Index of Links to Benefit Help

clouty

I've been gathering the tools to help us negotiate the DWP.

This list originated on a facebook group for people with ME, hence many of the ME-related links. I debated whether to delete some of them, but then I thought, why?

The best guides to claiming benefits are from Benefits and Work, but to access them you need to become a member. Most of us who have paid the £20 or so that it costs per annum say it's the best £20 we've ever spent. However, if you are in trouble with your benefits, you may just not have £20 to spare. I have continued to pay for membership, even though I don't personally need to, just because their work is going to even more vital in this confusing time of benefit "reform" (read nightmare), especially as funding for legal advice in the first stages of benefit claims is to be removed.

Please post below if you have access to anything helpful that is not included here.

This index is arranged into the following groups in this order:

ME specific information
Getting support with benefit claims in general
Background info on the processes
The transfer from work to benefit
Housing benefit
Timetable of Benefit Changes
Claiming ESA
The Contribution-based time limit and Youth Rules
Appealing ESA
Second Tier Tribunals
JSA Tips and Info
Claiming DLA
Appealing DLA
Pension Credit
Other sources of funding

ME specific information

Responses from the DWP about the Department’s classification of ME/CFS
http://www.meactionuk.org.uk/Freud-reply-to-Mar.pdf
http://www.meactionuk.org.uk/Responses-from-the-DWP.htm

Problems with your GP – template complaint letter
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Problems%20with%20your%20GP%3F%20%20Template%20Complaint%20Letter.odt


Getting support with benefit claims in general

Turn to us benefit checker - check what to claim for - comprehensive and easy to use
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

DirectGov version
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DoItOnlineByCategory/DG_172666

Getting help with your benefits- online resources
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Getting%20help%20with%20benefits%20-%20online%20resources.odt

Benefit rates for 2012 - DWP link
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/benefitrates2012.pdf

Introducing the benefit Integrity Centres
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/touchbase-ezine-november-2011.pdf
http://www.leger.me.uk/Pathways%20Downloads/leger%20Me%20Pathways%20no%2030.pdf

Legal Advice for benefit claims
http://www.thefru.org.uk/ [url]
http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/welfarebenefits.html
[/url]

Chief Operating Officer DWP DWP 0207 829 3364 For escalating claims when not happy
with decision maker's reconsideration.

Independent Case Examiner (ICE). ICE offers a free, impartial resolution service but does not consider matters of law or government policy. ICE can be contacted by telephone (0845 606 0777), in writing (PO Box 155, Chester CH99 9SA), or by email (ice@dwp.gsi.gov.uk). Full details are available on the ICE website at www.ind-case-exam.org.uk.

Community Legal Advice - legal aid link 0845 345 4345 They'll help for free provided you have less than £16k in savings and are on or claiming benefits.


Background info on the processes

ATOS training guidelines
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/49025/response/123840/attach/html/5/Chronic%20Fatigue%20MED%20S2%20CMEP%200017%20Mod%206%20V4.doc.html

ATOS questions from their web page
http://www.atoshealthcare.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68

Example Diary and Useful Impairment Forms to Fill In
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4407124/examplediary.docx
http://www.mecfshints.com/docs/Impairment_Profile_General.pdf
http://www.mecfshints.com/docs/Impairment_Profile_Activities.pdf

Training & Development Revised WCA Handbook ESA (LCW/LCWRA) Amendment Regulations 2011
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wca-handbook.pdf

ATOS will record assessments includes a request letter (this option will be withdrawn if not enough people request it) http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/ATOS%20will%20record%20assessments%20includes%20a%20request%20letter.odt

Support group descriptors - from Benefits and Work
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors


The transfer from work to benefit:

Ill Health Retirement resources
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Ill%20Health%20Retirement%20Resources.doc

Working tax Credits - the disability element
http://www.help.entitledto.co.uk/viewhelp.aspx?sid=29&helpfile=disabilityelement


Housing benefit

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Housing.doc


Timetable of changes to benefits

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/news_and_changes/benefit_changes.aspx?page=16619


Claiming ESA

Benefits and Work guide to claiming ESA for a physical condition
Available on the Benefits and Work site - see intro

Benefits and Work guide to claiming ESA for a mental condition
Available on the Benefits and Work site - see intro

Action for ME guide to ESA 50, inc. descriptors
http://www.actionforme.org.uk/Resources/Action%20for%20ME/Documents/get-informed/ESA%20FIF-Updated%20August%2011%20WEB%20EDIT.pdf

Guide transfer from IB to ESA
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Being%20transferred%20from%20incapacity%20benefit%20to%20employment%20and%20support%20allowance.odt

Eligibility for ESA if living abroad
http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/esa/residence.asp
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/m-38-08.pdf
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/?p=10854
Read the DWP paper on the subject HERE
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IB+Reassessment+Overseas-copy.pdf

Fit notes (aka sick notes - ah, Orwell lives)
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/healthcare-professional/news/statement-of-fitness-for-work.shtml

ESA 50 Guide
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/ESA%2050%20help.pdf

Understanding ESA [Benefits and Work]
Available on the Benefits and Work site - see intro

Gabi’s ESA [Exceptionally Stupid !!!!!!!s] medical questions
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Gabi%E2%80%99s%20Top%20Tips.doc

ATOS ESA assessments - what to expect, hints and tips
http://www.edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk/node/5

ESA descriptors cons claimants
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/ESA%20descriptors%20cons%20claimants%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8ESA%20descriptors%20cons%20claimants%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8.doc

Updated guide to ESA Descriptors/scores
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

Preparing for a ESA assessment
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/understanding_ESA_newtest.pdf

Good day, bad days, pain and tiredness [ESA]
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Good%20day%2C%20bad%20days%2C%20pain%20and%20tiredness%20%5BESA%5D%20.doc

Support group descriptors - from Benefits and Work
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

Proposed amendment ESA
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2010-2012/0075/amend/ml075-x.htm

Substantial Risk [reg29]
P.11 of http://www.nwdial.org.uk/training%20files/esa_physical_lcw.pdf

Official ruling supporting claimants who could not repeatedly perform movements
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/pdfs/cmmr_upload/cib/cib1458796.doc

ESA for work and limited capacity for work related activity amendments regulations 2011
http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/other/9780108509698/9780108509698.pdf

What to do if you are too ill to attend a medical
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/What%20to%20do%20if%20you%20are%20too%20ill%20to%20attend%20a%20medical..doc

If Atos refuses a home visit and guidelines to request one
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/If%20atos%20refuses%20a%20home%20visit%20and%20guidelines%20re%20requesting%20one..doc

Work focused interviews
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Work%20Focussed%20Interviews.odt

Attending WFI whilst appealing to be placed in the support group
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/attending%20WFI%20whilst%20appealing%20to%20be%20placed%20in%20the%20support%20group.doc


The Contribution-based time limit and Youth Rules

Explained by the DWP...
http://dwp.gov.uk/docs/esa-changes-q-and-a.pdf

Can I Transfer from Contributions Based to Income based WRAG ESA?
http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/esa/incrit.asp


Appealing ESA

What's a Tribunal like? Video from the Tribunal Service
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/53142265/Making%20an%20appeal%20to%20the%20Social%20Security%20and%20Child%20Support%20tribunal.mp4 (new link, a little slow to load).

The appeal form on download:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/gl24dwp.pdf

Guidance on revision of benefit decision
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch03.pdf

What to do when you receive notice that you have failed your ATOS WCA assessment
http://blacktrianglecampaign.org/2011/12/16/what-to-do-when-you-receive-notice-that-you-have-failed-your-atos-w-c-a-assessment/

ESA appeal what forms to ask for
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/ESA%20appeals%20-%20what%20forms%20to%20ask%20for.odt

Example of submission letter re ESA Appeal request
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Example%20of%20submission%20letter%20re%20ESA%20Appeal%20request..doc

CAB model letter to your MP
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Citizens%20Advice%20Bureau%20Model%20Letter%20to%20your%20MP.doc

Action for ME Guide to ESA Appeals
http://www.actionforme.org.uk/Resources/Action%20for%20ME/Documents/get-informed/ESA%20%20Revisions%20and%20appeals-Updated%20February%202012.pdf

Appealing ESA decisions
http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/factsheet/welfare_benefits/employment%20support%20allowance/Employment%20Support%20Allowance%20Appeal%20%20Decisions.pdf

ESA appeal guide [Benefit and Work]
Available on the Benefits and Work site - see intro

Second tier tribunals
Page 10 onwards in this doc
http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/factsheet/welfare_benefits/employment%20support%20allowance/Employment%20Support%20Allowance%20Appeal%20%20Decisions.pdf


JSA Tips and Info

Regulation supporting limited availability for work for reasons of caring, religion, disability and sickness
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/207/regulation/13/made


Claiming DLA

Benefits and Work guide to claiming DLA for a physical condition
Available on the Benefits and Work site - see intro

Benefits and Work guide to claiming DLA for a mental condition
Available on the Benefits and Work site - see intro

Giving persuasive information about how far you can walk [DLA]
http://www.nwdial.org.uk/training%20files/how_far_you_can_walk.pdf

DLA regulation and case law summaries
http://www.disabilityalliance.org/dlalaw.htm#Introduction*DLA
case law summaries: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1991/2890/contents/made

70 questions you are likely to be asked at your DLA medical - document download
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/70%20things%20you%20may%20be%20asked%20at%20a%20DLA%20medical.odt

Substantial Risk [reg29]
http://www.nwdial.org.uk/training%20files/esa_physical_lcw.pdf (page 10)

Official ruling supporting claimants who could not repeatedly perform movements
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Official%20Ruling%20Supporting%20Claimant%20who%20Could%20not%20REPEATEDLY%20Perform%20Movements.doc

What to do if you are too ill to attend a medical
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/What%20to%20do%20if%20you%20are%20too%20ill%20to%20attend%20a%20medical..doc


Appealing DLA

What's a Tribunal like? Video from the Tribunal Service
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/53142265/Making%20an%20appeal%20to%20the%20Social%20Security%20and%20Child%20Support%20tribunal.mp4 (new link, a bit slow loading)

Benefits and Work guide to appealing a DLA decision
Available on the Benefits and Work site - see intro

DLA revisions and appeals
http://www.nacc.org.uk/downloads/disability/AdultAppeal.pdf

Second tier tribunals
Page 10 onwards in this doc
http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/factsheet/welfare_benefits/employment%20support%20allowance/Employment%20Support%20Allowance%20Appeal%20%20Decisions.pdf


Pension Credit
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44533954/Pension%20Credit.doc

Other sources of funding

Disability Grants – your guide for the Disabled
http://www.margaretsfund.org/how-we-help
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/default.aspx


Help with fuel costs

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/funding/whds/whd_broader/whd_broader.aspx
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/benefits/help_for_people_on_a_low_income_-_the_social_fund.htm?mid=521#cold_weather_payments



clouty

Added a regulation that JSA claimants can limit their job search for reasons of religion, caring responsibilities, illness or disability.

Regulation supporting limited availability for work for reasons of caring, religion, disability and sickness
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/207/regulation/13/made

LadyMorticia

Thanks for this, Clouty. I have severe M.E and it's nice to have all useful links in one post rather than having to use spoons to search for them.

clouty

Added that Tribunal service video that pops up and is taken down - it's back up for now, though Grayling doesn't like that.

What's a Tribunal like? Video from the Tribunal Service
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RXQU-wrOHjE#!

Mupette

very good clouty,

but i note some are dated 2007.

Pip is about to be introduced and so everything changes..
it would be interesting to see what the descriptors are for that

[Deleted User]

i would always urge caution with benefits and work,they have an agenda; one that basically frightens you to death then offers to solve all your problems for 20 quid

clouty

Woodbine, I totally disagree. The people at Benefits and Work work very hard to give us the best up to date info, and they have a right to be able to pay their bills and eat.

Muppett, the post was up to date when I posted. If the info is from 2007 it's because at that time it was still current. I am part of the Spartacus team and we have done a lot of work, responding to consultations and lobbying re PIP, universal credit, social care and many other subjects relevant to people with disabilities and chronic illnesses such as MS and ME. The PIP descriptors are not yet finalised. When they are, we will be responding to that too.

I am a barefoot benefits advisor, working for free, on several groups.