Advice column

I had to give up work a few years ago because I was diagnosed with a progressive, incurable disease. I've been on incapacity benefit ever since but I've heard there's a big drive to get people off this and now I'm worried sick my money may suddenly be stopped. I would love to be able to work again, but I don't think many employers would put up with me needing to take lots of time off sick and for hospital appointments.
Incapacity benefit is being replaced by a new payment called Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in October as part of the Government's welfare reform plans, but this shouldn't affect you, as it will only apply to new claimants. Sick and disabled people already getting incapacity benefit will continue to get this. However, if you are worried about any aspect of your claim, contact a CAB adviser to discuss this in confidence. It is envisaged that people currently receiving incapacity benefit will eventually move onto ESA, but there are no firm proposals or dates for this at present. If you would like to explore the options for getting back to work, you should get support to do this - without pressure to take on inappropriate work or be rushed into a job before you are ready - from a specialist adviser who understands the difficulties you face and the realities of the workplace for people with disabilities and long term ill-health. Part of the Government's plan is to help people back into work by providing increased support to find sustainable employment. But it is also accepted that some people will always be too sick or disabled to work and they will continue to be supported through the benefits system.

For more information and advice on sickness and disability benefits go to the Citizens Advice website http://www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local bureau in Crosby, Formby, Maghull or Southport

My flatmates are refusing to pay their share of a debt, am I liable for their share as well as my own? For a credit agreement, only the person whose name it is on it is liable, so if an agreement is in more than one name, all parties are liable for the entire amount of the debt as long as they have signed it.
Incapacity benefit is being replaced by a new payment called Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in October as part of the Government's welfare reform plans, but this shouldn't affect you, as it will only apply to new claimants. Sick and disabled people already getting incapacity benefit will continue to get this. However, if you are worried about any aspect of your claim, contact a CAB adviser to discuss this in confidence. It is envisaged that people currently receiving incapacity benefit will eventually move onto ESA, but there are no firm proposals or dates for this at present. If you would like to explore the options for getting back to work, you should get support to do this - without pressure to take on inappropriate work or be rushed into a job before you are ready - from a specialist adviser who understands the difficulties you face and the realities of the workplace for people with disabilities and long term ill-health. Part of the Government's plan is to help people back into work by providing increased support to find sustainable employment. But it is also accepted that some people will always be too sick or disabled to work and they will continue to be supported through the benefits system. For more information and advice on sickness and disability benefits go to the Citizens Advice website http://www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local bureau in Crosby, Formby, Maghull or Southport

I have recently returned to the UK after having worked abroad for the past few years. I need to open a UK bank account but I am finding this difficult, as I do not have proof address. I am staying with friends so have no utility bills in my name. I have a passport but no drivers licence. Until I get a bank account I can't get a job. What can I do?
When opening a bank account, a bank or a building society will ask to see proof of identification and proof of your address. Usually you will be asked for official documents that contain a photo and, ideally a signature, for example, a current valid full passport, national identity card or driving licence. As your case involves exceptional circumstances the bank should recognise this and refer your application to a more senior official. In some cases the bank or building society may accept a letter or statement from a person in a position of responsibility who knows you and can confirm your identity and address. This could be a minister of religion, a doctor, teacher, solicitor, hostel manager or social worker. If you believe that a bank is being unreasonable about accepting proof of identity or residence, the British Bankers Association suggest that you should ask for the case to be referred to the head office of the bank concerned. For more information and advice go to http://www.adviceguide.org.uk , www.seftoncab.org.uk . or contact your local CAB in Crosby, Formby, Maghull or Southport.