Can I Get Help

[fruitsalad]

My OH is retired and on a state pension we get pension credit to top it up, I have always done physical work, cleaning, delivery driving, I now suffer with arthritis in my lower back and hands and wrists, and it's now starting in my knees, I've also been diagnosed with fibromialgia, does anyone know if I can get any help financially, or will we both have to continue to live on OH state pension and pension credit top up?

[ubasses]

This link may help you a bit.
http://www.fibromyalgiasyndrome.co.uk/getting-financial-help-if-you-suffer-from-fibromyalgia.html

[hc4361]

Are you in receipt of state pension, or in work, or had to give up work due to ill health?

[fruitsalad]

Thank you for link ubs hc no I am not working anymore

[fruitsalad]

No I'm not in receipt of state pension not for another five years

[mikey4444]

How old are you Fruity ?...It might be a significant fact when dealing with the SS !

[EDDIE51]

Once you are on pension credit (as I am) there is no point working or earning any money as they take it £ for £ off your pension credit.
Pension credit is the maximum benefit you can get . You MAY be eligible for some extra money if you or your OH are seriously disabled. I get £33 week extra as care allowance because my wife is classed as severely disabled .
She gets DLA at the highest rate!

[wolf63]

The "SS" Mikey ??

[EDDIE51]

Pension credit starts when either of the two people in a couple reach state pension age for a female born on the same day.We get it because I am 66 and have reached pension age. My wife does not get her state pension for another 5 years.

[rsvp]

I have a reason for asking this fruitsalad so bear with me - you are asking about extra help......do you have a BT land line?

[fruitsalad]

I'm am 59 no BT landline

[rsvp]

Ok fruitsalad - wasn't sure whether it was financial help or medical help. Only replied because an elderly friend on pensions credits has just got his BT phone line changed from a normal line (telephone and broadband) to BT basic line - absolutely huge financial saving.

[fruitsalad]

Thank you all

[Tilly2]

Fruitsalad, I have no idea how two of you can live on one state pension and Pension Credit. You must be able to claim something for being unable to work through illness. Do go to social services and explain your plight.

[fruitsalad]

I did think of visiting the doctor and asking but don't like to feel like I'm wasting their time, but then again how will I get a report of my illnesses for whoever may need to see them.

[hc4361]

Think about applying for PIP - the new version of DLA.

https://www.gov.uk/pip/overview

I am 99% sure it is not counted as 'income' so won't affect your husband's pension credit.

Apply any way, you have a firm diagnosis of fibromyalgia which is recognised as being disabling. I strongly suggest you make an appointment with a specialist at your local Citizens' Advice Bureau and get help to fill in the very long forms. They know how to word it right so you will be more likely to succeed with your claim.

Good luck!

[murraymints]

fruit you need to visit your employment office/job centre Now....ask for an appointment to speak to a claimant adviser and they will tell you what and how to claim...I speak as ex manager..they will help you and advise you...any financiall assistance you can claim will be offered to you if and when you ask...so please phone and go in to your local office..

[EDDIE51]

DLA is definitely not classed as income, my wife gets it. As I said we also get pension credit and £33 a week extra for me being my wife's carer.
It is quite possible to live on pension credit , remember that if you get any pension credit at all even the minimum of £1 a week, you also get full housing benefit and pay no council tax. We are in social housing so we have no housing or council tax costs. I have worked out that if I started work I would have to bring home £393 a week just to be equal financially to where we are now.

[hc4361]

DLA does not exist for new claimants - it's PIP. And you are not living on pension + pension credit alone, Eddie - you're living on your wife's DLA, too

[EDDIE51]

Yes but PIP is also not treated as income for means tested benefits .
Fruitsalad you should put in a claim for PIP and ask your GP for advice about the claim. They can only say no! you have nothing to lose and could gain!