dwp phone call

maggieann2luke

Someone from dwp is ringing me thursday about my "change of circumstances" claim for esa. Any clues as to what it may involve and is it routine practice?

DomRavioli

Have you had a change in circumstances?

If you have, what was it - that would give the basic gist of the call.

maggieann2luke

Yes. I've had chronic sciatica (compressed sciatic nerve) for the last 8 years which stopped me working despite several injections and high doses of gabapentin and co-codamol. Last August my left knee collapsed and damaged the cartilages. Pre-op blood tests revealed blood clotting problems and the surgeon is very reluctant to operate. I am struggling to walk because the pain in my knee affects my sciatica meaning 2 weak legs and 2 lots of pain. The dwp know all this and that it could be months before my knee is sorted. I informed the dla at the same time and now get high rate mobility. I can only think the esa folk want an update about my knee and how it affects me. I must remember to tell them politely, not using my usual words!

maggieann2luke

UPDATE. Got the phone call 10minutes ago. Hm because I can use 2 walking sticks to move around indoors I can work. Strange but out of 26 job enquiries in my immediate area not one shop or cafe will employ me. Why? Because I haven't got both hands free to work with and I'm a health and safety risk. Now it's going to be a Mandatory Reconsideration then Tribunal - again. Don't know why I bothered in the first place, it's all a waste of time, paper and petrol.

citykid5

Don't know why I bothered is exsactly the response the dwp want you to take, and give in at the first hurdle. Get advise on how to proceed from the c a b or see if your local council has a benefits rights advisor.
AND DO NOT GIVE UP quite clearly your chances of employment are as good as none existent . Wishing you all the best

maggieann2luke

Thanks citykid. I had to go to tribunal last year to get put into wrag and it wasn't easy. I'm worse now because of my knee which may, or not, be treated. I can only wait for the paperwork to get here and find out just what they made the decision on then battle it out. Guess I'll be on a few websites again for advice.

citykid5

Would highly recomend the c a b as a starting point.
Best of luck in getting it sorted

maggieann2luke

Oh well, got the letter and decision makers report but still no face to face assessment copy after 3 requests. I got 9 points for sitting and standing, 0 for moving around! It's time these dm lot were sorted out, I can't self propel a wheelchair or use crutches because of my compressed sciatic nerve and I've yet to get my knee dealt with which was the reason I claimed a change of circumstances. I can, however, claim in 6 months if my condition worsens - which is what I did in November!!!
They WILL be getting a phone call on Monday morning, followed by a letter. They can't even change the phone number on their letterheads which changed a fortnight ago and they obviously can't read an ESA50 properly either. CAB will be getting a call as well.
I will keep smiling and enjoy this lovely sunny day.

SJI85

maggieann2luke wrote: »

UPDATE. Got the phone call 10minutes ago. Hm because I can use 2 walking sticks to move around indoors I can work. Strange but out of 26 job enquiries in my immediate area not one shop or cafe will employ me. Why? Because I haven't got both hands free to work with and I'm a health and safety risk. Now it's going to be a Mandatory Reconsideration then Tribunal - again. Don't know why I bothered in the first place, it's all a waste of time, paper and petrol.

Is the only work in your local area limited to just shops and cafes?

From the sounds of it you're protected by the Equality Act 2010 (formerly the Disability Discrimination Act 1995), as you meet the criteria for disability (a protected characteristic) so employers are obliged to make reasonable adjustments for you and not to discriminate.

maggieann2luke

We live in a very busy tourist area which is full of outdoor clothing shops, cafes, b and b's and hotels. I'm 61, not office trained and would struggle driving 20plus miles everyday to get to work then travel back again. Health and safety rules are the biggest brick wall for disabled people these days and there's not a lot we can do about it.

SJI85

maggieann2luke wrote: »

We live in a very busy tourist area which is full of outdoor clothing shops, cafes, b and b's and hotels. I'm 61, not office trained and would struggle driving 20plus miles everyday to get to work then travel back again. Health and safety rules are the biggest brick wall for disabled people these days and there's not a lot we can do about it.

No, I strongly suspect they are using the "health and safety" as an excuse not to employ you (in other words discriminate). You will need an occupational assessment before any discussion of whether you're fit for work, and what adjustments are needed. It's not something that can usually be decided pre-interview.

I don't know you, but I highly doubt you're incapable of doing some shop work even if some adjustments are required.