benefits change

[Ouya Mellsa]

I feel your worry, Jax. I've suffered terribly with anxiety disorders and a lot of people do think you are 'swinging the lead'.

Yes, there are plenty of people who are conning the system, but do not believe everything the Daily Mail says- the vast majority of claimants are genuine in some way or other. Just like benefit fraud- it is so miniscule in comparison to the headlines screaming out at us every day. I think I read that less than 2% of people on benefits are committing fraud. The amount lost in fraud is much less than that lost to tax evasion by the wealthier folk.

Benefit claimant bashing seems to be the new favourite sport of the tabloids and gutter press.

People on benefits need MORE help, not less!!

[OverWyreGrower]

My sister has cancer, and has just had all her benefits reassessed (as they think she is 'fit for work' as she is no longer having chemo); however, she appealed with the help of a cancer charity who are very used to filling in the appropriate forms in the right way to get the right level of support....

A friend with MS also has this support from the MS Society...

Is there a society/group/charity associated with your hsubands illness(es) that may have experience in this kind of thing that may be able to help?

[Jax]

I dont know if there is a charity or support group. I will have to have a look. I think Im just going to have to jump through their hoops and hope for the best. CAB will come out and help, however, its very difficult to get them out.

[Two_Sheds]

My sister has cancer, and has just had all her benefits reassessed (as they think she is 'fit for work' as she is no longer having chemo);

Yes, I went through that 15 years ago: I actually lost my home because the benefits office refused to pay my rent*. I was on chemo at the time, and had radiotherapy after that.


* firstly because I was in hospital, not living in my house, when I appealed that they said they wouldn't pay because my home was under-occupied. I did get rehoused into a flat, but it had no garden and my new neighbours in the block were all nutters who made me even more stressed

[Jax]

Hi all, so I thought I would update you. Its gone from bad to worse unfortunately. They are insisting on a medical which is fine. We have no problem with a medical but it has to be from home. We were assured that because we fit the guidelines of not being able to travel to a medical centre they would come out. It was handed over to ATOS and they have decided that we arent eligible for a home visit and that we are required to travel over 30 miles for a medical in just over 9 days. This is not happening, hubby cant do that. Simple as that. So we got a letter from the doctor and still no budging. However we only received the letter this morning so I cant do anything till monday (I have tried) So hubby is sat shaking in panic and quite frankly I am afraid of what all of this is going to/is doing to him!!!

[Jax]

Yes, I went through that 15 years ago: I actually lost my home because the benefits office refused to pay my rent. I was on chemo at the time, and had radiotherapy after that.

Thats awful two sheds xx They really know how to kick us when we are down hey!!

[jackie j]

All I can say is thinking of you hope ou get this sorted and soon, big HUGS to you both xx

[Jax]

Thankyou Jackie, it will get sorted. I will fight it and I will win!! Hehe

[Incy]

That's the spirit Jax!
(((HUGS))) to you both. Your hubby is very lucky to have you there to fight for him.
If it's any consolation a friend of mine had a similarish situation recently and ended up appealing in court. Stressful but she won!
Good luck and I hope it gets sorted soonest for you.

[rustylady]

Hi all, so I thought I would update you. Its gone from bad to worse unfortunately. They are insisting on a medical which is fine. We have no problem with a medical but it has to be from home. We were assured that because we fit the guidelines of not being able to travel to a medical centre they would come out. It was handed over to ATOS and they have decided that we arent eligible for a home visit and that we are required to travel over 30 miles for a medical in just over 9 days. This is not happening, hubby cant do that. Simple as that. So we got a letter from the doctor and still no budging. However we only received the letter this morning so I cant do anything till monday (I have tried) So hubby is sat shaking in panic and quite frankly I am afraid of what all of this is going to/is doing to him!!!

Jax, can you get any help from your local Community Mental Health team?

[Florence Fennel]

That's good advice Jax. If they can't help you, they'll know someone who can. Hope you get it sorted soon.

[FionaH]

Contact your MP too

[Potstubsdustbins]

Thats good advice Fiona I once had a run in with the tax man and was getting nowhere until I started to copy every letter to my MP.

All the best Jax and don't let the bu--ers grind you down.

Colin

[Jax]

Thanks guys, I am going to ring hubbys ex therapist tommorrow and ask if she will give backup evidence. I am also going to ring a manager at my local job centre as apparently they can stop the benefits being stopped and provide additional support. I will then ring these atos people and argue the t*ss with them. If I dont get anywhere then I will write to my mp as he is a fantastic man that has helped us so much. I have also been looking on the DWP site and it does say if you are unable to travel they will come out to us so I will use this against them. Thankyou all for your support, I will keep you updated xx

[Jax]

Do you know the thing thats really annoying me? That if he could travel the 30 miles it wouldnt have been questioned. I am posing this to the manager of the sector. He is on benefits because he is agoraphobic so if he turned up 30 miles away he would be better!! (and I would be overjoyed because our struggle would be over and we wouldnt need benefits) Muppets!!!

and breathe sorry rant over