What credits cards are good to get?

Should I claim Disabled Tax Credits?

• Hi there, I am wanting to get off of Benefits and go back to work. I understand that because of my Mental Disorders (Paranoid Schizophrenia with Bi-Polar Tendencies and Psychosis, Uni-Polar Depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, O.C.D, Insomnia/Hypersomnia, Self Harm and Mobility Issues) that I would be eligible for Disabled Working Tax Credits and be able to work from 16 hours a week rather than 30 hours for Regular Working Tax Credits. I looked up the Disadvantage Test on HMRC Web-Site to see if I qualify... 16. You have a mental illness for which you receive regular treatment under the supervision of a medically qualified person. 17. Due to mental disability you are often confused or forgetful. 19. Due to mental disability you strike people or damage property or are unable to form normal social relationships. Also I understand that because I get High Rate CARE of D.L.A I would qualify for an extra £1000 annually. Is this true? Should I qualify Disabled Tax Credits if I go back to work (which I fully intend to do) when I am ready (I am not stabilised right now on Meds according to Psych and not ready for work as it could be of harm to myself and others) or do you think I have had enough out of the System already. I really do not want anything to do with the Universal Credit as I think it is just bad news for everyone and I do believe that Disabled and Regular Working Tax Credits are going to become a part of the U.C! I big part of me just thinks I should be happy with the £370.00 I get in D.L.A (P/Month) plus whatever wages I get. I feel greedy claiming extra things as I feel that I get more than enough in Benefits now and to say I currently get £1,100.00 (P/Month) and live alone and have no children yet I read many stories where people live on the brink and basic minimum and have to scrimp to get by and I feel awful for them as I receive so much but I am not receiving it illegally or committing Benefit Fraud. I was sent to a Benefits advisor at Job Centre who originally told me I was entitled to extra Income Support and Premiums, etc.. I haven't lied to get these Benefits. I have been seeing Child Psychiatrist since age 6 - 16 then Adult Psych from age 19 - 25 (I am 25 now). For 12 years I was misdiagnosed with BorderLine Personality Disorder and my Mum received D.L.A for me as a child. I am entitled to them but would give anything to be able to work like I used to. I worked paying Taxes from age 16 when I worked at Tesco and went to college and then at 17 I worked at Focus DIY then shortly after that worked at Magistrates Courts then at 18 I worked for Council and 19 worked for Argos and 20 I worked for Sainsbury's. I also did jobs like Baby-Sitting, Dog Walking and Waitressing when I was a teenager at School to earn a few quid to give to my single Mum. My Dad was psychically and mentally abusive towards me and my Mum. I was molested at age 4 by a Friend of the Family. I was described as a peculiar child with a bizarre thought pattern by Psych. I used to make my toys have sex and set fire to my Polly Pockets. I also could talk with Animals (and still can) and would talk to my Great Granny Alice. I was bullied at School for starting my periods at 8 years old and developing breasts which went up a cup size every year until I was a size H! I started to hear 'The Voices' from Satan's Demons at age 13 and also my Spirit Guide (Emma) cam to me at that time too. I became Anorexic followed by bulimic and then recently was raped. I have had it tough but have no regrets because everything that has happened has made me wiser and I am wise beyond my years. I don't wallow. I hold my head high. But I am overwhelmed with guilt about me claiming these Benefits. I went Bankrupt to the tune of £20,000 in Loans, Credit Cards, Store Cards and Over Drafts because of my impulsive buying and the monthly repayments exceeded what I was getting in Benefits. Now I barely spend any of my money so I give my Benefit money to my Mum so she can pay off her debt. I have urges to spend every day but can't as I can't obtain credit. I now barely spend £150.00 a month on essentials such as Water - £10.00, Gas - £20.00, Electric - £20.00, O2 Phone Credit - £10.00, O2 Internet Dongle - £10.00, T.V Licence - £15.00, Toiletries/Cleaning Products - £15.00 and Food - £50 and my Mum has the rest. What are your thoughts? Thanks. Lin. x

• Answer:

  If I read you right, you seem to be asking two questions. To find out information about the amount of benefits, etc., you could contact your local Citizens' Advice Bureau or, if you prefer, the Benefit Help Line: 0800 882 200 -- 8.30 am to 6.30 pm. They can help advise you and tell you exactly what you could get. To the second question about whether you should claim all you are entitled to, yes of course! If you fit the rules, certainly, absolutely, no doubt about it. Your symptom of over-spending is an entirely different issue. That's something you may need professional help to curb if you find yourself giving in to those urges again. If you want, you could mention it to your psych and maybe get a referral to someone who understands what is going on there and how to help you deal with those urges. The only other thought I have about your post is that you're braver and stronger than I could ever be. Never give up. I wish you all the best for the future. (((hugs)))