Benefits...genuine Case

[Fish the Mod]

I was taken seriously ill in June with a blood disease which is incurable and spent over a month in Hospital. I had chemo and thankfully the disease has gone into remission. I have failed my medicals to return to my driving job but confidence that I will pass them at the end of the month. In 36 years of working non stop, I have never applied for any state handout but after what little money I had in the bank ran out i had no choice. I have my rent covered and reduced council tax but can I claim for anything else like energy bills. I appreciate the tax payer should not fund my child maintenance, credit card bill etc but I'm struggling with food bills. I'm selling my car today to save money on Tax and insurance and family and friends have given me some little money but is there anything else I am missing out on.

[ummmm]

Are you getting sick pay from your job?

[murraymints]

If you are not fit for work...esa....or jsa if you are fit available and seeking work https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

[boxtops]

Unless you are self-employed, you should be eligible for state sick pay, at the very least. Go and see the citizens' advice bureau, they are knowledgeable about things like this.

[scorpiojo]

If your illness means you need personal care or help getting around, you may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance. Contact CAB as boxtops suggested.

[Fish the Mod]

no sick pay other then £80 SSP....I can get around fine in fact I'm confidence that I will be fit again for work soon.

[Gromit]

I have a mate in similar circumstances. His bills are £95 a week and he gets £71 a week jsa. Nothing else. Nothing left for food.

Hope you get some help and good luck in the meantime.

[themas]

In some areas there are foodbanks. There is also a local assistance scheme run by local authorities in all parts of the country. You should be able to get advice on both from the CAB.

[hc4361]

May I ask the name of this blood disease?

[Fish the Mod]

Vasculitis.

[scorpiojo]

Are you aware of the charity Vasculitis UK?