Diabetes/shielding/redundancy/benefits

[Kiwi]

Hi I'm type 1, have been for about 26 years.

Need a bit of advice. I started shielding, as I am classed as extremely clinically vulnerable, in March. I was covered on full furlough until June when I was made redundant. Are there any benefits I can claim in this situation? Is there anyone else in the same situation? And what are you doing for income?
Pulling my hair out trying to find a solution.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Job seekers allowance?

 

[Sharron1]

Hi I'm type 1, have been for about 26 years.

Need a bit of advice. I started shielding, as I am classed as extremely clinically vulnerable, in March. I was covered on full furlough until June when I was made redundant. Are there any benefits I can claim in this situation? Is there anyone else in the same situation? And what are you doing for income?
Pulling my hair out trying to find a solution.

Universal Credit? Although only applies if you have less than 16k savings. Best to check on the DWP website

 

[Ralph-YK]

Probably Universal Credit. In some areas at least you can't apply for Jobseakers (JSA) anymore, as fare as I know. If JSA is still available you might be better applying for that. Without an income, you'd have been entitles to one or the other since June. Unless you had loads of money in the bank.

as I am classed as extremely clinically vulnerable, in March.

Cause of that could you apply for PIP? As this is less than UC or JSA you'd be better off applying for one of those as well.

Benefits can be a bit confusing. I suggest ringing Citizens Advice.
Please note, you've to apply promptly. If you don't apply soon enough you'll have a period they'll not pay for.

 

[trophywench]

I believe you just have to claim ESA these days.

 

[Drummer]

Just be really careful making the application. I have heard of several people who made mistakes and have ended up with nothing, even though they would have qualified if the mistake had been put right soon enough.

 

[Ralph-YK]

I believe you just have to claim ESA these days.

There are restrictions on who can apply for ESA (or were). Earlier this year I wasn't allowed to. This is a confusing bit, what qualifies you to even make a claim.

 

[Docb]

Hi @Kiwi. A little while ago I heard a talk from somebody who really knew their way around the benefits system and my lasting memory of that talk was that if you know the system, sorting out your entitlements is pretty straightforward but if you don't know the system its almost impossible. Asking the DHSS for guidance is problematical, the system is set up to police payments and discourage claimants rather than help.

What I am suggesting is that you need help from somebody who knows their stuff, who knows what you are entitled to and what you have to do to claim it. CAB is a good place to start, but I am guessing they will be a bit busy at the moment. An alternative would be to do a bit of internet searching for any charitable organisations in your area who provide help with benefit claims.

Hope you get sorted soon.

 

[grovesy]

Hi @Kiwi. A little while ago I heard a talk from somebody who really knew their way around the benefits system and my lasting memory of that talk was that if you know the system, sorting out your entitlements is pretty straightforward but if you don't know the system its almost impossible. Asking the DHSS for guidance is problematical, the system is set up to police payments and discourage claimants rather than help.

What I am suggesting is that you need help from somebody who knows their stuff, who knows what you are entitled to and what you have to do to claim it. CAB is a good place to start, but I am guessing they will be a bit busy at the moment. An alternative would be to do a bit of internet searching for any charitable organisations in your area who provide help with benefit claims.

Hope you get sorted soon.

I have seen many say that Citzens Advice are very good at helping with this sort of problem.
Some Food Banks also offer financial advice too!

 

[Pumper_Sue]

I believe you just have to claim ESA these days.

ESA is just a different name for sickness benefit.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Try this link Benefits - Citizens Advice and this one Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA): Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

[Kiwi]

Hi everyone, thankyou all so much for your help, I was just wondering if there was actually someone on the same situation that had been made redundant because of being off shielding. But I appreciate all the help, many thanks.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hi everyone, thankyou all so much for your help, I was just wondering if there was actually someone on the same situation that had been made redundant because of being off shielding. But I appreciate all the help, many thanks.

Hi Kiwi,
did you actually have a shielding letter? I suspect though even if you did have one and your job is no longer available there's nothing you can to about it except look for another job and or claim benefits.

 

[Kiwi]

Yes I've had shielding letters right from March covering both lockdowns, no there isn't anything I can do. I am part of tge excluded group!

 

[ColinUK]

Call the Diabetes UK helpline tomorrow morning and see what they can suggest/recommend.

 

[Kiwi]

Thankyou shall do

 

[KARNAK]

Age Concern can help you too no need to be an old fogey either.

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks for your help, although I feel 100 today!

 

[MarkGeordie]

JSA is still available but it’s New Style JSA. This is based on NI contributions in previous years and is only paid for the first 26 weeks. This can be claimed alongside UC. Although would be deducted from a UC award.

UC is available but remember, savings under 16k and above 6k will result in a reduction in your award. Over 16k and your not entitled.

If you need help with rent than this would need to be done through UC as HB can’t be claimed no more.

If you have an existing claim for working or child tax credits than claiming UC will end these.

 

[Kiwi]

Thankyou