Getting the benefits you’re entitled to

I’ve found http://www.direct.gov.uk can be quite useful. They have good info on who is eligable (hope I’ve spelt that right!) what rate you might get and most importantly you can download application forms straight from the site.

Hello

I posted this message on another board earlier today but it has been suggested I might get some more help here.

I would like to know where I can obtain practical financial help. I presently work full time but in 1998, I was diagnosed with a muscle condition. I believe myself to be mildly affected, in that I am able to walk unaided, alhough I do have a tendency to fall and stairs can be hard work. I have always got incredibly tired and this is getting worse. Have been told I need to find ways to reserve my energy and that my tiredness is muscle fatigue.

I think I would benefit from working less hours but obviously less work means less money. I need to know where I can turn for help with finding out what impact reducing my hours would have on benefits and my pension. It seems to me that while websites like DirectGov have information about disability and employment, there is no one organisation who will actually look at me as an individual and help me with calculations and the benefits system is much too complicated for me to be able to do this myself. It seems irresponsible to reduce my hours without researching what doing so will mean. I need to know if I will still be able to cope financially. I am concerned that if I go into this blind and then need to increase my hours again, it may be too late.

Would love to hear from anyone who maybe has experiencing of reducing their hours and can advise what impact this had on their benefits and pension or from anyone who know where I may be able to turn to for help.

Thank you