• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 82 subscribers
  • Views 2564 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Benefits

NAS49919

I don't just mean the benefits of getting an Aspergers diagnosis late in life ( ha ha, yet to find any). No - I mean cash benefits, from the Government, that kind of thing.

I work like a dog up to 15 hours a day in kitchen' / restaurant to support my family (one mother who is elderly, stomach removed etc) and my sister (two years younger than me with leukemia). Dad died three years ago after several years of ill health including cancer, heart attacks and Alzheimers.They cannot work, so every penny I have goes towards all the rent, bills, etc. It seems like everyone else can claim carer's allowance, tax credits etc, but I am not entitled to even free prescriptions or eye tests, let alone dental care, etc.

Does anyone know the system? As now diagnosed with A.S.;D. which has caused me immense problems through life, am I entitled to anything? I would love to finish my degree at University (two modules remaining ) and take that further, but I would settle with a free prescription my for anti-depressants (long term) if that's available.

Can anyone help me out? Thanks.

  • in reply to Deepthought

    NAS, I didn't realise you had this forum before, I'm delighted I found you and everyone on it.  Also, thank you for this website which I didn't know existed https://www.a1benefitsupport.com/pip. Have got the PIP form through (all 40 pages!) and Peabody Agency (in our area) have helped me fill out the form for my 18 adult daughter.  Would appreciate any tips/ key words anyone might have.  I hear that Austistics come under the mental health umbrella and PIP is difficult to get... I've got 11 years of medical history for them and her Aspergers diagnosis.  Also have been told to write a covering letter from me (her mother) explaining why we need PIP.

  • I did not know what to do either but i checked local charities and one is helping me with forms etc for PIP. It was suggested to me to go to CAB (citizens advice bureau) as they know about everything you will be entitled to and also will be able to help you fill in forms. I didn't go because i went to local DAG (disablement action group) charity which are helping me. But CAB really is your best starting place if you have no other organisations to contact.

  • in reply to NAS49919

    Patience!   

    People are not ignoring you.  They are just busy with their own ***.

    If you're mother is over pensionable age.  She or you on her behalf should apply for pension credits.

    Also make a good application for an attendance for her.  that is paid direct to her.  If that is successful , make an application for a carers allowance for yourself.  that is paid directly to you as the carer.   The attendance allowance and carers allowance are linked.  She must receive an attendance allowance for you to get a carers allowance. 

  • If she's not doing so already, might your mother be able to claim pension credits and/or attendance allowance so that this eases what's left for you to cover?  She could have a benefits check with Age UK to make sure she's claiming everything to which she's entitled.  

    As regards yourself and your sister, the Benefits and Work website might be of some use.  I use it myself to check things for all my family and it's been well worth the subscription. 

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to NAS49919

    I looked last night as I was dosing off and decided to reply in the morning when I could write a coherent reply. In regards to views and your impatience in waiting for responses, I believe it clearly shows your going through a tough time and are stuck in a bit of a negative funk that is getting the better of you. I hope you're able to overcome this soon as from personal experience I know how difficult it can be feeling like this.

    As others have said you may be eligible for PIP (your sister may be too). The benefit is based on how your autism affects different areas of your life and not the fact that you are autistic. I receive PIP. Your local council may also have a benefits advisor who could go through your options. 

    There's lots of advice on these forums from people who have successfully been awarded PIP on how to approach the form and what evidence to send in to prove the points you are making. 

  • in reply to NAS49919
    NAS49919 said:
    So everyone else gets views/ replies and I don't? Doesn't that just tell you all you need to know?

    Well currently as it seems the views function does not appear to be working on the forum, as also seemingly goes for not getting e-mail notifications either.

    As for the replies though ~ here is another! :-)

    With ASD at certain extents of the spectrum being an invisible (psychological) disability or condition, you might find this link to this group of some use perhaps regarding PIP (Personal Independence Payment):

    A1 - PIP Benefits Help & Support UK

    Mental Health & Hidden Illness

    https://www.a1benefitsupport.com/pip

  • in reply to NAS49919

    Some topics are easier to comment on than others. I'm not sure how the system works myself, so I wouldn't want to comment and give misguided advice. Give it time and someone might be able to help out. If not, the NAS has a helpline that you could try.

  • So everyone else gets views/ replies and I don't? Doesn't that just tell you all you need to know?