Single woman under 25 needs advice on mental health and benefits please...

[fletch86]

Up until now I have been working full time since leaving education. I achieved quite well, 9 gcse's and 2 alevels.

 

But I have always stuggled with my mood and depression and when my father passed away unexpedley less than a year ago its been a downward spiral.

 

I left my job of over a year as my employer wasnt sypothetic to my time off!

 

Since then i have been in and out of jobs and I feel that is down to my behaviour. My father was an alcholic but because he never admitted the problem he never got help, I didnt speak to him for the last 3e years of his life even though we lived in the same house. I cant come to terms with his death, I feel like i have had a breakdown and have tried getting advice but im getting no where.

 

I couldnt go in work all last week and my doctors referred me to the mental health team and given me a sick note for 4 weeks, but where do i send this?

 

Becuase i managed to maintain a life before this and other events which have contributed to my stress i have a car i pay monthly for and other bills, what am i going to do I dont go out i cant work at feeling this way.

 

Anybody know what I should od?

 

Thanks

[Pab10]

Hi Fletch,

I'm sure better informed users will be along to help soon, but in the meantime are you claiming any benefits? If so the sick note needs to be sent to your local Jobcentre Plus.

If you are not in receipt of benefits go check out the following website

Incapacity Benefit - introduction : Directgov - Disabled people

This explains Incapacity Benefit.

 

I'm so sorry you lost your father under such circumstances. This cannot be easy for you. I lost my father myself when I was 20 odd and it took me a good couple of years to come to terms with it, but this was because I didn't seek help! I hope posting on here is the first small step in getting your life back on track.

It can & will get better for you I'm sure.

Anyway I hope this helps in a small way.

[fletch86]

Thanks for your reply, I dont receive any benefits.

 

I called my local benefits advice earlier and they said i might be entitled to employment and support benefit? He said it had replaced incapacity benefit.

 

He told me that the rate was around £47per week, but when i explained it wouldnt be enough to cover my bills and rent he said I wouldnt be entitled to anything else, such as income support as i have no children and im not entitled to housing benefit because i live with family and friends.

 

I really dont see my options, I dont not want to work im just not able to right now im burnt out! I just know that if I dont take the time to get help now i'll only get worse but it doesnt look like i have that option.

[andrew1402]

first of all don't bother with any of those benefits they will cause you more stress having medicals reporting to jobcentre every week or month but you need money so it's upto you i suffer from depression and anxiety and im on incapacity benefit which you get more than the usual money but it comes with more stress im afraid go to local cab office and ask them.

[fletch86]

Thanks, I have been told by a benefits advisor that unless you were claiming incapacity benefit before it was changed to employment and support allowance you cannot claim?

[seftonview]

Hi Fletch86

 

I'm sorry to hear things are difficult right now.

 

In terms of benefits, you are able to make a claim to Employment and Support Allowance if you are unable to work.

 

Because of the nature of the illness you have been diagnosed with, you may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance. Entitlement to this is based on the help you need with day to day tasks such as socialising and getting around out of doors.

 

You may be entitled to some Housing Allowance and Council tax benefit, but the rules are complex.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Seftonview

[MIKEY DABODEE]

ESA has replaced Incapacity Benefit for all new claimants but there are differnet levels of ESA and if you have paid stamp or national insurance you may be entitled to more because then it is based on your contibutions you have paid

If you caim ESA then you can get housing benefit and council tax if applicable

the rate for benefit increases awhen you reach twenty five at present its £60.50 but due a rise in April

[fletch86]

Thanks for all the help and advice, realy appreciate it!

 

To Seftonview

 

They told me I wont be entitled to Housing benefit as i live with family/friends?

[surprise]

You should see you Welfare Rights Officer. Look on your Local Authority's website. They are usually very good and helpful. They have helped my daughter who suffers with mental health problems.

 

Good luck.

[fletch86]

Thanks I've justy found my local Welfare Right Officer, hopefully they wll help me out .

 

Thanks again

[seftonview]

Thanks for all the help and advice, realy appreciate it!

 

To Seftonview

 

They told me I wont be entitled to Housing benefit as i live with family/friends?

 

It depends precisely on the circumstances as to whether or not this is the case.

 

If you can demonstrate you have been paying rent prior to becoming unwell, they cannot argue the claim to HB is designed for unjust enrichment.

 

SV