I am 56yrs old and have been unable to work for the last 10 yrs because of health problems.
I have Fibromyalgia which is the main problem as I am constantly aching, feeling weak and tired. I can do small amounts of activity only and then have to rest for hours. I also have asthma, due to a weakened immune system caused by the Fibro'. I am on meds for depression and anxiety-state, have been for many years. In 2010 I had a heart attack which resulted in my having a quintuple by-pass operation. (which slowed me down even more)
I was originally on incapacity benefit but last year was re-assessed by DSS and put into the WRAG group. After their assessment they advised me to work very limited hours 3 to 6 per week only. They suggested voluntry work or spending this time at home painting.(art) This would work for me as I enjoy art and I could then spend as much or as little time as I am able, and work at my own pace. Hopefully to build a body of work over time and then eventually maybe become self employed. They agreed that this would be a good thing for me.
I have now been diagnosed as having Asperger syndrome and have been advised to make a fresh claim to DSS as I should be in the support group. The problem is, I am not good at answering the many questions on the claim forms and I get confused about explaining the problems I have. My partner has always given me great help when filling in any kind of forms but she has recently become so ill with her own mental health problems that she just can't help anymore.
Can anyone tell me if I can get any help with the forms and who I should contact ?I would like someone who is knowledgable in Asperger's as well as the benefit system if possible.
Thanks- Charles.
