Appealing the Bedroom Tax

princessdon

panther_87k wrote: »

first application was prior to a definate diagnosis, second application was after.
the basic break down of their decision on the second application was.
1. no to care component because he could prepare a meal for himself if needed, he cannot lift a full saucepan but apparently he could empty it bit by bit with a spoon?? he also does not require help with toilet functions
2. no to mobility component because he can walk the distance between 2 lampposts, even though he would be in pain

he would like to get back in to work however his only qualifications are in car mechanics, something he cannot do any more.
between us we cannot come up with any jobs where he could stand/sit/walk around/sit/stand, etc every 5-10 minutes, all jobs require either constant sitting (in seating that is not suited to his problems) or constant standing/walking around, any heavy lifting or regular bending would be very difficult too. if any one knows of a job where you can sit (on something resembling the comfort of a sofa as this is the only seating he can use for more than 10 minutes) then get up and walk around for 10 minutes, possibly lie down during a break (he takes short lie downs on the bed or sofa fairly regularly during the day) then please let me know this is something the DWP doesnt seem to understand.

he is awaiting another app with rheumatology and is hoping to be given a drug which helps with the pain sufficiently enough for him to get some proper exercise (walking and possibly cycling) as if he can get his fitness to an acceptable level he may have better work prospects.

and all the while he is coping with the physical restraints of his illness (and his anxiety which has taken a turn for the worse in recent months) i am helping him get up in the morning, helping him to dress his lower body, helping him down stairs, cooking for him (no point in him cooking for just himself when theres 3 of us to feed any way) doing all the shopping on foot which includes carrying any heavy shopping home, im sure theres more but dont want to bore you with the ins and outs of my day to day life.

What are his PC/typing skills like?

If able to type and do reports/SS/DB in their own time would this be an option?

mysterywoman10

princessdon wrote: »

What are his PC/typing skills like?

If able to type and do reports/SS/DB in their own time would this be an option?

Why do you have a job going? I'm up for it?

panther_87k

princessdon wrote: »

What are his PC/typing skills like?

If able to type and do reports/SS/DB in their own time would this be an option?

he is dyslexic so may be unsuitable, wouldnt this require working in an office though as office seating isnt suited to him for more than 5-10 minutes at a time, unless he can find something like that where he could work from home? then he could sit on a sofa.

ab.da54

panther_87k wrote: »

first application was prior to a definate diagnosis, second application was after.
the basic break down of their decision on the second application was.
1. no to care component because he could prepare a meal for himself if needed, he cannot lift a full saucepan but apparently he could empty it bit by bit with a spoon?? he also does not require help with toilet functions
2. no to mobility component because he can walk the distance between 2 lampposts, even though he would be in pain

he would like to get back in to work however his only qualifications are in car mechanics, something he cannot do any more.
between us we cannot come up with any jobs where he could stand/sit/walk around/sit/stand, etc every 5-10 minutes, all jobs require either constant sitting (in seating that is not suited to his problems) or constant standing/walking around, any heavy lifting or regular bending would be very difficult too. if any one knows of a job where you can sit (on something resembling the comfort of a sofa as this is the only seating he can use for more than 10 minutes) then get up and walk around for 10 minutes, possibly lie down during a break (he takes short lie downs on the bed or sofa fairly regularly during the day) then please let me know this is something the DWP doesnt seem to understand.

he is awaiting another app with rheumatology and is hoping to be given a drug which helps with the pain sufficiently enough for him to get some proper exercise (walking and possibly cycling) as if he can get his fitness to an acceptable level he may have better work prospects.

and all the while he is coping with the physical restraints of his illness (and his anxiety which has taken a turn for the worse in recent months) i am helping him get up in the morning, helping him to dress his lower body, helping him down stairs, cooking for him (no point in him cooking for just himself when theres 3 of us to feed any way) doing all the shopping on foot which includes carrying any heavy shopping home, im sure theres more but dont want to bore you with the ins and outs of my day to day life.

Did you appeal the last DLA refusal?

What joints are affected?

The criteria for walking is that, if it causes pain, even if he could walk the distance between 2 lampposts, then he could qualify.

Does your partner needhelp with toilet needs?

Is it possible that, as the flare-up is once a week, that he can manage for the rest of the week, that thet could also be why he was refused?

Depression and long term illness can go hand in hand so can see why his anxiety has increased.

With regards shopping for the heavy stuff, can you shop online?

Do you know when the ESA switch begins? Hopefully your partner will be prescribed something that can take some of the pain away.

Do have a look for any gadgets which will make life easier, for all of you as you do not want to become ill too. Good luck

mysterywoman10

I type at 75 wpm and can't find work so really open to suggestions especially if working from home please do tell

princessdon

mysterywoman10 wrote: »

Why do you have a job going? I'm up for it?

I gave a job suggestion to someone a while ago based on what my friend does in our area, that poster (disabilities) reported they set up their own business doing the same and earns over £200 a week now.

Basically they offer PA/Admin/Website support to small businesses by the hour. By the hour being what is a niche.

So someone going on holiday gets their phone directed to her house to take calls, they send recorded internet calls to her and she types them up, she does basic spreadsheets, chases invoices and other PA/admin activities but by the hour.

She does most when her child is in bed, but replies as and when to emails (they forward emails to her by auto system), she replies for generic quotes and filters none essential emails.

She charges £10 an hour and could work over 100 hours a week based on demand.

people can't afford a PA/secretary/help full time, but a few hours a week is affordable, spread out over 37 hours. So the emails happen anytime during the day, but she charges as and when she replies to them.

A niche market and picking up daily.

She is called by some her "woman Friday" as she works for them on a Friday so they can have a long weekend. All clients needs met on their day off, without fear of people going to competitors as they don't get a reply.

At least 1 other who asked has also been highly successful. Suits those who can do as and when due to disability. Particularly as some don't like or cannot do spreadsheets and emails with a professional basis.

princessdon

panther_87k wrote: »

he is dyslexic so may be unsuitable, wouldnt this require working in an office though as office seating isnt suited to him for more than 5-10 minutes at a time, unless he can find something like that where he could work from home? then he could sit on a sofa.

It is working from home but I think the dyslexia would be a problem, was worth a thought just in case.

mysterywoman10

princessdon wrote: »

I gave a job suggestion to someone a while ago based on what my friend does in our area, that poster (disabilities) reported they set up their own business doing the same and earns over £200 a week now.

Basically they offer PA/Admin/Website support to small businesses by the hour. By the hour being what is a niche.

So someone going on holiday gets their phone directed to her house to take calls, they send recorded internet calls to her and she types them up, she does basic spreadsheets, chases invoices and other PA/admin activities but by the hour.

She does most when her child is in bed, but replies as and when to emails (they forward emails to her by auto system), she replies for generic quotes and filters none essential emails.

She charges £10 an hour and could work over 100 hours a week based on demand.

people can't afford a PA/secretary/help full time, but a few hours a week is affordable, spread out over 37 hours. So the emails happen anytime during the day, but she charges as and when she replies to them.

A niche market and picking up daily.

She is called by some her "woman Friday" as she works for them on a Friday so they can have a long weekend. All clients needs met on their day off, without fear of people going to competitors as they don't get a reply.

At least 1 other who asked has also been highly successful. Suits those who can do as and when due to disability. Particularly as some don't like or cannot do spreadsheets and emails with a professional basis.

Thanks for the info something I've often thought about, how did she get the business? Mailshots, drop in ads, internet advertising?

Big_is_beautiful

A friend of mine received a questionnaire today from her local council. It asked whether she would be prepared to down size, go into the private sector housing, plus a couple of other question.
The final question was the cheekiest of all it said, if you have answered no to all the above questions can you please state how you are going to find the money to pay the shortfall.
How bloody rude, I told her to tell them to mind their own business.
She actually came up with a better answer, she put. " By working in the sex industry" I cracked up.
Can you believe the audacity of them.

panther_87k

ab.da54 wrote: »

Did you appeal the last DLA refusal?

yes, the points 1 and 2 i posted were agreed with by the tribunal

What joints are affected?

almost all now, started in left knee back in 2006, now in both knees lower and upper back, neck, wrists, hands, fingers, beginning in toes too. worst are his knees and fingers. swelling like two balloons on his knees

The criteria for walking is that, if it causes pain, even if he could walk the distance between 2 lampposts, then he could qualify.

Does your partner needhelp with toilet needs?

no, but i do sometimes have to help him in the shower

Is it possible that, as the flare-up is once a week, that he can manage for the rest of the week, that thet could also be why he was refused?

his flare ups may only be once a week but he is affected 100% of the time, even when resting he has some pain. the flare ups are when he cannot even go downstairs, day to day (no flare up) he still needs help with all the things i mentioned

Depression and long term illness can go hand in hand so can see why his anxiety has increased.

With regards shopping for the heavy stuff, can you shop online?
i could but being on such a tight budget i use at least 4 different shops to get everything we need for the cheapest possible price, only one of the 4 delivers. its more cost effective for me to walk to 4 different shops (i dont do it all in one trip of course) than it is to buy from one supermarket and have it delivered

Do you know when the ESA switch begins? Hopefully your partner will be prescribed something that can take some of the pain away.

Do have a look for any gadgets which will make life easier, for all of you as you do not want to become ill too.

after 6 years of doing this im pretty used to it, i look after myself well dont worry about that, in fact ive finally been diagnosed with underactive thyroid after a long battle with doctors myself, telling me its just my blood pressure and theres nothing they can do, got fed up with being brushed off without so much as a blood test so changed doctors surgery and had a blood test the first time i mentioned it to the new doc :T must say im very pleased with him and will be stalking him if he leaves haha

Good luck

thank you for the good luck too