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First time applicant, advice needed
- Takshaka
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6 years 1 month ago #228360 by Takshaka
First time applicant, advice needed was created by Takshaka
I am 47, autistic and have been suffering with debilitating mental health problems throughout my life. For much of my life though, I have managed to get by financially through various attempts at online entrepreneurship. I have always been self employed, never worked for anyone else. For the last few years, this has not been possible, I have been unable to work and I have been surviving on a combination of savings and help from family.
I have not applied for any benefits specifically because I fear that the process and the system will have a devastating effect on my already fragile and precarious health but now that my savings are running out, I have no choice but to try to get the financial support I need.
I would appreciate any guidance as to how I should proceed, what I should be applying for, whether I need to involve my GP etc.
I am unable to speak on the phone so need to deal with everything in writing.
Thanks
I have not applied for any benefits specifically because I fear that the process and the system will have a devastating effect on my already fragile and precarious health but now that my savings are running out, I have no choice but to try to get the financial support I need.
I would appreciate any guidance as to how I should proceed, what I should be applying for, whether I need to involve my GP etc.
I am unable to speak on the phone so need to deal with everything in writing.
Thanks
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- Gordon
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6 years 1 month ago #228367 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic First time applicant, advice needed
J
Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is
Welcome to Benefits and Work
In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ
My full name is showing, how can I stop it?
There are two benefits that you can claim; Universal Credit which is what is called an income replacement benefit, you can ask to be assessed as being unable to work due to your conditions. Have a look at our ESA Claim guides for information about the criteria you will need to meet.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1
You can also claim PIP, this is awarded to provide help with the extra costs that a disabled person may have, see our PIP Claim guide
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip
Both guides explain how to make a claim.
If you have more questions then please reply to this post and I will do my best to help.
Gordon
Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is
Welcome to Benefits and Work
In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ
My full name is showing, how can I stop it?
There are two benefits that you can claim; Universal Credit which is what is called an income replacement benefit, you can ask to be assessed as being unable to work due to your conditions. Have a look at our ESA Claim guides for information about the criteria you will need to meet.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1
You can also claim PIP, this is awarded to provide help with the extra costs that a disabled person may have, see our PIP Claim guide
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip
Both guides explain how to make a claim.
If you have more questions then please reply to this post and I will do my best to help.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Takshaka
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- Takshaka
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6 years 4 weeks ago #229101 by Takshaka
Replied by Takshaka on topic First time applicant, advice needed
I have completed the initial online application for Universal Credit. At the end it tells me to phone to make an appointment for an interview. This is a pretty major problem for me since I am unable to speak on the phone. The interview itself is also going to make me extremely ill with panic attacks (for weeks either side).
Are there any accommodations for people in my situation?
Are there any accommodations for people in my situation?
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- Gordon
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6 years 4 weeks ago #229107 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic First time applicant, advice needed
Takshaka
Yes, they should allow you to converse by mail and via your UC Journal but it can be easier if you can phone, is there anybody that phone on your behalf, you would need to be present for the call and may need to authorise the DWP to speak to the person.
Gordon
Yes, they should allow you to converse by mail and via your UC Journal but it can be easier if you can phone, is there anybody that phone on your behalf, you would need to be present for the call and may need to authorise the DWP to speak to the person.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Takshaka
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