Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello there :) I have been trying to navigate the UK benefits system but it seems impossible to speak to just *one person* to get an understanding about what are the options. There are pages and pages of information, including on this website, but I don't know which of the categories applies to me. I find it really overwhelming.
Maybe if someone has experience of this system they can help guide me? I have looked at universal credit, but from what I understand they won't let me have this because I have £XXXX sum of money in savings. They deny requests from anyone with savings over a certain amount. So UC is off the table.
Tax credits - I can't get my head around how these work or even really what they are? PIP - I understand that this is only for people who need physical or practical help living day-to-day. I don't think I meet these criteria, as I live alone and do everything myself (washing, cooking, etc).
Council tax benefits - I don't understand/know how to claim.
Help with rent - I don't understand/know how to claim.
A little bit about me: I work part-time, about 27hrs a week and earn about 21k a year. I live alone. No children. As well as Autism, I also have complex PTSD, ADHD, Dyspraxia, etc.
The issue I'm encountering is that because of my mental health/autism, I'm not able to work full time and so need help topping up my income which I understand the government will do, but I am not sure....how? I did work full time until about a year ago when the burnout just got too much and I had to ask my work to reduce my hours.Thank you so much to anyone reading and/or replying! I wasn't sure where to turn but someone on a Facebook autism page said you might be able to help :)
Hi everyone - I thought I would post a little update. I don't know where this reply will go in the thread below but hopefully you can see it. I emailed citizens advice last night, but the website only let your type a short paragraph and, being me, I had a LOT to say/explain so that was tough. They basically emailed back today to say they can't give advice over email, so call.
SO I called and spoke to an advisor. She prettttty much said that I can't be eligible for most benefits because I have savings over £16k. It rules out: Universal Credit, housing benefit, council tax benefit and something called ESA which she explained is not really a benefit, but for people who aren't able to work at all. The only option left to me is PIP which from what I have read online is a) super hard to get approved for and b) I may not fit the criteria for anyway since I am 'high functioning' (whatever that means).
Anyway, so that's where I am at with the whole thing. Any other advice people can offer is super welcome! Here to chat anytime