In unknown territorynow

PollySid · 1. Feb 2012, 13:10

Well, that's it - done - finito- I am now not employed, that is when my month's notice runs out anyway. It was all very civilised and I made it clear that I wanted my letter to say that my contract was being terminated as my health stopped me from doing my job. We agreed that the job could not be altered enough so that I could do it and they said there were no other jobs that would be suitable for me.

I have never been unemployed before apart from when my children were little, and then I worked part time in the evenings, and did Strawberry pulling etc (just realised, that must have really helped my back along!).

I have a new 4 week sick note from the doctor, do I take that to the JS Office when I go? Do they advise on which is the most suitable benefit - JSA, ESA or Working Tax credit on Hubby's wages?

Do I take along the letter from OH doctor stating my problems, and my X-ray results, or are they not relevant when going to the Job Centre.
Sorry if I sound a bit daft, but I have no idea, and really don't want to go. If my husband was full time and earned more I would just try to manage until my retirement pension in a years time.

valval · 1. Feb 2012, 13:27

to be honest not sure but if it was me would take anything that might be relivant do not find them very help full around here. so good luck you can always phone help line for advice (here) val

sulkycat · 1. Feb 2012, 15:25

Hi,
I have been through this fairly recently. If you have one nearby I highly recommend your local One Stop Centre - mine was absolutely brilliant.
I was dreading the whole thing (haven't been on benefits for a very long time) but they were superb.

They needed the usual - Drs information / contacts, sick notes, national insurance number, latest pay slips, proof of why I had had to leave work etc, and took me through everything I should be entitled to, who to contact and so on. They did a lot of the paperwork for me, and arranged for a (lovely) advisor to come to my home to write my DLA application. You can request a one-to-one meeting in a private room, that was perfect.

I haven't set foot in a Job Centre because I am too ill to look for work.

Best of luck with it all, it's one more thing piled on top of feeling so ill isn't it.

frogmorton · 2. Feb 2012, 08:05

Oh Polly...

l bet you dont know what to think...and now you have to step into the benefits minefield. How scary, but you have the advantage of being able to get support from us lot, a good letter from work and a lot of evidence.

I think in your position l would look on the directgov site and then try to follow Sulky's route as far as possible.

can l wish you good luck and do let us know how you get on.

Love and HUGS

Toni xxx

barbara12 · 2. Feb 2012, 10:30

Hi Polly
Im so sorry it has come to this, I wish I could help, but I do see that sulky has given you some good advice, so I will wish you good luck with everything...and dont forget we are always here.x

PollySid · 2. Feb 2012, 11:42

Well, I rang the Government number and explained my situation to the man that answered. He suggested I apply for ESA and didn't seem to think there was a problem with people getting it (Yeah, right! where's he been hiding?).
I can't apply though until my months notice has run through as they class that as a month's work.
I also rang about Working Tax Credit and spoke to a lovely lady who was very helpful. She asked questions over the phone and said that we should get x amount of £'s up to 5/4/11 and twice as much from 5/4/11 to date as our income has dropped so much with me being off work.
So I will fill that form in as soon as I get it and hope I can persuade them to backdate it for the full 3 months allowed.
I would then just have to let them know if I get any other sort of benefit so they can adjust their payments accordingly.
So far, so good (and I may not even have to join the dole queue) Sorry if any of our younger members don't know what that is, but it is what we used to call the Job Centre procedures in my younger days.

frogmorton · 2. Feb 2012, 14:27

Well done Polly

bet you feel a good bit better for that

woudl be great if you dont have to join the dole queue!!!

Love

Toni xx

tkachev · 3. Feb 2012, 04:40

I am sorry Polly that you have become unemployed due to your health. Just be careful you don't fall into that 'too ill to work and therefore disqualified from unemployment benefits, yet too well to get disability benefits'.

But it seems you are getting good advice. You can also ring CAB to ask any questions or a local-to-you benefits charity.

I hope you get the 3 months backpay.

Elizabeth xx

barbara12 · 3. Feb 2012, 04:52

Hi Polly
I am of that age that remembers the dole queue...only went once....and that was enough
I really do wish you good luck with everything..you are getting some good advice off that nice lady..it does make such a difference
Now you try and relax, and please let us know how you get on.

ritwren · 3. Feb 2012, 05:00

Polly I'm sorry it's come to pass that you've had to leave work but happy that you seem to have found some direction. It's good to hear things are working out for you. Do let us know how things go from here on in.
Take care, rita

In unknown territorynow

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