benefits

hi
next week i go to the jobcentre to be moved from income support to jsa as my child is 7yrs next week

my primary dx was aug 09,wle,chemo,rads and tamoxifen
though i am with out doubt much better,there is still so much i cant do
i was hospitalised 4 times during chemo and it has left some lasting effects

im really struggling to find any work i would be upto doing
im also on antidepressents for anxiety and panic attacs

my lone parent adviser mentioned esa in passing but said hardly anyone gets it!
is it right you only get jsa for 6 mths then its stopped?
do i go down the esa route?
not sure which way to turn regarding the change in benefits

A job?

If you are still suffering from anxiety and depression, I would ask to be referred to your community mental haelth team or a psychologist.
Coping with a young child and a bc diagnosis takes its toll.

Go and have a chat with your GP.

Julie

ive had a course of cbt therapy which helped
i do feel ready to do some sort of job but what i dont know
i cant be in a hot busy enviroment as i panic
im only trained to work with race horses so thats out lol
i did do some cleaning but dont think i could do 16 hrs worth

I lost 4 months to anx and panic last year. I had to be moved to work that didn’t involve stairs. Can’t work alone due to the severity of my anx attacks as they looked like seizures.
I went back to work 12.5 hours of an evening cleaning a floor of offices, loos, kitchen and board room. After a few weeks the comapny made a few changes and moved me to the same site as a factory janitor and I loved it. I have my dust cart, high-vis, mops and brooms and I plod around for an extra 20 hours scrubbing factory floors, toilets, urinals, canteen and lab. Not a girls work, but it’s my work! I’m going to try and go back this year. As long as i’ve got the help and support I need, and a pinch of medication i’ll be there. This isn’t going to beat me!

Hi Lincs Lady. I was diagnosed oct 2010, I recd SSP from work than half pay until recently. I claimed ESA in June 2011 and was awarded £65 per week for 13 weeks. This is paid while they determine what to pay you long term. I have now been placed in a support group which allows me to work less than 16 hours and still claim ESA. So I am going back to work in 2 weeks for 9 hours a week and will still get ESA which has been awarded at £113 per week now. Don’t be put off its not true that hardly anyone gets it. I’m not 100% better but I think siting at home makes you feel worse and 9 hours a week is not too much. If you have trouble filling in the form the advisors are very helpful or make an appt with a hospital social worker. Good luck xx

Hi Lincs Lady

You can claim ESA as long as you get a sick note from your doctor however if you claim Jobseekers you can have restrictions on your jobseekers agreement because you have young child ie looking for part time work not full time. The jobcnetre also hav DEA advisors (disability employment advisors) who you can ask to see they have all sorts of help available to help you back in to work. I work in Jobcnetre and so if I can help further please do not hesitate to send me a message

Please be aware that you national insurance contributions have to be up to date. I worked 32.5 hours a a week, but can’t have any money because i’ve not paid in for the last two financial years.

i think ni is paid while on income support?. i worked for 25yrs so was all paid up then
thankyou all for the advice im sure i will get all questions answered at the jobcentre next week though its always very rushed

is it right you only get jsa for 6mths? thats a worry as im not getting replys from cvs i have sent off

dixons can i ask if it a primary cancer you have?
thankyou, feel a bit more armed with what i need to ask now

Lincs Lady

Because you have been on income support you will get income based jobseekers allowance and iut is paid for as long as t=your circumstances remain the same If you have been getting housing benefit and caoncil tax benefit they will remain unchanged as well You will have it all explained at jobcentre I work in jobcentre if I can help feel free to pm me

Jill

thankyou jill