MSE News: Half a million could lose disability benefits

nad1611

princessdon wrote: »

Single parent paying £1600 a month in childcare leaves them a net income of £1650. Hb rates in that area are £340 a week (3 bed) £1470 a month social housing, so even deducting the social housing rates it leaves about £300 - £400 a month to pay council tax, food, getting to work etc. that including the small tax credits they get. Not really rich - how many families of 5 can pay all bill (excl rent) incl council tax on that amount?

You cut your coat according to your cloth.

We're going off the point here.This wasn't something I was labouring on as I said. Anyway I didn't make any comment about this person in your illustration so I'm not sure what your point is.

And krisskross this amount was what we had to spend on everything once Tax had been deducted and with Tax Credits and Child Benefit included. We paid a mortgage and rent,clothing, heating and all other services, food,Council Tax etc, so it can be done.
Anyway I think we should stick to the point in hand.

princessdon

I agree way OT (just my bugbear when people assume and use the word "rich" and it was a "worst case" scenario that won't affect the majority.

The media create a lot of hype for all with headlines that don't allow for individual circs

I am not personally affected by ESA and these changes (but have a family member who is) and yes I am concerned about the proposals, hence why I am trying to learn how they will be affected and how I can support.

Dunroamin

nad1611 wrote: »

I take your point but I'm not really narrow minded it just annoyed me a bit that someone should try and compare losing child benefit when you earn above whatever it is?£45000, to losing DLA. It doesn't change the fact that there are ways of reducing your income to enhance other things.
.

Considering that DLA is neither a means tested nor an out of work benefit, I don't really see how that's relevant.

krisskross

nad1611 wrote: »

You cut your coat according to your cloth.

We're going off the point here.This wasn't something I was labouring on as I said. Anyway I didn't make any comment about this person in your illustration so I'm not sure what your point is.

And krisskross this amount was what we had to spend on everything once Tax had been deducted and with Tax Credits and Child Benefit included. We paid a mortgage and rent,clothing, heating and all other services, food,Council Tax etc, so it can be done.
Anyway I think we should stick to the point in hand.

So you actually had about the same amount to spend as the 'rich' person on a £50K salary who gets no CB or tax credits. Who also would have mortgage, council tax and all the usual bills to pay. You really cannot compare net for one family and gross income for the other like you have been doing.

Anubis_2

sangio wrote: »

That as may be, but they are both benefits that can be claimed if you are unable to work due to sickness.

All that has changed is a more radical way at looking at those who present a GP's sick note and expect to receive a benefit. Only now is being able to do any type of work be considered. In the past it was if you can't do your own job, then you can't do any job!

IB can no longer be claimed. They stopped claims in Jan 2011.

sunnyone

Anubis wrote: »

IB can no longer be claimed. They stopped claims in Jan 2011.

ESA started in 2008.

Ruth_MSE_Gee

I am on Invalidity..well, I was.
I received a letter end of April to say my Benefit was stopping because I didn't attend an Assessment on March 8th or give them good reason for that. The letter said I had Right of Appeal, but it doesn't seem that I have right of another Assessment date.

When I received the letter was the first I had heard of an appointment. I had had no communication with them between these times.

I rang..as it said to do. A very snooty woman told me I had to write...I did and heard nothing. In the end I went to a Benefits Advisor...who rang them. He talked to a young man who said 'No right of Appeal'....we have put a letter of Appeal in. However, they have said they will look at my original report...which of course contains nothing as I didn't have the Assessment.

I attend my local MIND 3 times a week for help and it's my lifeline. I'm at a loss of what to do......

Anubis_2

Ruth_MSE_Gee wrote: »

I am on Invalidity..well, I was.
I received a letter end of April to say my Benefit was stopping because I didn't attend an Assessment on March 8th or give them good reason for that. The letter said I had Right of Appeal, but it doesn't seem that I have right of another Assessment date.

When I received the letter was the first I had heard of an appointment. I had had no communication with them between these times.

I rang..as it said to do. A very snooty woman told me I had to write...I did and heard nothing. In the end I went to a Benefits Advisor...who rang them. He talked to a young man who said 'No right of Appeal'....we have put a letter of Appeal in. However, they have said they will look at my original report...which of course contains nothing as I didn't have the Assessment.

I attend my local MIND 3 times a week for help and it's my lifeline. I'm at a loss of what to do......

I am sorry to hear of your situation. I think Mutley or a Rogerblack may be able to offer some advice for you. Did they attempt to ring you at all?

sunnyone

Ruth_MSE_Gee wrote: »

I am on Invalidity..well, I was.
I received a letter end of April to say my Benefit was stopping because I didn't attend an Assessment on March 8th or give them good reason for that. The letter said I had Right of Appeal, but it doesn't seem that I have right of another Assessment date.

When I received the letter was the first I had heard of an appointment. I had had no communication with them between these times.

I rang..as it said to do. A very snooty woman told me I had to write...I did and heard nothing. In the end I went to a Benefits Advisor...who rang them. He talked to a young man who said 'No right of Appeal'....we have put a letter of Appeal in. However, they have said they will look at my original report...which of course contains nothing as I didn't have the Assessment.

I attend my local MIND 3 times a week for help and it's my lifeline. I'm at a loss of what to do......

Did you recieve absolutly nothing at all to tell you that you were changing from IB to ESA?

Most people get a phone call if their 'number is on the record, then a letter (it's the other way round if they dont have your number on record), then the ESA50 form to fill in before a WCA appointment is made (if you need one) but MH claimants can be treated diffrently, if you recieved nothing at all I would have thought you had a good chance of an appeal working but its what you live on in the meantime as you dont get paid while you appeal a missed medical though.

The alternative is another claim for ESA six months after missing the WCA or anytime if your condition worsens (which is highly likely with the stress this causes) but you would lose any transitional protection given to those transfered over from IB. Or a JSA claim.

lyniced

I suffer with FA and am currently on DLA (higher for both) and ESA (support group). I gave up working 3 years ago. I am unable to walk now, use a wheelchair, gave up driving 6 months ago and have other disabilities associated with this disease. I hope I will get PIP - do you think I will?