Could I claim benefits if I cannot get to work?

[Hotlollygirl]

Hi I'm hoping someone can help me.Ive recently had my alcoholic emotionally and controlling partner removed from my home.I couldn't cope anymore. I'm currently sighned off work acute mental health. The problem I'm having is I also have epilepsy so I can't drive .I live in an area with no public transport. I have access to work but I can't get a taxi as the hours are very early in the morning start then later finish.Im so frightened of what's going to happen when I need to go back to work and can't get there.Would I be entitled to any benifits. Thank you if you've managed to read this far

That sounds like a good step forwards that partner has gone. How did you previously get to/from work? I’m not sure I understand why you can’t get taxi to/from? Does access to work already cover that?

Are there job opportunities more local to you or could you move closer to work. Can you work from home? Any colleagues you can share a lift with if you make it financially worthwhile for them?

Not working isn't really a long term solution unless you're content to live in poverty and be totally isolated.

I used to get lifts with my partner. I do have access to work but every single taxi has said no.Ive rang all the places of work in the village but there are no jobs.I have sent an application to the only one that is advertised so fingers crossed .I don't want to not work and I'm already feeling isolated. I just wondered if I'd be entitled to anything if I cut my hours.Im currently split shift and it's the early starts that are making things difficult to get a taxi.Ive asked a coworker if they'd be interested as I could have given them the money but they said no

Move? Fresh start

Speak to your employer as they might be able to help with a solution.

If not look for something with better hours so that taxis can be used.

Is there any sort of help your current workplace can give you to enable you to continue working there? Perhaps change your shifts or arrange for the taxi from their end somehow? Or advertise for rideshare with other workers? It might be worth talking to your HR about your situation before you just quit altogether.

Get advice from Citizens Advice as they can do a benefits check and support you with information to make an informed decision

Move house?

Change house or change jobs

You might be entitled to PIP which could help towards taxi costs.
If you are guaranteed to be a regular customers some taxi firms might be happy to take you on.
Edit : PIP can take ages to receive unfortunately so that's unlikely to give much help at the moment.
Why have the taxi companies said no?

I’d speak to your employer about changing shifts in the short term so you can keep on working.
I think in the longer term you’ll have to move. You’re in an area with no public transport and you can’t drive due to epilepsy so that’s not sustainable. It will stop you doing so many things.

Why have taxi’s said no? I don’t understand why early/late starts would be a problem for taxis. Maybe if you said to them they would have your business daily they could arrange something?

Do you have Uber coverage there?

Either way getting to work is only one problem. If you live somewhere without public transport and you don’t drive I can’t see how that’s sustainable long term. I’d be making arrangements to move so the transport issue is just short term.

Sounds like you have ptsd and anxiety and possibly depression, as well as epilepsy

You cant work with those things, you need time to heal and feel safe again x