Getting Financial Help If You Suffer from Fibromyalgia?

Having an illness such as Fibromyalgia or M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) can not only be a strain on your emotional well being and your health but also on your finances.

A considerable number of people who contract Fibromyalgia find that they can no longer work to the same degree as they did before their illness and in some cases have to give up work altogether. This is where additional stress and emotional upheaval comes in as these individuals have to try and adjust their lifestyles not only to accommodate an illness that leaves them unemployed but also on a much lower income.

My Finances Have Dropped Because I'm Ill, What Can I Do?

The first and most practical piece of advice we can offer is to get in touch with those companies or individuals you owe money to. It is very rare nowadays to find anyone who doesn't have some degree of debt so it is important to make contact with your debtors and explain the situation to them. In most cases they will be sympathetic to your circumstances and will offer you - where possible - reduced payments or alternative ways to pay. It is fair to say that few businesses or companies want to take you to court for non payment of debt as it ultimately costs them more in the long term.

Benefits

Making a claim for benefits is something many people feel loathed to do but it is a necessary end if you are out of work with no other sign of income. You will have to fill out a series of forms which - in the interim period - may be representative of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance. Unless you have a full and final diagnosis from your doctor you will not be able to apply for (DLA) Disability Living Allowance or Mobility at this stage.

Whilst on benefits you must show that you are either making an attempt to find gainful employment or are at least incapable of work. If the latter is the case you may qualify for Incapacity Benefit - again however you will have to ask what you are entitled to as it is common place for individuals not to be fully aware of their entitlements.

You may also be entitled to help with your Council Tax or Rent if you live in a council property - if you have a property yourself and are paying a mortgage then unfortunately there is no help available to you although in certain circumstances private home owners may qualify for some council tax help.

I Have Some Savings - Does That Make a Difference?

There have been recent changes to the legislation again so you may need to check with your local DHSS or DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) office for a detailed analysis but if your savings stray over a specified level then you will be declined benefits and be required to live on your savings until such times as they run out. It is worth nothing however that in the past some individuals have tried bucking the system by neglecting to mention their savings - these government bodies however have the power to commission a search for any bank or building society accounts in your name and may do so if they think you are not fully disclosing the nature of your financial circumstances.

They may also check to see if you have any insurance policies which mature if you are unable to work due to ill health.

For further information you should contact your local DHSS or DWP office and speak to an advisor or contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau where their volunteers will be able to give you detailed advice as to what you are or aren't entitled to financially.