ESA - Pathways to Work - What a waste!

Uncertain

OK, sorry but I feel like a little rant!!

This is about the system, not the people - they couldn't be nicer!

I have sadly been off sick for about eight months. My employer paid me in full for 6 months (plus some untaken holiday) then I dropped to half pay. I was told to claim Incapacity Benefit to make up some of the difference and they sent me the necessary form. This had just changed to Employment Support Allowance.

An hour (at least) on the phone was needed to make a claim. I was only claiming the fixed rate (based on NI contributions) as I was sure I would not qualify for anything further. Even so, this was followed by at least two calls from various offices to me. One was on a Sunday, the other at about 4.30pm on New Year's Eve! Such is their pressure of work.

A week or two later a couple of cheques arrived as it (apparently) takes longer than this to set up a payment to my bank account.

Next, I was sent a twenty page medical form to complete, despite having certificates from my GP and letters from two specialists. This is due in mid March.

Then I was called to a "Pathways to Work" interview with less than 3 days notice. I phoned and explained that 1) I had a job to go back to. 2) I had no need of any employment help. 3) I did not wish to claim anything apart from the fixed amount. Despite this I was told I must attend.

So, today I spent 45 mins at our Jobcenter Plus with a very nice chap who obviously agreed that this was a total waste of time for both of us! He went through the motions and told me I would have to attend a further interview, at another venue, in about a month. He indicated that this would be even less relevant but could do nothing about it. I work in a very specialised academic field which, as he said, was well outside his experience.

He also said that I would almost certainly be called to a medical assessment. This is despite having certificates from my GP, letters from a specialist and also from a Consultant Occupational Health Physician.

Isn't this a total waste of valuable resourses? Could these well meaning peoples time not be better spent helping those that need it?

I can look at this and smile. Fortunately I have no need of the money but, having paid my tax and NI for 30 years, see no reason why I should not claim what I am entitled to. I feel really sorry for anybody who has to wade through this because of dire need.

endoftheline

yes tell me about it. hubbys been off work for 6 mnths, is claiming esa as ssp has finished. has a job to go back to, but the pathways to work crap is flowing through the door like you would not believe. havent had a penny so far despite all the info etc sent. what a bunch of !!!!!!

sharski

endoftheline.... can I ask who you are referring to as '!!!!!!'??

The law makers or the people just doing their job by implementing the rules & have no control over them??

Uncertain

sharski wrote: »

endoftheline.... can I ask who you are referring to as '!!!!!!'??

The law makers or the people just doing their job by implementing the rules & have no contro over them??

I can't speak for endoftheline, but I hope I made clear in my original post that I have no complaint at all about the individuals - in fact I feel sorry for them!

sharski

It's ok.... I didn't think you were complaining about the staff... just the procedure! TBH... you will find most people in the JC agree with you but our hands are tied...

Thanks for replying though!

catmiaow

Sometimes it is the staff fault, when they get details on which hold up the claim.

sharski

catmiaow... the topic, however, was not about claims being held up but about the Pathways process for 'employed' people....

I merely asked who were being called '!!!!!!'??

catmiaow

Sharski - Yes I know, but I am trying to point out that the staff are not always blameless, I know from personal experience.

sharski

I appreciate what you are saying but there is no need at all to call people '!!!!!!' for carrying out instructions made by higher management!!
i.e. booking appts for people to attend the JC....

catmiaow

sharski- I never said it was okay to call people !!!!!!, I simply said that the staff do make mistakes and they can cost people a lot of time and money, it is not on!!

sharski

I think, perhaps, that we need to get back on topic.... and also, perhaps, wait for my question to be answered by endoftheline.....