stress when dealing with the dwp

john_doe1

as usual am having to deal with the dwp. I am very stressed out all the time because of this. Was wondering how other people deal with the stress?

BigAunty

I don't claim any benefits.

However, my general approach to stress is not to worry about anything that I can't control. If it's something that's out of your sphere of influence, just shrug it off because you can't do anything to change its outcome.

My other approach to avoiding stress is the realisation that nobody can hurt you apart from you - you can control what gets to you and what doesn't more than you think. You have to give permission to allow another person or organisation to hurt, oppress, exploit you. So withold permission.

pickpocketlocket

Might help if we knew what was stressing you out?

pmlindyloo

May I guess?

Not being able to get through to them by telephone.

Not being sure of which option to use as none of them fit.

Using an option and then being put 'on hold' for ages.

Speaking to someone when you do get through and they have no idea about your query.

Giving you another telephone number and then finding out it is the wrong one or you can't get through.

Just one instance of when I had the pleasure of dealing with tax credits for a client.

I am sure there are people who get wonderful helpful advice but many, who like the OP (and me) get very stressed and frustrated.

The service is overwhelmed and just cannot cope.

Suggestion for the OP. Either get CAB or your MP involved or both!

Dunroamin

pmlindyloo wrote: »

May I guess?

Not being able to get through to them by telephone.

Not being sure of which option to use as none of them fit.

Using an option and then being put 'on hold' for ages.

Speaking to someone when you do get through and they have no idea about your query.

Giving you another telephone number and then finding out it is the wrong one or you can't get through.

Sounds like dealing with many large organisations - annoying rather than stressful.

john_doe1

i was told i was being migrated back in march to esa from ib.In june i was put in the wrag group. I asked in july for a supersession/appeal as i believe i should be in the support group and it is now september and i still havent heard anything.Got my first wfi appointment monday after my original one was cancelled. I just find the waiting all the time very stressful.Just wondered how other people deal with it?

Notmyrealname

john_doe1 wrote: »

as usual am having to deal with the dwp. I am very stressed out all the time because of this. Was wondering how other people deal with the stress?

I don't have any stress because I know my claim is genuine.

McKneff

Could you tell me what you define your 'stress' as.

rogerblack

Notmyrealname wrote: »

I don't have any stress because I know my claim is genuine.

I'm glad you live in a world where DWP employees never make errors, and the tribunals process is swift and efficient.

Arg

That doesn't make you immune to being messed about by the jobcentre.

pickpocketlocket

McKneff wrote: »

Could you tell me what you define your 'stress' as.

I'm wondering that too, as what the OP describes seems like a pretty positive/ neutral experience?