complicated

Hi all x long story just one of them familys that happens to all have conditions.. l currently recieve carers for my daughter whilst l am in ill health myself. I have fibromyalgia athritis to both shoulders and spine and daily life is a big struggle... normal every day things crucify me. l have been in this state for a number of years with a few other diagnosis chucked in which were ignored due to the fibro diagnosis and all my complaints the fibro was blammed for which resulted in a full hysterectomy last year HA! I have no idea if l can attempt to make a claim for myself with been a carer.. and woudlnt knwo where to start but need to consider this and be prepared in case l can and do. My husband is registered disabkled to and recieves mobility. Nice to meet you all and thanks for any help x

[Note that I have amended my advice following advice from a colleague.]

You don't say what it is you want to claim, so I'll answer it either way.

There is nothing to stop a carer claiming ESA provided that they are eligible in their own right.

You can claim ESA and CA, however, the CA is an overlapping benefit with ESA, so the CA payment is deducted from your ESA, effectivley negating it, but you can get a carer's premium, which is an additional payment on top.

It's better to claim CA and IS as you there is no deduction, in which case you don't have to worry as to whether being a carer conflicts with you being ill.

Because there are different options for claiming, if you are considering claiming ESA, I would advise you to get face to face advice to ensure that you are maximising your benefits.

It is possible for a carer to claim DLA. Obviously, it is only possible to get DLA if you have the relevant care and/or mobility needs and it may be that the type of care you provide for your daughter means that you don't yourself have the relevant care needs.

The classic example of two people who both get DLA together is where one has mental illness and the other has a physical condition and their needs are complementary.

Hi thanks for the reply much appreicated. I havnt a clue what l should be doing l just want to be aware that l have the option if the need arises. My daughters claim is due for renewal in a few months and as she will no longer be classed as a child ( reaches 16) then if l feel unable to carry out role as a carer then this can pass to someone else all done properlly of course. I just need to know where l stand. I would love nothing better than to have a life and go to work in reality l know this aint going to happen :(l cant even sit for long without severe chest pain l could go on and on but l wont about symptoms. I guess l need to be prepared for the day l feel l myself will have to make a claim regarding my own care. Thanks so much for your help x

hi, just wanted to let you know i am a fibro sufferer and have 4 year old twins...and its such hard work anyway but when your not well either...well so no more !!!
good luck with your forms if you do them
shrimp xxx