Partner is now to support me

Brassedoff

rogerblack wrote: »

And a large slice of people who have 'minor' impairments that qualify them for LRM/LRC will be less likely to get anything.
It is hard to generalise - there will be many more losers than winners from DLA.
The DWP is spinning 'better targeted support' - and it is true that more people will get the highest level of PIP.
However, this is only true as a proportion of those entitled - the absolute number goes down, and the numbers entitled in every class of benefit generally drop.

You are quite right. PIP will see roughly 500,000 people (half children) who suffered minor conditions will lose out completely. Those 500,000 will not only lose PIP, they will lose all the sundry items too, blue badge, council support, Theatre and Cinema, travel, amusements etc.

cbrown372

willber wrote: »

Children under 16 are not being assessed for PIP!

In my opinion to actually determine that someone is so disabled that they are awarded DLA only to find out that the disablement is simply that they cannot prepare a fresh meal from scratch using a traditional cooker is beyond belief. My definition of being disabled goes a lot further than that!

It is right that the lower rates of DLA are scrapped for PIP purposes. Let us concentrate on the very few that are so clearly disabled.

And as for Blue Badges - they are a complete joke. Too many times do I hear that they are abused by all and sundry. I know one that uses his deceased grandmother's badge - she died 10 months ago!

Yup, we've heard that story before too Andy, 10 months, 15 months whats a few months between your AE's.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/60904261#Comment_60904261

Poppie68

willber wrote: »

Children under 16 are not being assessed for PIP!

In my opinion to actually determine that someone is so disabled that they are awarded DLA only to find out that the disablement is simply that they cannot prepare a fresh meal from scratch using a traditional cooker is beyond belief. My definition of being disabled goes a lot further than that!

It is right that the lower rates of DLA are scrapped for PIP purposes. Let us concentrate on the very few that are so clearly disabled.

And as for Blue Badges - they are a complete joke. Too many times do I hear that they are abused by all and sundry. I know one that uses his deceased grandmother's badge - she died 10 months ago!

Yup your definition of a disabilty was a pain in your leg, for which you said you were going to claim DLA for and hopefully be able to get a mobility car....

rogerblack

Poppie68 wrote: »

Yup your definition of a disabilty was a pain in your leg, for which you said you were going to claim DLA for and hopefully be able to get a mobility car....

A severe pain in one leg (alone) may qualify someone for HRM.

Poppie68

rogerblack wrote: »

A severe pain in one leg (alone) may qualify someone for HRM.

I am well aware of that....my reply was specific to Willber...in his own words ' Im going to try and get me one of them, because my car costs a fortune to run' after stating 'the whole estate has them'..
Strange though he has a 'pain in the leg' but not already claiming DLA as according to him he is on the ball with claiming everything else...even gave up his 'well paid job' ..has paid off his mortgage and is doing very very well on benefits!!!

Racheldevon

Hi

I can't advise on the financial side of things,but wondered if you knew about the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction/Mindfulness based cognitive therapy groups available on the NHS? These are sometimes run through NHS pain clinics, or in partnership with local universities.The MBCT has research showing its more effective than antidepressant medication for thosewith recurrent or relapsing depression, so thought you might be interested.

lukieboy96

I have just started a Mindfulness group through my Mental Health Team. It gets you to focus on the 'here and now'

jaimefay

If you need help with bathing and dressing, etc, a community care assessment from social services might entitle you to some care hours/funding to employ a PA.

I know it sounds really daunting, but it's not as scary as it seems. I did it recently - not really expecting to get any help, but just on the off chance as life was getting ridiculously out of control and I hated being such a strain on my husband. I got awarded funding for nine hours a week, which although it doesn't sound like much, covers most of the cleaning/laundry/changing linen and curtains and leaves me time to go out in the garden while there's someone who can do the heavy bits! Or when I'm really unwell, it gets used for help showering, cooking, dressing and going to appointments.

The other thing is, do apply for PIP (I think new claims for DLA have finished now for working-age folk). Google for the descriptors and see if you think you'd qualify. Again, I know it's scary and hard and seems like too big a challenge - but the first step is just to ask for the form. And you can stop at any stage if you want to. After all, even if they say no, you're only in the same situation as you are now - you lose nothing by asking if you're eligible.

I *think* it's the same for PIP, but I know my DLA doesn't count when totting up household income. It also makes it easier for me to get a Blue Badge, a bus pass, and adaptations to my house (I rent from a housing association). You could use the money for a car if you got the enhanced mobility rate, or for taxis or ring-and-ride to get to appointments, so your husband doesn't have to miss time at work.

I've found the fact that my DLA allows me to get out a little bit and get more exercise than I would trapped in the house, some social contact (I was so lonely stuck inside!) and a bit of fresh air and even some sun, it's helped slow the deterioration of my condition, and helped me tackle the depression and anxiety and self-esteem issues that swooped like vultures when I realised I was pretty much unemployable. It's also helped me with the determination to manage my condition and to get as much functionality out of this wonky bendy body as I can.

Regarding ESA, I've never claimed so am not an expert, but I believe that regulations 25 and 35 say that a claimant should be classed as unfit for a) work and b) work related activity if there is a danger to the health of themselves or any other person, should they be found fit for work/work related activity.

The 'work' reg qualifies you automatically for the Work Related Activity Group - not much use for you as your contributory entitlement has run out and I'm guessing your husband earns too much for an income based claim.

However, the 'work related activity' reg, if it applies, qualifies you automatically for the Support Group, which is not time-limited based on contributions.

It depends when your old claim for ESA finished - if you're still in the time limits, appeal with this regulation, if it applies. If you're a bit over, try asking permission for a late appeal.

If you're way beyond the appeal time, I don't know if you can put in a new claim for ESA/Support Group now your contributory entitlement's finished, but it is worth finding out.

I know very well how overwhelming it can all be. I'm lucky; my mom was a civil servant (not at DWP tho!) and knows how to play bureaucracy bingo with the best of 'em, so I had a lot of help and advice available.

There are lots of people on the net and on Twitter who are very knowledgeable about these things and are generous with their time and expertise. One place to start looking is the We Are Spartacus campaign group - they might be able to help, or direct you to help.

It might also be worth going to your GP and laying it out as bluntly as possible how ill you are (sometimes you have to hit them over the head with it, I've found!). See if there's an ME/CFS clinic you can go to, or a pain management or expert patient program, or a pain clinic. Try anything they suggest, at least once, if you can - I've discovered a few things that work for me when attending what I thought were 'pointless, useless' referrals.

Best of luck, honey. You're not alone.

HB58

OP, you can think about appealing the decision to put you in the WRAG only if that decision was less than 13 months ago. Between 1 and 13 months you would have to show 'ggod reason' for not appealing sooner (financial reasons are not accepted as grounds for appeal). Otherwise, you might get put into the Support Group at one of the regular reassessments that you should expect.

While you are still classed as being 'on ESA' NI credits will be made on your behalf. These count towards your state pension but not other contributary benefits.

What were you doing just before you went onto ESA? If you were working and paying NI contributions immediately prior to being awarded ESA then you might be eligible for another round of 365 days contributary ESA.

sunnyone

Queenk wrote: »

Hello I am hoping someone can advise me as I was told after being at a second return back to work interview that my partner has to support me as I have been on contribution based ESA for over a year and it has come to an end this month, the adviser said I can't claim for any benefits etc Tho she said possibly DLA but its so hard to receive these days, My sister took the afternoon of work to attend with me and she said that is correct i cant apply for any benefits now and DLA was only option.
I am in my mid forties & have always worked. I have had ovarian cancer five years ago and it has been treated with chemo Resulting in total hysterectomy followed by another mass being taking of my bladder...unfortunately this has left me with severe depression, ME and bladder problems which have been diagnosed by consultants (are in writing) also I am on medication for my illnesses and attend hospital regularly for help and reviews. My partner works full time in the building trade long hours and work is based quite a fair distance away from home, he is leaving at 6 am and returning home about 6 pm then having to help me bathe and change clothes etc depending on how poorly I have been when he is at work, we don't have family to care for me and some days it can be hard being on my own doing everyday tasks, my partner earns over the amount for any tax credit however I do have debt in my own name which we have both been clearing off. My partner also has to take time of work for hospital appointments to accompany me which his bosses are really not happy with him taking time off, we are struggling cash wise and my partner feels he needs to get a night job too now, I can't possibly work as I truly am in pain and am worrying even more since my income has stopped. I find it difficult speaking over the phone and tend to get very emotional having conversations with people on the phone so much so I tend to aviod answering the phone so again my partner has to deal with it all sadly, I feel I need to try and find out where to claim without husband taking anymore time of work and for me to try and sort things out, it's all beginning to take toll on my partner and too be honest previous years I was too ill to even bother so I must be getting a bit better :T Any help I shall take on board & thank you in advance!

Are you urinary incontinant leading to a full evacuation of the bladder at least once per week? (and this also include failure of urinary collection devices etc)

If you are you can ask for a suppersession into the support group fo ESA even after your year of contributions based ESA is over.

There are also many treatments available for post hyterectomy bladder problems, are you seeing a urologist?

If you have care and/or mobility needs apply for DLA/PIP, you have nothing to lose. Have you recent evidence to back up a claim? If not I would start to collect it now because it makes a huge diffrence to wether you get an award of DLA/PIP or not.

For debts in your own name I would post on the appropriate part of this board for advice, people have had debts written off or reduced to £1 per month when they had normal benefit income so surely if you have no income you should be able to come to agreement with them.