Diary of a benefit claimant.

Finally you are getting somewhere MissA

Good News, MissA. You must be so relieved. Enjoy a good rest.

I think the process has been fairly quick for me, I have to say.

Also, I have been treated kindly and with respect, despite the horror stories of some peoples' experiences.

So, no complaints from me, really, once I started to make my limits known, and stuck to my guns.

Good news MissA ?
I do hope you don't have to wait too long, you've waited long enough already.

I am so, so pleased for you MissA. ?

It has been a rocky road, but I do want to thank you for sharing your story and demonstrating not only the difficulties that are inherent in applying for benefits, but also the mental (and often physical) toll it can take on one’s health.

Thank you all, I really appreciate everyone's input over the past couple of months.

I will still update, until such time as I have the money in my grubby mitts!

Good news, excellent.

Yes, only post in public what you feel happy to post.

> I felt hopeful when I left, but now a bit concerned that she had no proof, and worried about what my gp may say if he is contacted.

No proof of what? The nurse observed you.

Can you clarify why what your GP might say if he is contacted is a cause of worry please? But only say if you feel happy to do so.

It is natural to be concerned that it might all go pear-shaped.

I'm concerned that he may downplay how rotten I feel, because I have had to keep going back to him in order to say "Sorry, I still don't feel well".

I imagine he thinks I am a nuisance.

Well, again, I will deal with that as and when it happens. (If it does)

No point in getting all maudlin and anxious about something that hasn't happened yet, eh?

MissA I am overjoyed with your news. I have been following your posts with interest. And everyone's advice which I have taken on board. Written pages of things I can't do and need help with. My phone assessment is Tuesday apparently it will take a hour. With make sure to have all the paperwork in front of me and take my time answering questions . I've waited 34 years for financial help. But having a name and knowing I was born with it hopefully I will get something. If not I will appeal. My neurologist had already told me he would help as he has had to help other patients of his when they got refused. One poor man was on permanent oxygen and housebound.

Get a well earned rest you deserve it. ?

I am so pleased for you, Miss A, you've no idea!?

So pleased, Missadventure, that have had the right ruling and hope that the award is of the sort of amount that will prove a real help.

What lovely news MissA quite cheered up my Thursday, well done you.

So pleased for you Miss A….?????????

Ah, thank you all so much.
Now we have to cheer Whiff on.
She has had such a long, long wait!

I will still update the thread, as and when things (hopefully) fall into place.

I'm glad this has been helpful for you, Whiff.
That's a huge added bonus

MissA. So pleased to hear your good news, it is more than deserved. Hope everything goes through without any more problems. Gentle hug ?

So glad for you, MissAdventure. I've been following the thread but know nothing about the subject so couldn't offer any advice (and what you have been offered seems excellent). It's great to hear that things are going better at last.

Good luck, Whiff! ?

Thank you, both.
I appreciate all the support I've been given.
Fickle as ever, I suppose, I am now realising how much I have lost, in terms of being able to do anything much for myself.
Never mind. Ot is,what it is, and perhaps a bit more income will mean I can go out by taxi and have a cup of tea or something.

Good news. Well done.

Thank you.
Much appreciated.

Really pleased MissA to see that your illness has been recognised,and that youhope fully receive the full amount ,big hug

Whiff, I hope you don't mind me saying, but have a good think about how you may have adapted to take into account things which are difficult for you.

It was only actually during the pip assessment that I realised I have probably spent the last 5 years or so, gradually becoming less and less able.
I kept getting a taxi to work, which I would never have done, but thought I was just being lazy.
.I often needed to go to a shop after work, but ended up leaving it, as I was "too lazy".
Again - things i would never have done a few years back.
I had cut my work hours back, because I was "too lazy" as well, meaning just exhausted, and not really functioning well for a long time.

Job coach call for me today, and a really, really brusque letter from the council.
No please, no thank you, just the most unpleasant letter telling me "send us a copy of your wage slips by such a date....".

But have you got a wage slip?

No, because my change of circumstances is that I am not able to work, currently, and haven't been for ages.

I saw your link earlier to the printing service.

I may investigate that, as I will probably need to send proof of my universal credit amount.

I can't get to, and stand fiddling about in the library taking copies if things.

I could get a taxi, but around £15 for a round trip is beyond my means, currently

Have you got the universal credit details in an electronic form, or hardcopy, or both?

The viking virtual print house needs electronic document input.