Hi to all,
It's been suggested to me by SWMBO that I make a post in here so here goes.
Long time lurker first time(s) poster. I am a prospective civil partner to an American citizen and we are currently negotiating the appeals process for our "prospective civil partner visa" after being denied on financial grounds (we are not alone it seems).
I am also a disabled person who through necessity has learned a great deal about our benefits system in the UK including the tribunal services process.
I make good use of this knowledge by volunteer work to help other (often newly) disabled persons (who have suffered recent trauma) as well as homeless persons who have addiction and mental health problems.
My knowledge is far from definitive, especially given the current upheavals in the system but it is greater than your average DWP adviser who tend to have a narrow field of experience.
Anything I don't know I'm happy to research as much as is feasible in order to answer questions.
I will attempt to answer benefit questions as they arise in the visa forum and please feel free to PM me.
My specialist areas (if you will) are Income Support, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax benefit and Direct Payments as they pertain to the unemployed and disabled.
I cannot replace the direct advice given by the DWP or Local Authority Benefits Office.
I will try not to generalise as this is pointless I feel, but at the same time if I don't know the answer I'll be upfront about it and try to help you look for the answers.
Please note that my posting style is "matter of fact" which doesn't suit everybody, but if you get what you need will that matter?
Cheers Ma-Dears.
Traper.
