MSE News: George Osborne to make £10bn welfare cuts

seven-day-weekend

I totally believe that some people, like Dunroamin and her husband, do not claim Benefits they might be entitled to. Sometimes this can be due to not wanting to be beholden to anyone, not to have to answer to anyone about how they spend their money, to not have to be hauled in for interviews and medicals etc. Some may disagree with the entitlement to the Benefit, and don't claim it for that reason. Others don't need the amount of financial assisance the Benefit provides, and therefore choose to go without, for any or all of the above reasons.

I don't find this difficult to believe, and as Dunroamin says, there must be something very wrong if people do find it so hard to understand.

I am not for one minute saying people should not claim what they are entitled to, just saying that I totally understand why some people choose not to.

Just for everyone's information, and for the sake of transparency, I have a State Pension and earn a small amount of money from dogsitting, and my husband has a Teacher's' Pension and a small amount of Incapacity Benefit ( reduced because of the Teacher's Pension). In 2014 I will have my Local Government Pension and he will have his State Pension (but lose his IB). We are not entitled to any other Benefits.

mazza111

Fbaby - I can see what some of what Anny's said in that post. Unless you've been on the receiving end of one of their tyrades.... I said before, one particular poster was fine with me until after some help I got on here, my dd was awarded DLA. Then they got down right nasty. Why? Because my dd is only 21. She hasn't put much into the pot. Well how could she? Ok she worked from the age of 16 to 20, then she just couldn't. Lost her job because of the amount of time she was off sick. She tried to go as long as she could as often as she could.

I'm not saying all are like that. But there are a few posters on these threads who like to attack. They don't see they are doing more harm than good. They've even told me I should take my daughter back home, not to benefit my daughter, but to save them paying her rent. If only I could!!! No doubt my daughter would benefit from having me on hand to help her. But would it be any kind of life having to sleep on the sofa or be carried upstairs to the toilet? ATM she's in a 1 bedroom ground floor flat. Ideal for her, and I'm just up the road, in a 2 bedroom house with my lad. It's really not an option for her to move back with me. It's these kind of snide comments that really aren't needed.

I am open to any question or debate about benefits. But those snide ones. There are a couple I could name, but the post would get deleted. So I really can relate to what Anny's saying with regards to the jealousy. I'm not saying you btw, but there are a few pots on here who like to call the kettle...Hypocrisy at it's best.


By all means, debate the current situation. To All, Debate mine or my dd's illness in it. But don't get personal with the insults. I bite back. Those who live in glass houses really shouldn't throw stones.

mazza111

Note* I did say some of what Anny said. Dunroamin has stated many times she could claim that but doesn't. It wasn't that part I was agreeing with, but the jealousy of certain posters, I don't know if jealousy is the right word, but does show a certain amount of bitterness.


My dad's lungs were about that capacity when he finally seen the effect his illness was having on the family and agreed to get carers in Dunroamin. He only had them for a couple of weeks before he passed away, but it gave him new people to talk to as well and broke some of the isolation he felt. My mum wasn't fit enough to help him with bathing, and wouldn't accept help from his girls. We were allowed to help him get dressed and that was about it

FBaby

Maybe jealousy is the wrong word. I think what it comes down to is a different view on fairness of the system and equality. You can see it from both positions. Without DLA people with disability aren't treated equally. Or with DLA some people with disability will be better of than some who contribute towards their income. Obviously depending on which side of the fence you sit you will see one or the other.

I agree that it is not nice to be attacked but I personally felt attacked myself since I was directly quoted and accused of being jealous when I didn't feel I had been rude to anyone personally. I don't see the point of complaining of being badly treated and then do the same thing in return.

Anny_2

FBaby wrote: »

I'm quite speechless with this response....isn't that doing the exact thing you are accusing some of doing? I don't know if I am on the 'usual suspects' list, although I assume I am as I do express my opinion that I don't think ALL benefits (not benefit claimants....) are awarded fairly, but I have never accused anyone of being jealous, bitter, of having no life, or being inadequate, or all the frankly quite aggressive statements in this post.

I was going to reply to your previous email in a debate sort of format, pointing why I don't agree with some of your comments (and why I agree with some others), but reading that latest post, I really can't be bothered as it won't be read as a statement of my points of view opened for debate but as an automatic attack resulting in personal judgmental comments back.

Yes, You are on the list -and if some of the statements in my post appear to be aggressive to you, then you really need to look back at some of your posts and try to be objective.

Please stop trying to 'tar me with the same brush' I am in no way like you, I do not attack for no reason like you do - what I have posted is a number of statements based on the contents of many posts and I cannot be held responsible for your inability to be objective regarding them.

You really need to learn at some point that 'if you can give it, you need to be able to take it' in relation to judging others -and in comparison to yours and some others posts, what I have posted regarding the 'usual suspects' is all based on fact, and what I have posted is also reflective of views expressed by other posters, you judge on pretty narrow assumptions and are very judgmental - and you have all acted in the ways described, and my post/posts in response to some of you are very mild compared to some of the absolutely unbelievable posts you appear to feel you have the right to post to individuals who come here looking for help and support.

I never said anyone had 'no life' - although I did suggest maybe some had inadequacies in their lives and that was informed by theories around bullying and my opinions regarding why some perhaps bully on here.

Please, do not bother trying to debate with me, I have no wish to enter into a personal debate with you at all.

Dunroamin

mazza111 wrote: »

My dad's lungs were about that capacity when he finally seen the effect his illness was having on the family and agreed to get carers in Dunroamin. He only had them for a couple of weeks before he passed away, but it gave him new people to talk to as well and broke some of the isolation he felt. My mum wasn't fit enough to help him with bathing, and wouldn't accept help from his girls. We were allowed to help him get dressed and that was about it

Fortunately, because he still manages to exercise within the house, something the older generation of lung patients were discouraged from doing, my husband can usually manage to dress himself and use the shower. Also, the fewer people he has contact with, the less chance he has of getting an infection which is what normally kills most people in that situation.

Also fortunately, I'm ten years younger than he is and can physically manage any care he needs, as well as fight for him to be put on oxygen, which is the only thing that helps people with emphysema to live longer.

However, thanks for your kind suggestions.

mazza111

FBaby wrote: »

Maybe jealousy is the wrong word. I think what it comes down to is a different view on fairness of the system and equality. You can see it from both positions. Without DLA people with disability aren't treated equally. Or with DLA some people with disability will be better of than some who contribute towards their income. Obviously depending on which side of the fence you sit you will see one or the other.

I agree that it is not nice to be attacked but I personally felt attacked myself since I was directly quoted and accused of being jealous when I didn't feel I had been rude to anyone personally. I don't see the point of complaining of being badly treated and then do the same thing in return.

Again, you're not the one I was aiming that at hon. Although I can see where you're coming from too. I've not found offence at anything you have said. Although I did get a little thorny when you mentioned admin work.

I don't get dla, I wouldn't apply for it either, cos I'm not quite there yet. I wish I could get back to work, it's so isolating being stuck indoors most days. Apart from my outing to my daughter's daily. Sat at my desk now with my shoulder blanket on and it's wonderful, really getting some relief from it And would recommend it to anyone with upper back problems. Just about to have a bath so I can deal with my lower problems This is actually where I'm in a sticky wicket. The heat really helps with the pain, but it also relaxes the muscles too much if I over do it, then the snap crackle and pop starts

I actually forgot to take my meds last night, so have a hand that looks like a blown up glove. Anyhoo, off for a soak, catch u later

Anny_2

Dunroamin wrote: »

As I'm sure that this accusation is aimed at me, I'm going to answer it.

I really wonder why you should find this so hard to believe - presumably because in this day and age you think that everybody will take whatever they can get, whether they need it or whether they agree with the reasons it's given or not.

My husband is in the later stages of emphysema ( less than 20% lung capacity), on oxygen 24/7, virtually housebound and with many of the complications (like osteoporosis) which go with the condition. However, we have occupational pensions, not because we're lucky but because we spent most of our lives in poorly paid public sector employment. One of the advantages of this situation is that it allows you to be independent, something that not everybody is so fortunate to have.

What would we do with DLA/AA that we don't do now? I look after my husband, I don't call it care because (although it fits the criteria for care as defined by benefits) I don't agree with that definition.There is no way he would have paid carers coming in and no reason for them to do so.

Do you really think that people should apply for a benefit they disagree with unless they are so totally strapped financially they have no choice? Do you have so low an opinion of the people in the UK that you think nobody has any morals any more where money is concerned?

If we were to claim any benefits they'd simply be saved or used to repay the mortgage, which I'll be repaying until I'm 69. Do you honestly think that this is what they're there for or that we'd be right to do so, because I certainly don't.

You may not agree with some of the opinions I hold but at least I actually offer help and information to people where I can, something that I see very little of from you.

I have never said or implied that I have a low opinion of UK people and that they have no morals where money is concerned and to me you asking that question is irrelevant here and is totally out of context - but my reply is - nothing could actually be further from the truth

I do not believe anyone is entitled to and does not claim and receive DLA, although perhaps AA is different due to many older peoples suspicions regarding benefits and their basis often being the 'old means test man' who use to visit the home and sell their items before assistance was given. I know others who do not claim carers allowance, because like you they provide the care for their loved ones, but of all the people I know in RL (and I know many, many disabled people, many ages and many circumstances) and of all the many benefits forums I have read - you are the only one who claims you do not claim DLA - so on that basis I struggle to believe it and I wonder why you do not believe in DLA to such an extent that it is part of the reason you do not claim it, out of the many tens of thousands of people I know in RL and on countless benefits forums who do. I also wonder why you felt the 'need' to share that you do not claim although you could with others.

I agree you often give good advice/support/information, unfortunately the way you express some of your personal views to others is not good, in my opinion, and although I do not agree with many of the opinions you hold, it is more the way you express them that I do not agree with, rather than the fact you hold them.

I noticed the very obvious 'snide' dig at the end, despite all your positive input on the forum, you always revert to type - regarding me not giving advice/support/information - was that a criticism or a part of your defense? and can only say to that, it is many years since I studied welfare rights, it is all now out of date and I am not qualified to give advice, but I read the posts on a pretty regular basis still and because I cannot stand injustice in any form will challenge posts when I feel it is appropriate.

I only came to this forum initially due to my employment and for a few years I read and studied many posts and never posted. I can only comment or hold opinions on what I read and studied in that time, and of course what I read now, and I feel I have a pretty good measure of various posters on here and I admit I do not like some of them, at all - again it is not their opinions (we all differ in those) - it is the way they choose to express them.

To make it clear -I do not feel anyone should get benefits because they 'want' them, but I would always defend anyone who 'needs' them.

mazza111

Dunroamin wrote: »

Fortunately, because he still manages to exercise within the house, something the older generation of lung patients were discouraged from doing, my husband can usually manage to dress himself and use the shower. Also, the fewer people he has contact with, the less chance he has of getting an infection which is what normally kills most people in that situation.
Also fortunately, I'm ten years younger than he is and can physically manage any care he needs, as well as fight for him to be put on oxygen, which is the only thing that helps people with emphysema to live longer.

However, thanks for your kind suggestions.

The option's there if/when you feel you may need extra help hon. I should add it wasn't emphysema my dad had but small cell lung cancer. Which he beat only to take a fatal blood clot exactly where the tumour(s) were. And I have to say, the care workers were absolutely brilliant at protecting his dignity, which is brilliant, especially when it comes to men. I do believe men who have care mobility needs find it harder than women. Maybe it's because most of us have lost our dignity that way during childbirth :rotfl:

It's great you and he can manage the day to day things. Mum was the same age as dad, and yes looking back now, it's very possible she had HMS too. It's funny because we nor doctors had never heard of it then, it all got put down to being arthritis, it's only since my dd's diagnosis that we've started to question my mother and myself. Thankfully neither of us had it to the same extent as my dd and we could manage dad's illness most of the time. The carers were really just towards the end when we/he needed that wee bit of something extra as we were all emotionally and physically shattered by that time.

I'm rambling again Just don't rule it out if you need a wee bit of extra help, yes by all means carry on as you are doing for as long as you can manage, but remember help's there if you should need it. There's no shame in getting a wee bit of help if/when that time comes

Dunroamin

Anny wrote: »

I do not believe anyone is entitled to and does not claim and receive DLA, although perhaps AA is different due to many older peoples suspicions regarding benefits and their basis often being the 'old means test man' who use to visit the home and sell their items before assistance was given. I know others who do not claim carers allowance, because like you they provide the care for their loved ones, but of all the people I know in RL (and I know many, many disabled people, many ages and many circumstances) and of all the many benefits forums I have read - you are the only one who claims you do not claim DLA - so on that basis I struggle to believe it and I wonder why you do not believe in DLA to such an extent that it is part of the reason you do not claim it, out of the many tens of thousands of people I know in RL and on countless benefits forums who do. I also wonder why you felt the 'need' to share that you do not claim although you could with others.
.

I think you'll find that the generation who fear claiming benefits because of the old means test is my parents' - those of us who were born during and after the last war have no experience of that, although we may have heard of it via them.

Of the disabled people I know, some claim DLA/AA and some (like my husband) do not. Of those who do claim, I know a couple who only do so because they were led to believe that only DLA claimants were able to have a blue badge.

To be honest, we might have claimed for that reason ourselves but we were fortunate to be advised by a disabled (non DLA claiming) colleague that it wasn't true and so were able to get a blue badge easily, about 10 years ago.

If your knowledge of disabled people is gained mainly through Welfare Rights and benefits forums, don't you think that this is going to give you a biased picture of who does and doesn't claim?

There is a whole world of disabled people who don't claim benefits which is why there is a demand for disability registers which don't rely on receiving any form of benefit. Why should you have to be in receipt of a benefit to get a blue badge or appropriate seating in a theatre or cinema? If these things were readily available for disabled people rather than for benefits claimants we would have far fewer people claiming DLA and a better picture of genuine disability.