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DLA Tax credits help

Posted , 5 users are following.

dee01002
dee01002

I have Fibro although havnt been formally diagnosed. I go to physio and take painkillers although some days I just live on the sofa to tired, weak and sore to move! I don't want to give up work (I'm self employed) but I do want to cut my hours. I'm supposed to be working 30 plus for tax credits but find this impossible!  After a call to them I was told I need to be receiving dla to reduce my work hours!? Surely not? Does anyone know if this is true? x

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • JulieBadger
    JulieBadger dee01002

    Posted

    Hi, PIP has replaced DLA here in the UK if you are under 65.  ESA is for us self-employed people who cannot / have reduced working hours due to illness. I started looking up the ESA info, but it's abit indepth to do at a quick glance on google.  They recommend going to a Citizens Advice bureau to get personal advice.   

    Without a formal diagnosis my thinking is you might struggle.  The joys of having a piece of paper on it with a medical title.  If you were to try the PIP system I expect you would also need that lovely piece of paper with a diagnosis on it.

    My advice would be to do your ESA research first then go see a Citizens Advice bureau. Good Luck

    • dee01002
      dee01002 JulieBadger

      Posted

      Oh really. The woman did say dla too at any level and I can cut my hrs to 16 which would be perfect. But yes now I think on it would be PIP. My gps words were "we're looking at fibromyalgia but I don't want to label you" I just can't cope with 30hrs and everything else, house work etc. I'm not after extra money and don't mind less as long as I have less to do and can spend my better days a bit more leisurely with my daughter rather than working till small hours of the morning and making myself ill for the next day.. I will look into ESA though thank you very much smile
    • JulieBadger
      JulieBadger dee01002

      Posted

      Unfortunately 'label's are how the government works.  I think you will need a recognised 'label' so that you can be put in a nice little tick box and be recognised as deserving financial support.

      If you look into it and need a 'label' and explain the reason why to your doctor, I am sure that he/she will understand and work towards a definate confirmation.  Good Luck x

    • dee01002
      dee01002 JulieBadger

      Posted

      Thank Julie. Thats my plan whenever I manage to get an appointment with my GP - 2wks I've been calling every morning to be told theyre "fully booked and unable to make ine in advance.. please try again in the morning" x
  • cherl450
    cherl450 dee01002

    Posted

    whish i could help there hun but like you i was self employed but had to give up work and i was self employed so now i love of benfits and it makes me so low
    • dee01002
      dee01002 cherl450

      Posted

      Aw I could imagine thats why I want to keep at it just a bit less. I paint furniture for a living and have already stopped larger items but even not so good days I can sit at a table and paint a jewellery box etc. X
    • cherl450
      cherl450 dee01002

      Posted

      hope it doesnt get to bad for you hun

      all the best

      cherl

  • denise56617
    denise56617 dee01002

    Posted

     Hi, I think you need to go back to your doctors and ask for a referral to a rheumatologist. If fibro is confirmed there is a lot of help available through the NHS such as physio, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy (if available in your area) and CBT. Some of these may help with your symptoms and make life a little more manageable.
    • cherl450
      cherl450 denise56617

      Posted

      Hi there 

      My Rheumatologist has already diganosed fibo but still being tested for ms and also have heart disease copd Myleadisplaser sorry propably spelt it wrong its to due with my bone marrow not working proper also have arthritis in knees lower back shoulder arm hands and i all ready have physobut at moment its manage pain as im unable to walk ten yardswithout aids and aperson helping otherwise i collapse but thanks hun xxx

      cherl

    • dee01002
      dee01002 denise56617

      Posted

      Thanks Denise. Its getting an appointment with the GP thats the problem at the moment! X
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