Diary of a benefit claimant.

This may or may not be relevant, but something I will mention in case it is.

Around fifteen years ago when I was out of work, one day at the jobcentre I saw this poster with lots of lines of text, looking like it was one line of text in each of lots of languages.

I chatted with the lady at the desk about it. Apparently, if someone who did not know English very well came in, they got them to point at the line of text that he or she understood.

Next to each was a code number and the jobcentre person could ring a telephone number and quote the code number, and then a three way telephone convesation could take place, involving the claimant, the jobcentre person and a bilingual translator somewhere wherever.

So maybe welbeck's friend would have that facility available.

Presumably the translator is just there to translate, not advocate one way or the other.

Or speak to Cabbie
She knows what's what.

Obviously, I only know bits and pieces, but yes, I think the onus is on her to either apply for jobs, or prove that she is unable to, by taking the work capability assessment.
If I were you, I would phone the citizens advice bureau for help.

They were really very good when I first contacted them, and very knowledgeable.

They also gave me the little push I needed to get the show on the road, rather than just burying my head in my hands.

You say she is on long term sick pay. Do you mean she has a job and the employer pays her Statutory Sick Pay? It lasts 26 weeks. When it ends, She may qualify for New style ESA if she has made the right NI contributions.
If not, is she trying to claim Universal Credit? Either way, the Work Capability Assessment form is about the same.
If she does not meet the criteria, she will be expected to look for work.
If she does not fill it in, she can still get UC, but not ESA.

re work capabilty assessment.
please does anyone know how the system is ?
asking for a friend, whose first language is not english, or welsh, and she is struggling to understand.
she has a doc's note for long term sick, 2-3 months, depression. now she has been given thick form to fill in re work capability. she is not really literate, and expects i will read and fill it in for her.
but i don;t know the implications, let alone how to fill it in. she can hardly explain herself in english.
does anyone know, has the job centre powers to require her to fill it, as she is on long-term sick pay.
she does not have a job. but might want to try one.
she has one she knows of through a friend. she would be hired, min wage, but can do it.
dies she have to fill that form; what happens if she does not fill it.
if she does fill it, does that mean she cannot take a job.
she is on medication for depression, but hoping to reduce that and try to work.
GP doesn't want to give an opinion as med was prescribed by psychiatrist, who v difficult to see now.
she did have appt but only for psychologist; friend did not realise that is not a med doc, and cannot alter medication.
it's a muddle. i trying to help, but blundering around. any advcie gratefully received. thanks.

Thank you for explaining.

It is because I've been put into the "not able to work" group by the job centre.

I suppose, extra money to meet the expenses incurred by disability (which I have always been a bit sceptical of)

There is no doubt in my mind now, though; it's an expensive business!

MissAdventure

I've just had another phone appointment with the jobcentre.
My bit of extra money will be included on the payment I will get on the 20th.
(Not backdated, of course)
Sorry, Whiff, I'm not saying that to rub salt in the wound.

I thanked the job centre person for all of their help.

Congratulations.

Is the extra money because your PIP payment level has gone up?

Or is it to do with the government making a one-off payment to people on certain benefits?

Or something else?

MissA because of your honesty about your fight for benefits it's helped me more than you will ever know.

I am not the sort of person who takes offence. If you hadn't started the thread I wouldn't have learn all the advice others have given. Helped me no end. Thank you ?

I've just had another phone appointment with the jobcentre.
My bit of extra money will be included on the payment I will get on the 20th.
(Not backdated, of course)
Sorry, Whiff, I'm not saying that to rub salt in the wound.

I thanked the job centre person for all of their help.

MissA know that feeling well. I think I am holding something next thing it's on the floor. Don't even though I have let go. Broken lot of crockery and food ended on the floor daily. Annoys the hell out of me.

Bot. Bit...
Fingers aren't working well today.

Whiff

MissA none of my medication has given me any side effects the ones I am now. I told them that. Sorry you are under the weather. Hope you feel better today.

I was going to say it was a shame that you've had no side affects, but honestly, that's ridiculous isn't it?
To wish side effects on someone.

I'm feeling a bot better today, thank you.

Cabbie21

I am repeating myself, I know, but PIP is scored according to whether a claimant meets the descriptors for the various activities.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf
For a really long read, here are the government guidelines as to how these descriptors should be understood and scored.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria.

Bon courage!

Cavbbie21 wrote I am repeating myself, I know, ...

I always say "Better to know twice than not at all!".

Thank you for posting.

Even if you did post it before, finding it in the previous 31 pages could take a long time, even if one knows it is in there somewhere.

In the virtual cruise on the river Main thread, I have posted the link to the map quite a number of times.

MissA none of my medication has given me any side effects the ones I am now. I told them that. Sorry you are under the weather. Hope you feel better today.

Cabbie21

Teacheranne, have you looked at the criteria used by your local authority for Blue Badges?
I rather think you may need a detailed report from your consultant of the relevant difficulties.
My DH really needs a blue badge, but as it would take possibly two years to see a consultant( who will probably say Keep on taking the tablets and use your GTN spray), I doubt he will take it any further. His GP said she would support his claim but as you say, a GP letter is not enough.

I don’t see a consultant as I’m not ready for a knee replacement yet. I did not need any such evidence three years ago. I’ve been putting it off as I’m terrified of operations particularly this one, my FIL died as a result of knee surgery so I’m very reluctant. My X-rays show the damage but I don’t have copies as they are only online somehow.

My application had not even been forwarded to the Occupational Therapists who actually make the decision, it’s sat on an administrators job who has rejected it for lack of evidence - none of which was I asked for and don’t have anyway. Until an application had been seen by the OTs I cannot ask for an in person assessment which I had last time so it’s rather frustrating.

Hopefully the GP summary has enough “evidence” to at least get my application processed to the next stage.

Teacheranne, have you looked at the criteria used by your local authority for Blue Badges?
I rather think you may need a detailed report from your consultant of the relevant difficulties.
My DH really needs a blue badge, but as it would take possibly two years to see a consultant( who will probably say Keep on taking the tablets and use your GTN spray), I doubt he will take it any further. His GP said she would support his claim but as you say, a GP letter is not enough.

My historic information wasvprinted off recently for a referral for my toe! It was interesting.

I have just been refused a renewal of my blue badge, no idea why as my condition is worse now than when I was first awarded it. I will appeal once I get the formal letter but I’m trying to get more information for my local authority about what evidence they need. It says my GP letter is not acceptable nor is a copy of the prescription for my strong painkillers!

I have been asked to send in my GP Summary, which I had never heard of but I collected it today from the surgery and it includes every GP or hospital contact I have had, going back about 20 years when I guess records were first computerised. It made quite interesting reading as I’d forgotten a couple of previous medical concerns.

Wiff, I was wondering if you could include a summary with your additional evidence, it did not cost anything as it was printed off while I waited at Reception.

One of my recent clients was scored 0 for Moving around.
She stated clearly that she can manage between 20 and 50 metres at most, with two sticks, and then only on her better days. Most days she is too unwell to leave the house.
She has a Blue Badge, so is able to park close to her destination.

Unbelievable decision! An appeal has been lodged, but a typical wait is at least 8 months, or more.

I am repeating myself, I know, but PIP is scored according to whether a claimant meets the descriptors for the various activities.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf
For a really long read, here are the government guidelines as to how these descriptors should be understood and scored.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria.

Bon courage!

Nice to see you back

Hello.
I'm ok thanks
Been a bit under the weather, but ok today, thanks.

Hullo MissA. I hope you're doing okay.

Whiff
Remember to say if your meds have any side affects, too.