Where to start

Hubby has been off work since January ill and looks likely he won't go back to work. Until he became ill he was working up to 80 hours a week and I also work 25 hours a week, we had between us a good standard of living. We have never been in a position to claim benefits. However my husbands illness is a genetic condition that has given rise to emphysema, bronchiectasis and scarring of the lungs which has become severe since a chest infection knocked him off the precipice in january. He can no longer walk more than about 10-15 metres at his own pace (snails) without rest, has had 2 severe chest infections, is on a multitude of inhalers, pain killers etc, has now been awarded a blue badge and uses a walking stick.
We have applied for PIP, and await the outcome of the F2F last week. He was on work sick pay until 3 weeks ago and is now on SSP, which will finish on the 5th July. I have had to reduce my hours from 1st june to 16 hours a week due to his ailing mobility and needing help to do the most normal of things around the house.
We have filled in the universal credit forms online and have our interviews tomorrow.
The occupational health dr employed by his company has sent us a report that states he is unfit for any type of work unless his breathing becomes more stable.
We are worried we won't get any help from benefits because everyone we speak to says it goes on last years earnings? which will obviously be thousands more than we are currently earning.
Where do we go from here? we know he will have to apply for ESA in july, but we have bills piling up, have already contacted step change for a payment plan on credit cards, loan etc.
Any advice greatly received.
Thanks