Benefits and part-time work?

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Hi all, I just joined so feel free to say "hello" or perhaps even "bugger off" in my introduction thread

I just wondered, I am sick of getting burned out in a stressful (but good) job, striving to match all the neurotyps with their long hours and silly, overbearing pressures. Don't get me wrong, I love the people I work with and do not want to leave. I just don't think I am cut out for full-time work, it's exhausting and I seem to be taking in way more information than my brain can process... and without being arrogant, I can process a lot.

I've had it mentioned that aspergers is classed as a disability and that it may be possible to claim disability benefits. Can I still do this while working part-time? I simply cannot imagine myself being able to keep up a full-time job indefinitely, it's not something I have been able to do for long periods, but I cannot afford to only get half a wage.

At one stage I went to work part time and hated it. Didn't feel connected at all. What country do you live in? This will depend on benefit situation.

It is possible for people to work and get SSDI if they are not capable of working the equivalent of a certain amount, no matter what they do.

However, if you make enough money (where "enough" is not very much), you lose it from disability benefits.

Going onto disability is mandatory poverty.

It's not something to do unless it is absolutely required to do.

Evening everyone, thanks for the replies.

I live in the UK. It is harsh but true that disability equals poverty for those of us who can actually engage in the world. The problem with being an aspie is, there is so much information coming at you from everywhere; it doesn't seem possible to get out there and not come back feeling like you were shot in the head by a cannonball of knowledge. It would somehow seem easier if we were physically debilitated - at least then we might get taken seriously.

You can claim PIP which isn't based on income so it won't affect any other benefits that you get and you can get it while working. It can be difficult to claim, you have to have an assessment with Atos and they turn down a lot of people so you would probably have to make an appeal.

Ah. Usually when people ask about UK, they specify its UK. I think there's some stuff you can do for applying for benefits, but not all.

Hi Tuttle, I just assumed people would know - sorry, I don't usually make silly mistakes like that

InnaLucia - I could go in there and give them a proper dying swan act but I don't like to lie. However, given the immense amount of crap I've had to go through to get where I am now, I can use logic to get around it: I wouldn't be lying or dishonest, I'd simply be increasing their chances of noticing my difficulties. It's either that or end up a neurotic wreck. Again.

If you are working and therefore proving you can work, the chances of getting any benefit, apart from housing benefit and council tax benefit, are remote. Someone has already mentioned the dreaded Atos. PIP is for severely disabled people and it's predecessor, DLA was getting more and more difficult to claim successfully even for people who were significantly physically disabled.
Could you look for a less stressful job? Or cut your hours?
If you are taking a cut in salary, it is relatively easy to work out take home pay and benefit entitlement by going onto the local authority and government websites.
Good luck.

This is what scores you PIP points that count towards benefits, I'm in the application process atm.
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/person ... nts-system

I doubt you will be able to get anything. You need to be severely limited and dependent in your daily life to get any kind of disability benefit. Like if it is not safe for you to go out alone and you need care throughout the night.

But if you happen to care for another person, carers allowance in NOT means tested. Means you can get a part time job and accumulate savings while receiving benefit. Is there someone in your family or even a neighbour in need of care?

Actually under the PIP scheme you don't as it's based on a scoring system of benefits regarding various factors, lots of minor things can add up to bring you over a payment threshold.

Carers allowance is £59.75 per week, taxable and there are lots of conditions attached to it:

Exceptions
You may not get Carer’s Allowance if:

-you’re in full-time education, and studying for 21 hours a week or more (this includes supervised study and things like coursework and experiments, not just time spent with a tutor)
-you earn more than £100 a week (after tax)
-you get one of the benefits listed below
-If you get any of the benefits listed below and they pay you £58.45 or more you may not get Carer’s Allowance. Instead, Jobcentre plus will work out if these benefits can be increased or if you’re entitled to other benefits.

If you are thinking of going any of these routes it would be a good idea to have a discussion with the Citizens Advice Bureau who can do the calculations and claims.

You don't need night time care to get benefits.

I know people who don't have any PCAs and who can work a limited amount, and who get benefits in the UK...

PCAs? Yes, people who can work a limited amount can and do get benefits.