DLA Reform Consultation Started Today!

gravitytolls

sh1305 wrote: »

I think they said that if you can mobilise via a wheelchair, you're not entitled, or won't be rather.

My FIL suffered a stroke 18 years ago and has received higher rate mobility ever since. he wouldn't have the mental capacity to go through this, although ATOs would possibly think he was barking and lock him up (just me wee attempt at humour).

As for the wheelchair thing, he uses a mobility vehicle, wouldn't the same apply? After all, he'll be mobilised won't he?

gregg1

oldestrocker wrote: »

If only people would have a more positive outlook on life and see the things that they can do and not dwell on the negatives and things they can't do - this country would be in much better shape financially.

I claim ESA, and I'm not saying that your wife is not disabled, but even I and with respect, have a lot more things wrong with me than your wife seems to have, but am still on the assessment rate since Nov 09, excepting for a period of 24 days when I was in the work group.

I am fighting the system and testing whether the law is being applied fairly, not ranting and raving that I should get more money for my disabilities.

The money aspect is secondary, we manage now without it so if more did come along - then that would be a bonus. If not - well we just get on with our lives.
If you had the opinion that you can't always have what you want, then you would be more understanding of why this change has to happen.

The first part of your post I find offensive. The second is contradictory to say the least! You say you are not fighting for more money and that you do not need it. Does that mean you will not take the money if offered?

rogerblack

sweetersong wrote: »

No, thats what the Daily Mail reported, not the actual figures

The 75% was those who applied, but did not attend a medical, or those who did attend a medical, and were deemed, at that stage, fit to work

It does not take into account therefore

A. Those who are self employed have to claim ESA for short term conditions, as they are not eligble for SSP, so they could claim ESA, and then quite rightly finish their claim before the medical, which happens at around week 13 of the claim, if they are better and do not need it any more

B. The 40% of those deemed fit for work at the initial assesment, whose decisions were overturned at tribunal stage

If you take into account of these two things, it is a lot less than 75% false claims

It's more than that.
The '75%' figure also does not count:
* Claims for ESA due to pregnancy (which will always finish due to the birth before the assessment).
* Claims for ESA for a broken leg or other injury which will heal by the assessment.
* Claims where the claimant would win at appeal, but is unable to cope with properly appealing a negative decision.
* Claims where the person can't face filling in the ESA50, is unable to get help, and lives on some other benefit instead.

With the whole appeal process often stretching to a year from application for benefit - and to properly appeal meaning you need to go out and gather your own evidence, and the decreasing numbers of people available to help - it's unsurprising that the latter couple are common.

GlasweJen

It's crazy that the whole process takes a year or more, surely jobs can be created to fix this?

And I mean real jobs, more decision makers, more form processors etc not some quango to look into why it's taking so long and how to make improvements?

rogerblack

GlasweJen wrote: »

It's crazy that the whole process takes a year or more, surely jobs can be created to fix this?

And I mean real jobs, more decision makers, more form processors etc not some quango to look into why it's taking so long and how to make improvements?

But these are 'back office' jobs, which are unpopular.
And the training is 'wasted' - ESA is going away in a couple of years times, so any training is pointless.

Brassedoff

oldestrocker wrote: »

No, they are 'virtual' wheelchairs. They will look at it that IF you did have a wheelchair would your mobility improve. If the answer is yes, then that proves the fact that you should go out and buy one and there is no need for DLA mobility payment.

So what will people go out and buy these "virtual wheelchairs" with? "Virtual cash"? You've been watch Little Britain too much. IF you knew anything about it, you would know that it is dangerous and if used incorrectly could cause further injuries if you use a wheelchair when you don't require one.

btw, as you on the subject of something you have no idea about, are you grouping everyone into being pushed or self propelling? So when you sit in your "virtual wheelchair", does it come with a pretend carer to push it? If you believe that, you might get some extra points on the mental health side of a claim!!!!

GlasweJen

Brassed off, the virtual wheelchairs are self propelled, I kid you not.

Brassedoff

GlasweJen wrote: »

Brassed off, the virtual wheelchairs are self propelled, I kid you not.

Are they? Wow, when I had my assessment, they must have put a lazy virtual !!!!!! behind me because it moved only inches.

Being serious on that issue, what if you cannot self propel? What test do they apply? I am over 6ft tall (was taller before surgery and the accident), and could not despite my big beefcake (I have ADKFS delusions, lol) chest and arms could not move due to the lower back going into neuro-muscular spasm.

Thought I was an intelligent person, but for the life of me cannot work out how the descriptors are applied in that instance.

GlasweJen

You would score 15 points as being unable to mobilise 100m. You have to be mobilising yourself, someone pushing your chair isn't you mobilising.

Power chair users also score 15points if they cannot self propel a manual wheelchair.

Trialia

GlasweJen wrote: »

You would score 15 points as being unable to mobilise 100m. You have to be mobilising yourself, someone pushing your chair isn't you mobilising.

Power chair users also score 15points if they cannot self propel a manual wheelchair.

*sighs* Well, I never thought anything would make me feel better about being unable to self-propel in a manual chair... I've been proved wrong. =P