The structure of benefits and 'who gets what' is confusing. Here iVillagers from the Money Matters message board discuss and advise on the intricacies of income support and other benefits

Q: Can you borrow if you are on income support?
I'm on income support and don't work, but I need some money for a private operation. Can people on benefits borrow money and, if so, how and where from?
igelincig

A: Credit Union
Have you got such a thing as a Credit Union where you live? This is a company set up by local people for local people. You save an amount with them every week and then, after 12 payments, you are able to get a loan for three times whatever you have saved. The repayments are pretty good, the interest is competitive, and they don't care how your money comes in as long as you have it coming in.
honeypie2003

A: Talk to your bank
It is often more difficult to borrow money when you are on benefits. Lenders would like to know what your income is, and that you are working, so they know that you have a vehicle to produce money and ultimately pay them back.

I don't know what your relationship with your bank is, but it might be an idea to make an appointment to see your bank. Explain why you would like to borrow money, how much, and also make sure to have a proposal as to how you intend to pay them back.
ro007

A: Talk to your GP
Why do you need to pay privately for your operations, is it something the NHS cannot do, or is it a waiting list issue? If it is the first, you might be able to appeal, and if it is the second your GP might be able to hold some sway. There are companies who would lend you money, but they normally want to see your income, and that you own your own home, for collateral. ,br> iona_ivf

Q: 'Laid-off on medical grounds' - will this affect existing benefits?
At the moment, my husband and I are on income support, disability benefit, carers allowance (my husband is disabled and I am his full-time carer), and child benefit. My husband is to have his employment terminated on medical grounds. How will this affect his income support and his incapacity benefit? At the moment, he is off sick and I am only working nine hours per week during term time.
momheatem

A: You are entitled to more help
Your husband is not receiving any wages from his employer, so the fact that he is going to be medically retired should not affect the benefits that you receive. However, if he gets a pension, this may affect the amount of income support you are awarded. You are obliged to inform the Department of Works and Pensions that you receive wages for working, and your income support will be reduced accordingly. You should be claiming housing and council tax benefit, too.

You can backdate your claim for invalid carers allowance for three months, as long as your husband was in receipt of his disability living allowance then. This will increase the amount of benefits that you will receive. You should also be entitled to passported benefits such as free prescriptions, travel costs to and from hospital appointments, free school meals and, if you have children under five, you may be entitled to milk tokens. If your children are at school, you should be entitled to a clothing grant. Also, there may be other help such as a leisure card from your local authority that will enable you to take advantage of facilities such as swimming for either free or at a reduced cost.
sylviamc

ivillage uk

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