To stay or go take vr or struggle?

[Lexie2408]

Hi

 

 

I currently work for LA who are going through a restructure,

 

 

I used to work full time and now part time due to my back problems.

I had a discetomy back in April but I struggle with work

 

 

I work 18.5 hours 5 mornings a week.

 

 

It is a struggle especially as I can't take my full medication before I go to work due to the drowsiness.

I have a 5 year old and live with my partner who is on ESA support group and lower dla care component.

 

 

I know I physically can't carry on doing this job.

I need to know where I financially stand if I had to go on benefits.

 

 

The vr payment is not a lot but it maybe a good way for me to leave my employment.

 

 

I did a benefits check on Turn 2 us

I need to know if it's accurate.

 

 

I tried CAB and they couldn't fit me in.

 

 

I have a deadline for this Wednesday about my VR.

 

 

Can anyone help?

 

 

Thanks

[citizenB]

I understand that Turn2Us is pretty accurate. However, I will alert site team for you for some more informed advice.

[Lexie2408]

Thank you

[citizenB]

Will the VR be based on your current working or overall including when you were working full time ?

[Lexie2408]

Based on my current working pattern

[citizenB]

Ouch ! Ok, well I have flagged your thread for others on the site team. I am sure they will be able to help.

[Lexie2408]

Yerp it hurts. OK thank you

[honeybee13]

Hello there.

 

My understanding is that turn2us is a good benefit calculator if you can put in precise information.

 

Do you or your partner have a condition that is covered by a charity that might advise? If you can't see the CAB, and I know they're busy, some advice on the phone might help.

 

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

 

HB

[honeybee13]

Hello again.

 

Having discussed this with someone else, I think you might have an issue if your VR is seen as resigning by the DWP. It's worth checking this out.

 

Local authorities have benefits advisers, could you see one of them before Wednesday? Alternatively, you could try the DWP helpline but I don't know how good they are these days.

 

Hopefully some of the forum regulars will be able to reply over the weekend.

 

HB

[Lexie2408]

Hi Thanks

 

I have already checked and I can claim with my VR and the pittance they offer me. The thing that has confused is on the benfits calculator on Turn 2 us the HB is more than my rent which is why I am unsure of the results.

[ericsbrother]

If the redundancy is part of a rationalisation exercise then it isnt resignation so is the job disappearing or is this severance rather than redundancy? Are you intending to seek other employment at some point in the near future because if you arent calling your leaving redundancy may not be the best move. Speak with your employer, they may know the ropes as far as eligibility for benefits goes if they have been in business a while.

[Nystagmite]

Benefit checkers are only as accurate as the figures you put in.

 

RE: HB - there's a maximum the LA will pay and there's the amount of rent you pay. If your rent is less, you can only get the amount your rent is. For example, my HB rate is more than my rent, which means my full rent is covered.

[antone]

It is possible that a person who takes VR could be seen as having left a job voluntarily. This would be an issue for a JSA claim, but would not be a concern for an ESA claim.

 

The key considerations for me would be:

 

• Which benefit do you plan to claim? If you are unwell, would you claim ESA or do you plan to look for another job and so claim JSA?
  
• How much is the redundancy payment? An amount over £6000 would affect a claim to means tested benefits, over £16,000 would disqualify you.
  
• You say your partner already claims ESA. Is this contribution based?
  

[Lexie2408]

Hi I have checked and checked taking vr cannot go against me. My position may go but nobody knows as the restructure proposal isn't being disclosed to us which is the annoying thing.

My partner is on income based.

If I go on benefits it will only be for the period of time it takes me to retrain for a job that's not so physically taxing on my back and while I wait to see my consultant. The vr is only £1300.

When I complete the checker it looks like we have a joint claim on ESA.

I am mainly considering this one as it might be an opportunity for me to leave my employment and access services to retrain. But only if we can live on the benefits that we will receive.

 

Thanks