus years but also that the children are grown.