So here’s the thing, I posted a few weeks that both large brown envelopes crashed through my letterbox on the same day inviting me to reapply for ESA and also make my PIP application. So, on I went applying for both and sending in a war and peace version of the form accompanied by reports from my GP, Neurologist, OT and Physio. Also included the reports stating why I had to retire from my job on the grounds of ill health. So, in come both decisions. To cut a short story long I have been placed on JSA and refused PIP entirely. A couple of months ago I was on DLA higher rate care and mobility and was also in the ESA support group. Both my requests for re considerations have been turned down. I had asked a few months ago about permitted work whilst on Contributions Based ESA but nothing could be found. They are now saying this is an indication that I am able to work and, as such, am only entitled to JSA. To make it worse, they are not going to pay that as I am in receipt of a works pension. So, in a matter of a few weeks my income has dropped by almost £600 per month and I no longer have transport as my car has to be returned. Even if I found someone who is willing to employ a 59 year old with an incurable illness and who can’t guarantee turning up each day, I can’t access public transport so can’t get there anyway. What a f**k up. I suppose I should be grateful it is summer time coz I can no longer afford to switch my heating on. Let’s see what a tribunal brings, presumably in a few months.
Onwards and upwards.
A rather poor, disgruntled Gary (who would love to beat the s**t out of the decision makers)
I would suggest that you attempt to get some representation from the CAB initially and failing that, join benefits and work. It costs £20, and at this point you may feel that’s money you just can’t afford, but it’s worth it.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. I’m waiting for the dreaded PIP myself and everyday when the post comes I breathe a sigh of relief that it’s not come yet. Soon though!!
The annoying thing about all this is that I have represented people at tribunals when I was a social worker and have applied on others behalf successfully on more occasions than I care to remember. I went through the Benefits and Work stuff thoroughly, I have been a member for years but no success. If I have been cured someone has omitted to inform my body coz it still thinks I have a progressive illness. I think my strategy for the tribunal has to involve light grey trousers and an unfortunate “accident”
What a terrible thing to happen .I ,too, offer my sympathies for what they’re worth.
Far from being a place that you could turn to for help, the DWP has become a monster that wants to fleece you of everything you are entitled to because of some weird and ignorant perception of disability.
Ssssue’s comment is a helpful one. Benefits and Work are well worth joining, because they have all kinds of advice, including what to expect at, and how to prepare for, appeal.CAB are a useful resource too.
I do hope you get a positive outcome at appeal.I will have my fingers crossed for you.
I had my PIP assessment two weeks ago; Capita sent a nurse to assess me at home; she was very nice, and did comment at the end of it that she didn’t think my circumstances mean dramatic changes to my benefits, but unfortunately I am not inclined to believe her because this may be a case of saying one thing and doing another, while no one knows the truly odd mind of the DWP decision makers. I’m dreading what comes next.
I think sometimes it’s easier to advise others and to represent someone else than it is to do it on your own account. You’re more logical and less emotive. You might also find it easier to really spell things out when it’s someone else. The trouble is when it’s yourself, we are trained into ‘making the best’ of situations and minimising the difficulties. So perhaps you aren’t hammering home the points as well as you might for another person.
You might need to take a step back and try to view your circumstances as an outsider might. Keep in mind each one of the PIP descriptors and answer each one with an example, look at the support group rules and make sure what you’re writing and saying answers all the points they look at.
Your situation will be mine soon enough. These points will be the ones I’ll have to keep in my head too. And of course if necessary an ‘accident’ may be called for!
should we take a leaf out of the book of those who seem to get every benefit going whilst seemingly having very little amiss with them…how do they do it???
Hi, this is a real nightmare. How the chuff is someone who is too I’ll to work, suddenly get a job! And how the hell do you pay your bills when your benefits have been stopped?
As regards being overweight… I have had to fight weight gain all my life…before becoming disabled that is.
So seeing as I’ve been totally immobile for 13 years and in a wheelchair and unable to exercise , the weight has increased more.