Tax Credits Advice needed, please.

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Ruth Simmonds

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi there. I am new, so apologies if I have posted in the wrong place. 😱

I am 52 years old and type 2. I am carer to my 19 year old son who is disabled, so have been working 20 hours per week, self-employed. I now face the fact that I will have to work 30 hours when my son leaves college, else I'll lose my tax credits.

I am divorced and my son's father does nothing to help. Most nights I am up until 2 or 3 am, and by morning I am exhausted. My diabetes is up and down at the moment, probably because of tiredness, stress, and my 'time of life'. I really don't know how I can work 30 hours and still be able to care for my son while I feel so rough.

Does anyone here know if the hours spent caring count towards Working Tax Credits, or whether the fact I just could not manage 30 hours because of falling asleep, feeling shaking and the side effects of Victoza (I won't go into details because of 'too much information') would mean I could claim the disability part, please? I can manage three hours at a time, but then have to stop for an hour or two. My work now has to fit around my health and I am really worried.
 
Hi there. It pretty much sounds to me like you'd be better of claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). It's a sickness benefit for those unable to work through either sickness or disability. You should go to your GP and explain your symptoms, if he gives you a medical certificate then you would definitely be able to claim ESA. I'm not too sure Tax Credit wise what you should do. If you make an appointment to go and see an advisor at Citizens Advice they would be able to guide you through the tax credits stuff or give you any advice on benefits that you need. Hope this helps 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum, Ruth Simmonds.

As I'm sure you know, welfare rights is a very complicated area, and is in a state of change at present, particularly with introduction of Universal Credit and the change from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment for people of working age (like your 19 year old son).

So, I strongly suggest that you consult your local CAB / welfare rights advisor (some councils have them) etc, so that you can go through your situation in detail (and more privately than on this forum).

However, people here may be able to share experiences of how to manage diet, activity etc, alongside Victoza or whatever medications you are using.
 
Hi Ruth. I agree with Copepod, you would be well advised to talk to CAB. They have people who can help you find your way through the benefits minefield.

I doubt you'll be allowed to keep the working tax credits, but I believe that, if your son is unable to work, he may be able to claim ESA for himself though that might not be the case with all the rules changes it would be well worth checking. He should definitely be entitled to some level of PIP/DLA, and you may be entitled to something for taking care of him.

I hope you can get this sorted out soon.
 
hi ruth
as others have said, save yourself alot of time and stress and make an appointment at your local CAB office. I have used them and they are great ; friendly helpful people who can talk you through everything and answer any questions you may have. much easier and less time consuming than having to navigate all the info on the net.
good luck x
 
Thanks, everyone. Jonathan gets DLA and I get Carer's so we are okay on that matter. I shall certainly do as you have suggested and make an appointment with CAB. 🙂
 
I am told that this site is quite good for working out what your are entitled to.

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/



ETA I have not used it so can't comment on how easy or accurate it is, but I have heard a few say that it's good.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top