Help for a good friend

[charitynjw]

A good friend of mine (I've known him for many years) is having problems getting any help.

He is diagnosed as having a degenerative lumbar condition which has now rendered him unable to work.
It is listed on the WHO database.

He has until now been a s/employed builder, has struggled with his condition in order to feed his family & keep a roof (social housing) over their heads.
He is fully paid up to date with tax & NI contributions.

His partner earns about £150 per week (s/emp) as a carer, but doesn't receive any carer allowance for him.

I suspect that he has been too honest with his claim, & has said that he can do more than he is really able to. (male pride?)

Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.

[enaid]

Re: Help for a good friend

[QUOTE=charitynjw;389803]A good friend of mine (I've known him for many years) is having problems getting any help.

He is diagnosed as having a degenerative lumbar condition which has now rendered him unable to work.
It is listed on the WHO database.

He has until now been a s/employed builder, has struggled with his condition in order to feed his family & keep a roof (social housing) over their heads.
He is fully paid up to date with tax & NI .Well being self employed he can not claim SSP (statuary sick pay) so he will have to go on ESA I would imagine https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance.

His partner earns about £150 per week (s/emp) as a carer, but doesn't receive any carer allowance for him..£100 limit on earnings to receive CA after tax/ni and certain expenses. She must also care for him for at least 35 hrs per week.
Working tax credits maybe worth looking at as she is not earning a lot.

I suspect that he has been too honest with his claim, & has said that he can do more than he is really able to. (male pride?)

Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.[/QUOTE

When being interviewed for a sickness claim you should explain things as they are at your worst, no point pride coming into it as the saying goes'pride comes before a fall'
Enaid x

[charitynjw]

Re: Help for a good friend

Thanks, enaid.

From what I understand, he hasn't had a 'face-to-face' interview; he's been turned down for the written application.

I'll find some better info.

[enaid]

Re: Help for a good friend

https://www.gov.uk/employment-suppor...e/how-to-claim

If hes been turned down then he will have been put on JSA Self-employed

You can’t usually get contribution-based JSA if you’re self-employed. You must have paid enough Class 1 National insurance, and self-employed people pay Class 2 or 4. You could get income-based JSA, tax credits or Employment and Support Allowance instead.