Long term illness causing financial problems

JulieBooley

I would really appreciate any helpful advice here please. Apologies for long post.
I have been on sick leave for several months, as a result of a combination of health problems but primarily mental health issues. I've lived with depression my entire adult life, been in hospital a few times (including several weeks this summer) but always got back on my feet and back to work ASAP. This time is very different. The last few years I have also been contending with several other health problems and, tbh, I think the constant battle with my own body have me beaten down. I have good doctors, very supportive family and friends but I am more despondent by the day. Just in case anyone is concerned, I am not suicidal, but I can see no improvement and for the first time ever am scared I may not get back to work. Aside from the fact I have always worked (20+ years)and been financially independent, I enjoyed my two jobs(4 days per week total), this terrifies me for several reasons:
1. I have a mortgage, alone. I have a split arrangement which was only reviewed a few months back and am lucky my payment is relatively low but, on just Illness Benefit I simply cannot cover my payments. Family (who are amazing) have been helping but can't continue to do that anymore. Are there any supports available? I asked in Intreo & they said no but I am praying there might be some option?
2. I do not have mortgage protection; when I got into arrears 8/9 years ago it lapsed. When I tried getting a new policy I was refused due to my mental health history. If something happened to me and I died, what would happen my mortgage? I am not married, I have no children - who would be liable for the outstanding debt (my flat remains in negative equity & I don't see that changing any time soon). I know this is morbid, sorry, but I stress about this all the time.
3. A friend mentioned Partial Capacity Benefit to me but I am lost about it. Is this paid instead of Illness Benefit? Or on top? Or if I cannot return to working the four days I used work, could I get Disability?
4. I have agreed to see a doctor for one job & am terrified, particularly that they are gearing up to sack me.
I think my flat would rent easily but that is not allowed under the split deal I have, and I can to afford to lose that, so it is not an option.
I also have a credit union loan. They have been incredibly kind so far but have said from October they cannot allow me to continue paying the bare minimum interest only. I have no other bank loans, credit cards etc.
Just to be clear, I am not lazy etc. I love my work but am too sick to manage it and as things stand it seems that may not change for the foreseeable future, if at all.
Any advice would be very welcome. Depression makes my brain foggy which doesn't make trying to see clear or hopeful options easy and I am lost and terrified as I simply don't know how to make ends meet. If life has to be that I can no longer work, I need to know where I stand, how to cope financially, basically what on earth to do. Please bear in mind I am very fragile, so please be kind. Thank you.
*I wasn't sure where to post this so apologies if it needs to be moved*

Portsalon

I reckon that you need to talk to MABS. Contact your local Citizens Information office and ask for a referral.

Citizens Information will also answer your questions about Partial Capacity Benefit and DA.


Find your nearest office:- http://centres.citizensinformation.ie