Need Helpf Regarding Benefit

[guadacorte]

Hi Guys
I returned to the uk in January after living for 20+ years in Gibraltar.
I returned as I was unable to continue working due to the disease. I was diagnosed about 17 years ago. My hearing has degraded massively in both ears in the last 18 months.
I also go through periods of daily drop attacks

I will be getting hearing aids this week.

The last four years have been a nightmare and now I may only get 2 "good" days a week. Hell I cannot even go to Tesco without getting an attack.

My question is how do I go about getting benefits. At the moment I am on Employment And Support Allowance backed up by a doctors sick note that expires at the end of April.

I really am not sure what I am supposed to do. Do I stay on ESA which at the current rate does not give me enough money a month to live decently or do I apply for DLA although I have read somewhere that I need to have been paying NI for at least 2 years.

I am getting really stressed out and not being able to hear well Is makeing things worse.

Hope someone can point me in the right direction

[Barbara]

Hi Welcome to the group and we hope you will find us helpful

I will try and answer your questions in order but as you will no doubt be aware some of these benefits are about to change.

ESA- you will probably have to go for an interview and medical when this expires at the end of April but I think if it is re-awarded it might go up a little in due course.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBen...jured/DG_171896

DLA is shortly to become PIP but you can and should apply for this as well. DLA is hard to qualify for and the new PIP is going to be harder. DLA was never an out of work benefit. it was paid to help those in employment as well to have a better quality of life. I think DLA is still available until April 2013 but new applicants might already have to apply for PIP.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBen...eople/index.htm

I think, having come back from abroad, you will have to have been resident here for 26 weeks out of the last 52 so you may have to wait a little yet.

There are other things such as Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit which you might also be eligible for, but again you may have to wait 26 weeks. I am not sure about the NI requirement but I think if you are already able to get ESA you should at least enquire.
The Consumer Action Group Forum has advisors who will know more.
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/

There is a site http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/
you have to pay to join this site but they are good at helping you fill the forms in to get the best chance of winning your claims.

Sorry. A lot of sites to read through.

Barbara x

[guadacorte]

Hi Barbara
Thanks very much for your fast reply.
Indeed it gives me material to read and more information.

From what I can gather I will have to wait until at least until the end of my ESA assessment phase and maybe a medical. The ent mconsultant at hospital said he was more than willing to provide information to the authorities about my condition should they require it.

Thans for you help

Regards
Craig

[guadacorte]

Should I apply for DLA whilst serving my ESA assesment period?

Regards
Craig

[Barbara]

Simple answer- Yes.
You can download forms off the internet. Put the additional info that is not covered by
the form on to an extra sheet. Put in as much info and evidence as you can.
Be prepared to have to go to appeal as many are turned down initially. 40% of appeals are won.

Also:you mentioned drop attacks. You cannot drive if you have drop attacks.Inform the DVLA. When you have a letter saying you can't drive you can apply for a local disabled bus pass. (Like the ones for the elderly which give free travel)

Barbara x

[guadacorte]

Hi
I have looked at the DLA form and its seems to be not suitable for someone suffering from Meniere's, rather for people who find it difficult to walk or get about the house.

Any tips on how to fill in the form would be helpful

Regards
Craig

[Barbara]

I will PM you Craig.

It might be worth speaking to a Disability Advisor at CAB. My local one helped me and came to an Appeal with me which I won. Not all areas are as good but worth trying.

Barbara x

[sharon]

Craig
It's not the actual condition you have that matters....it's how that condition impacts on your everyday life.

I agree with Barbara. If you are struggling in any way with the forms, I suggest you make an appt with someone from CAB.
If you are happy to fill them in yourself, make sure to answer every question fully....even though it will seem you are repeating yourself!

Good luck.