Radio Five
Ted_Hutchinson
Posts: 7,142 Forumite
Insert By Martin
This is a hot potato, and thankfully the BBC has done some research into it. For those who claim disability benefits, its worth taking a bit of time to listen and read through the info below - as it may help.
The story (in the BBC's own words), "Almost 80,000 sick and disabled people a year are being wrongly denied benefits, according to a BBC investigation for Radio Five Live.
It has emerged that medical reports on people claiming some benefits are unreliable or inaccurate. As a result, thousands claiming Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance have had to appeal.
The government says that it is "responding positively" when criticisms are made."
Martin
____________________________
Article about the Radio Five Programme: Errors block benefits to disabled
Listen to the Radio Five Programme: Errors block benefits
More info: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/audionews.gif
It's a somewhat misleading title.
I also got sent a photocopy of that particular "doctored" medical report.
It would have been better if it had referred more directly to evidence of downright dishonesty in some medical services reports.
The programme is actually very good. It goes into quite a bit of detail about the IB PCA assessement and the problems with claiming DLA. Well worth listening to by anyone claiming either of these benefits.
I suspect I am going to have to change my advice about getting your vitamin d3 free by getting out into the sunshine as having a tan is regarded as an indication of health for IB claimants, so while it maybe best for moneysavers to get their VIT d3 by sunlight exposure, for IB claimants use the tablets and if you may be called for PCA dress in your scruffiest clothes.
This is a hot potato, and thankfully the BBC has done some research into it. For those who claim disability benefits, its worth taking a bit of time to listen and read through the info below - as it may help.
The story (in the BBC's own words), "Almost 80,000 sick and disabled people a year are being wrongly denied benefits, according to a BBC investigation for Radio Five Live.
It has emerged that medical reports on people claiming some benefits are unreliable or inaccurate. As a result, thousands claiming Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance have had to appeal.
The government says that it is "responding positively" when criticisms are made."
Martin
____________________________
Article about the Radio Five Programme: Errors block benefits to disabled
Listen to the Radio Five Programme: Errors block benefits
More info: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/audionews.gif
It's a somewhat misleading title.
I also got sent a photocopy of that particular "doctored" medical report.
It would have been better if it had referred more directly to evidence of downright dishonesty in some medical services reports.
The programme is actually very good. It goes into quite a bit of detail about the IB PCA assessement and the problems with claiming DLA. Well worth listening to by anyone claiming either of these benefits.
I suspect I am going to have to change my advice about getting your vitamin d3 free by getting out into the sunshine as having a tan is regarded as an indication of health for IB claimants, so while it maybe best for moneysavers to get their VIT d3 by sunlight exposure, for IB claimants use the tablets and if you may be called for PCA dress in your scruffiest clothes.
My weight loss following Doktor Dahlqvist' Dietary Program
Start 23rd Jan 2008 14st 9lbs Current 10st 12lbs
Start 23rd Jan 2008 14st 9lbs Current 10st 12lbs
0
Comments
-
Anyone having problems claiming medical benefits should listen to this!!!
I can see now why I have been turned down, it is the stupid computer system they are using!!!!0 -
WE got truned down for DLA and have just got the letter last week, I feel that they have not taken into account my daughters health problems nor no mention of her poor circulation, so she feels the cold more, I still have to have the central heating up in May because she feels the cold. Ihad all sorts of problems getting them to assess my daughter and Atos orgin in one call centre n Leeds are abrupt and unproffesional in there manner0
-
Hey Poppycat
They just don't seem to listen to what you are saying and what they do hear they twist.0 -
I was very unhappy with Atos. They arranged an appointment to asses my daughter, I rang them up immediately and told them that I prefer a suitable time as my daughter is at school at that time. They told me to ring there doctor on the letter to arrange a convienant time. I rang them, I got told by the doctors that he cant do afternoons only morning (it was a morning appointment) as he plays golf. He said he would refer back to Atos.
Some week later get another letter for an appointment with the same doctor and morning appointment. My daughter is at school at that time.
I then ring Atos up and explain this, can we please have a afternoon appointment. They tell me they will get in touch.
2 weeks later I get a nasty letter from them basically informing me that I refuse the appointments (I didn't refuse only asked for a convienant time) and basically why should I they see us.
I range them up the person was very rude and abrupt. I tried very hard to stay calm and polite. They said they cant arrange a suitable time there computer system is down. I said to them this was just before Easter, can we have an appointment during Easter term as my daughter is off, they said they would look into this, they dindt get back to me, Easter went.
Eventually I got the to come on a Saturday tea time. The doctor said she has a problem with her walking, she doesnt walk right she wobbles and walks like a crab. I have to tread carefully because she is in denial. She gets so upset. She cant walk to school 20-25 minutes walk she used too, but her condition has got worse, she now gets a taxi to school which is paid for my the county council.0 -
Awww Poppy it is so frustrating, no matter what we say it gets twisted, as you have said even making the appointment is difficult.
Do you plan to appeal the DLA decision?0 -
Yes I plan to appeal but may request help0
-
Yeah get some help I have been through an appeal before had help so will be asking for help this time too.0
-
I've been turned down for DLA, appealed, then turned down again,s o now it's moved on to a tribunal. You have a choice of a written one (where you and the DLA send in documents stating your case) or a verbal one where you both turn up to state your case. I'm going for the face-2-face one as I want them to see me in my wheelchair asking them to explain to me why I can't walk without aid or stand up. Apparently its all down to their doctors and some bureaucrat disagreeing with my doctor, my consultant, my local health authority, my local disability register...etc.0
-
I've had the same problem, i am currently being finsihed from my job which i have had for 6 years, due to my sick record, but in fact it's because of my RSi and me bbeing unable to do my jb i got incapacity benefit for 4 weeks and then it stopped but as i am still classed as employed i cannot get anything more than my pension rate which is £122.00 per month, that's it all i have to live on a month.... thank god for my hubby who works full time, otherwise i would of lost my home months ago, i appealed and they lost my appeal papers so i have had to send more which took me hours to write as my RSi causes cramp in my hand, they have now asked for medical evidence to back up my comments i went to my gp yesterday and he told me to say hat in my opinon i am unfit for work..... as if they are going to take my word for it, i found the whole process terrible and really stressful, they have no symothy or you at all and just don't want to help... i got in touch with my local CAB but to be honest they are not much good either... i feel really lost and don't know what to do, they need to get people who know what they are on about and be sympathetic, i have lost me job cos of my ill health and thye are saying i am fit for work.... work that one out.... cos i can't ???????0
-
friendgeorge wrote:I've had the same problem, i am currently being finsihed from my job which i have had for 6 years, due to my sick record, but in fact it's because of my RSi and me bbeing unable to do my jb i got incapacity benefit for 4 weeks and then it stopped but as i am still classed as employed i cannot get anything more than my pension rate which is £122.00 per month, that's it all i have to live on a month.... thank god for my hubby who works full time, otherwise i would of lost my home months ago, i appealed and they lost my appeal papers so i have had to send more which took me hours to write as my RSi causes cramp in my hand, they have now asked for medical evidence to back up my comments i went to my gp yesterday and he told me to say hat in my opinon i am unfit for work..... as if they are going to take my word for it, i found the whole process terrible and really stressful, they have no symothy or you at all and just don't want to help... i got in touch with my local CAB but to be honest they are not much good either... i feel really lost and don't know what to do, they need to get people who know what they are on about and be sympathetic, i have lost me job cos of my ill health and thye are saying i am fit for work.... work that one out.... cos i can't ???????
You could try getting in touch with welfare rights at your local council see if they can help.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 343K Banking & Borrowing
- 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 449.6K Spending & Discounts
- 235.1K Work, Benefits & Business
- 607.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 173K Life & Family
- 247.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards