I hate hate hate being on benefits

crazy_girl

im involved with a local charity, i go to the drop in and stuff and i also help out at events and help teach the drama group. its the best of both worlds really as i get the support of the charity but i also get to give back. if anyone can get involved that way, i would definately reccomend it.

a big day is coming up next week, weve made a book about different things that can affect young people and its the big launch and im doing a speech.....arrgh!

i think a plan, any kind of plan is a really good idea, missile, next year id like to do another qualification part time and right now im making plans for xmas and the like

no disrespect to those on IB coz i was on it for 2 1/2 years but i am determined not to go back on it again, i suppose that is my long term goal

missile

crazy_girl wrote: »

i think a plan, any kind of plan is a really good idea, missile, next year id like to do another qualification part time and right now im making plans for xmas and the like,

It is good to feel some possitive energy on this forum. Thanks for sharing. :A

NEH

Being on benefits is one of the most fustrating things of life, at least it is for me....I have a long term health condition and have been on benefits on and off for the last 12 odd years....

I hear people going to work in the morning and envy them so much....

In terms of trying to get benefits, it is so much easier to go to work.....i feel in a way it would be less stressful as I wouldn't have to worry about endless forms, sick notes and the horrible medicals....

I can sympathise totally, I also miss the extra money I got when I was working...

timmmers

You really have to say all this to your other half...get some gentle understanding support and maybe get out and do something together which will maybe feel safer with them there.

It's small baby steps, each one a little more than the last ..and no rush to get anywhere.

IT takes a long time to get so low lots of tiny things contribute to making life suck so badly...and it will take the same many tiny positive things to repair it.

In a year from now you may be a mum, that will mean someone relying on you completely. You can do that, because it's natural. Look forward to that, that's about as positive as things can get isn't it? Creating a life, and caring for it?

Why you are concerned what to say to people who ask "What do you do?" ...it's chit chat is all. Tell them you're an astronaut or lion tamer...or just tell them the truth like you have here. It's only your business really, and nothing to feel shame about.
IF you had a broken leg what would you say? "I'm not working because I'm off work sick" ? Maybe you'd say "Can't wait to get back to work though"..

Some people have never worked, never want to work...are happy having their lives paid for by the rest of the population, you aren't one of those so don't lump yourself into that group and make yourself feel worse. It's not true.

Thngs will get better, slowly maybe...but they will improve if you want them to and believe in yourself just a little more. ..and the other half supports you.

Cheer up...you're depressing me now :rolleyes::p

t

biteyerlegs

we as a family life on benefits. my wife has bipolar disorder which is extremely dibilitating and stressful to live with. there is nothing i would like better than to have a job as my wife would. she ha sbeen told that she can't work due to her illness.
i can empathise with all the people on here in the various circumstances you are all in.
people on benefits get a terrible press and for those who genuinely need the m to survive the things they say are insulting to say the least.

Cinzanokid

totally know what you mean - I'm on higher rate DLA & long-term incapacity as I had a big horse riding accident 10 years ago, which has left me with mobility/balance issues, severe headaches, etc amongst various other things that follow a brain haemorrhage! I am only 34, a graduate & to say I'm frustrated beyond belief is an understatement. It is very difficult to get a break it seems, I've been trying & got absolutely nowhere, if it's not unaccomodating employers. it's the DWP being unhelpful due to inflexibility or a recession!
I have found I cannot commit to working even p-t as I never know how I'm going to feel/what I'm going to be able to do from 1 day to the next. My husband has been very supportive but while being so has amassed a lot of debt. He now has the chance of a much-needed financially £18k full time job - great, our lives will be enhanced & doors will open no doubt BUT what will happen to my benefits? Are our hands tied?

Pennypinchingnovice

I've only just joined this site, and already I would like to say thanks (if that is the right word) to all contributors of this thread and helping me to feel that I am not alone. I was a qualified nurse and after 25 years of lifting patients (pre-lifting equipment) I now am disabled with a crumbling spine. My worst panic which keeps me awake at night is being unable to pay my bills, going from a good salary and paying utilities etc with no problem to being scared to put the heating on, and what will happen next year when all the direct debits go up but my benefits won't. My OH is also long-term disabled so I was the only income earner. I don't know who to turn to for help - don't think there is actually anyone to turn to. Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble and grumble to other people who are in the same impossible situation.

travelling1

There is a relatively new programme called "Conditions Management Programme". I don't know much about it but it may be worth having a look into. I know that some of our Occupational Therapists run the groups with other health professionals and it's aimed at people with similar issues to yourself.
Also "Improving Access to Psychological Therapies" IAPT may be of benefit to you too. I'm not great on mental health services as I deal mainly with Physical disability so can't give much advice, but I know that they exist and they may be something worth reading about on the net. It may be a first step rather than a huge leap into work or voluntary work.
Have a look and see what you think. Best of luck.

[Deleted User]

Welcome Pennypinchingnovice - feel free to grumble away!

I can sympathise as my story is similar to yours. It's all rather a shock to the system isn't it? (understatement I know! :rotfl:)

I can't say you'll get used to it as I don't think you do, but you learn to cope with it.

This board is a mine of good advice, and also the Benefits & Tax credits board is very useful for advice on specific benefits.

As for who to turn to for help, if it is financial advice then your local council should have a Welfare Advice officer who can offer you advice on what you are entitled to, and they are very good at helping with form filling.

You may hate being on benefits but you are entitled to claim them so make sure you don't miss out.

Good luck.