Diary of a benefit claimant.

Thanks all. [smiles I just wish I felt better and more able to deal with all this, but then I'd course I wouldn't put myself through it it I was fighting fit.

Good luck today, MissA. Stay strong ?.

I have just read your thread MissA and wish you all the luck in the world. What you are being put through is soul destroying but ‘non carborundum’ and dig deep for the fighting spirit I know you have. ?

We are all cheerleading from the sidelines MissA. You go girl!

Good luck from me as well. I have some experience of dealing with 'work coaches' or whatever they call themselves. I was asked if I had any clothes!

The one I had (about 2 weeks after my) daughters death , told me how he felt so much better for working after his granny died.

Another one here cheering you on and hoping for a good outcome, the one you deserve.?

Thanks all.
I will update again when this part is got through.

The phone interview has been done.
Again, the person was very pleasant and respectful, but there was a lot of emphasis on me possibly feeling better in 2 weeks time and maybe attending training courses.

I explained that my company have told me I can go back as soon as I feel ready, and that I don't need to attend a training course to teach me how to get a job. (Politely)

I now need weekly appointments to assess how I am, and if I have any improvements in my health.

So, very helpful, but definitely with an "edge" to the chat.

Dies that mean some progress on the money front for you ?

That sounds as if it's as good as it could have been.
I guess they have to keep re-checking whether you might have become capable of work, so they can document that (because of the ridiculous system).

Not yet.
I am in an "assessment period", so that will be ongoing as the process goes on.
He is going to arrange the loan, though, even though it doesnt even begin to make a dent in the debt I am now in.
It's £360 I think. Something like that.
The person next week will discuss money, apparently.

Yes, there is no reason why they should just take my word that I'm "too ill to work", FarNorth.
It's reasonable that I should supply evidence to back that up, I know. It was slipped into the conversation lots of times that i could "pop into the job centre" but i was firm in that i am unable to "pop" anywhere.
The washing line is the furthest i have been for probably a year.

MissA well done for holding your own. It’s a process that’s designed to expose anyone who’s trying to play the system, but also (I think) to make it as hard as possible for legitimate claimants in the hope they’ll simply give up. I know someone who was a JobCentre Manager and, like many of the staff before her, she eventually left due to the stress of the job wearing her down. It’s soul destroying when day after day you’re dealing with people in dire circumstances and the whole system is geared to putting stumbling blocks in their way.

I know you must be worried about the debt you’re accruing so maybe get in touch with CAP (Christians Against Poverty) or StepChange and see if they can offer you any help or guidance.

Thank you.
I'm actually not too worried about the debt.
They can't get blood out of a stone, after all.
I'm more concerned for my boys wellbeing having to witness all of this, and the fact that my gp is not always very supportive.
Not sure I can rely on him to back me up.

I wish you all the best MissA, I really do. My heart goes out to you but I know all the sympathy in the world doesn’t pay the bills.?

Ah, thank you.
Its lovely to have some virtual back up.
It makes all the difference, honestly.
Some things are too hard a slog to manage entirely alone.

I wish you luck.

MissOops has an ongoing problem with nearly 2 years of overpayments to her, they have now decided that what they told her was all wrong and she has to pay a good chunk of it back. No apologies received, just a letter saying that they have reduced her benefits to pay for their error.
Our Nephew (who she cares for and house shares with) has had no money at all for 4 months, fortunately we are in a position to help him, the benefits people said they would contact the landlord and tell him that he needs to wait for the rent ‘if that would be helpful’.
I’m sure the Landlord would be ok with that.Not.

Despite MissOops making weekly phone calls on his behalf no money has been forthcoming, he isn't lost in the system, they are ‘trying to cope with the Covid situation’ . Apparently.

So again I wish you luck with jumping through their hoops, I also hope that any money you receive is the correct amount.

Good luck with all of this MissA. I hope you get some satisfaction. Keep on keeping on.

Thanks again all.
I have to deal with the council at some point.
They are a whole other level, hence I have always steered clear of them, despite this meaning that I have probably not claimed £4 a week or something in council tax benefit.

I'm going in for the big ones now, though.

I'm more concerned for my boys wellbeing having to witness all of this, and the fact that my gp is not always very supportive.
Nobody in charge of state benefits seems to take the stress on families into account. Every time they stop the benefits, take overpayments back, etc, my daughter goes into high anxiety mode and everybody suffers!

May I suggest that you speak directly to your GP and tell him exactly what you are telling the UC office, ask him to support you fully and give any reasons why he won't, if he won't. Make sure you log any appointments, etc.

I hobbled into my appointment, heaving as I spoke as I had a problem with my vomit reflex and was in obvious pain. The assessor took one look at me, asked what on earth the referee was thinking of and signed me off. Honestly, the referee expected me to attend interviews with me continually acting as if I was about to vomit...not only was it stressful and tiring, it wasn't very attractive!

Good luck.

I have a sick note for the time being.
(Fit note, it's now called)
So I have a few weeks grace at the minute.
Hopefully I will stop being treated as if it is some kind of hobby to make up ailments at some point.

At some point you will be asked to complete a Work Capability Assessment, first on paper then face to face or phone. This will determine what happens next. I strongly recommend you get help with this, and also have medical evidence ready to support your claim. Not for the faint- hearted!

Thank you.
The man I spoke to today said that is what will happen, and said the job centre could help me to fill in the form, but I am a bit sceptical on that kind of help.
There are such long waiting times for support services, though.

It is nothing that would be beyond me, ordinarily, but I'm finding almost everything is lately.

I would not recommend help from the job Centre. Do you have Citizens Advice or Age UK or a Welfare rights office near you? I will send you a couple of links to help you prepare for this.