No income AT ALL since MArch

cammy1981

The succinct version of my story is I have absolutely no income. None at all. This has been the case since March 27th.

I was receiving Incapacity Benefit and Income Support because I suffer from (among other things) chronic depression.

Following a medical assessment at The DWP Medical Assessment Centre I am now no longer getting any benefits at all.

I am appealing the decision to stop my benefits but as a result I am currently getting no income. I suppose it doesn’t help when I have also been told that my gas and electricity is going up from £51 per month to £101 per month

I have been in touch with the DWP and filled in a questionnaire over the phone. I was asked to get a sick line from my doctor and a p45 and take them to my local job centre. I took these documents to the Job Centre. They didn’t want them from me and I still have them.

I was told that the only way I could get ANYTHING was to lie about being fit and actively looking for work.

I refused to do this as I have principles and I have integrity. But I also have no bloody money.

I have a sick line from my doctor telling me that due to my mental illness I am to refrain from working for two months so I could not, in all conscience, say that I am actively seeking work.

I know that Mr Iain Duncan Smith thinks it is OK to tell lies (as he apparently has done on his CV) and that perhaps all of us scroungers who sponge off the taxpayer should do likewise, but I am unhappy about having to choose between honesty and integrity on one hand and poverty and starvation on the other.

I now understand fully why some folk contemplate suicide

My GP has been brilliant in supporting me and has offered to write a letter in support of my appeal.

As a result of the added stress this situation has put upon me I have had feelings about self harm. My GP has referred me to a psychiatrist about this.


I am not sure what I really hope to achieve by writing this here but doing so has helped release a bit of the pressure in my head, yet made me even more upset and angry at the same time.

I telephoned today to ask about how my Mandatory reconsideration was coming along. I was promised a call back within 3 hours.

They didn’t bother getting back to me.

So while I have no money coming in I have a mortgage, gas, electricity, phone bills and food to pay for.
I had £800 in savings but am down to my last £75.

Indie_Kid

Have you had a reconsideration result yet? If so, you should be able to claim ESA.

cammy1981

Indie_Kid wrote: »

Have you had a reconsideration result yet? If so, you should be able to claim ESA.

No

I telephoned today to ask about how my Mandatory reconsideration was coming along. I was promised a call back within 3 hours.

They didn’t bother getting back to me.

Horseunderwater

You could try emailing your local MP, sometimes they can speed things up. Apply for a hardship payment. Sggest you cancel any direct debits for time being then you will not get bank charges. Go to CAB & get referral to a food bank.

Indie_Kid

There aren't ESA hardship payments.

cammy1981

Horseunderwater wrote: »

You could try emailing your local MP, sometimes they can speed things up. Apply for a hardship payment. Sggest you cancel any direct debits for time being then you will not get bank charges. Go to CAB & get referral to a food bank.

Have you been spying on me LOL :rotfl:

I actually emailed my MP earlier today to ask if he could speed things up.

Thanks

rogerblack

cammy1981 wrote: »

I was told that the only way I could get ANYTHING was to lie about being fit and actively looking for work.

You would not be not lying.
You would be reporting the decision of the assessment process. This overrules your doctor, or your opinion.

This is the way it's supposed to work.
You can claim JSA, and unless and until you fail to do something required of you, you cannot be denied a JSA claim.
If you are then denied, you can in principle claim JSA hardship.

If your condition has worsened, you need to make a new claim of ESA, on the ground that your condition has worsened.
This however may not be payable until you have had a new assessment.

As has been mentioned, there is no such thing as ESA hardship.
You can only claim hardship payments if you claim JSA, which is then stopped as you are unable to keep up with the requirements.

Payments will only resume once you either claim JSA, make a new claim for ESA and pass the assessment, or get to the appeal stage after your mandatory reconsideration for ESA.

Indie_Kid

You can claim JSA with a disability and have your job seekers agreement amended for this.

cammy1981

rogerblack wrote: »

You would not be not lying.
You would be reporting the decision of the assessment process. This overrules your doctor, or your opinion.

I like your thinking and appreciate your input, but the fact remains I am not even fit to go to the job centre.

The last time I was there I literally left in tears, and as a 53 year old man that fair knocks the stuffing out of you.

I don't actually know what stopped me taking an overdose but that was the first thing in my mind when I left the job centre.

I didn't put the thought there - it just arrived on its own. Fortunately it left by itself too.

Indie_Kid

I have nothing useful to add, other than what I've already said but what you've described is really awful. I hope you get it sorted soon.

Have you (or anyone on your behalf) phoned DWP to ask what's going on? In the meantime, speak to the council.

Morlock

cammy1981 wrote: »

I like your thinking and appreciate your input, but the fact remains I am not even fit to go to the job centre.

Is there a local mental health organisation nearby who could help you?

As claiming JSA is currently your only option, it may be beneficial to you if accompanied by a support worker when you have to attend the Jobcentre.