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Old 12-07-2016, 16:14
LakieLady
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If you're found fit for work, it's JSA (unless you meet the criteria for IS, ie single parent of a child under 5 or a carer).
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Old 12-07-2016, 17:55
Marie_Sale
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Hope it all goes well, Marie.
It did thanks. Got a letter today saying that his appeal was successful, we just need the DWP to agree. Finger crossed.
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Old 12-07-2016, 21:00
innes_calan
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If you're found fit for work, it's JSA (unless you meet the criteria for IS, ie single parent of a child under 5 or a carer).

Hi there, I find your above information interesting as my sister has just applied for ESA and is caring for my parents although sometimes not quite fit enough for it, she has been on SSP for almost a year hence the application for ESA but your information could be another avenue for her.

Thanks for that.
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Old 12-07-2016, 21:02
TelevisionUser
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My husband has MS and was awarded DLA at the highest level for life. PIP moved the goalposts and he only received the lowest levels so lost his Motability car, his lifeline. We attended a PIP tribunal last week and the panel were horrible, asking him why he couldn't cook!! and why he needed my help to walk into the room. Asked him why he falls a lot. he's got MS and his balance is affected FFS. The doctor accused him of holding my hand from behind to make him unbalanced and asked him if he'd stopped taking his medication or increased the dose to affect his gait. We weren't told the decision on the day as we expected, and DWP say it could be August before we hear as the report has to go the to the decision panel.
While PIP has been presented as revised disability help for the modern era, in reality it is nothing of the kind. It is all about reducing costs and getting people into lower-paying benefit categories. My own view is that state help should address the needs of ill and disabled people and not try to sneakily reduce their entitlements for financial reasons alone.

Good luck.

I did not.

I am hoping for the millions await me according to the government and the media.

Or perhaps being hounded to death?
Again, all I can suggest is reading through this thread, downloading copies of the comprehensive advice booklets about dealing with and applying for benefits and, if an unfavourable decision letter comes through the post, then getting help with an appeal from the likes of the Citizens Advice Bureau or their local equivalent as soon as possible.
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Old 12-07-2016, 21:54
mintbro
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JSA is for people who are fit for work, unless you'd be entitled to income support. (youngest child under 5 and a single parent or a carer) Work related group is for those with limited capability for work; but don't meet the criteria for support group.
Thanks

This is all new to me, I'm so stressed and anxious at the moment about this. If you are found fit to work is there a notice period before the changes take place or is it with immediate effect?
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Old 13-07-2016, 03:22
Keyser_Soze1
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While PIP has been presented as revised disability help for the modern era, in reality it is nothing of the kind. It is all about reducing costs and getting people into lower-paying benefit categories. My own view is that state help should address the needs of ill and disabled people and not try to sneakily reduce their entitlements for financial reasons alone.



Again, all I can suggest is reading through this thread, downloading copies of the comprehensive advice booklets about dealing with and applying for benefits and, if an unfavourable decision letter comes through the post, then getting help with an appeal from the likes of the Citizens Advice Bureau or their local equivalent as soon as possible.
The perils of posting when tired and emotional.

However I would make no secret of the fact that several of the young sadists from the DWP need a good booting from Karma when their time comes.

I would be rather happy to administrate it as well.
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Old 13-07-2016, 06:29
LakieLady
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Hi there, I find your above information interesting as my sister has just applied for ESA and is caring for my parents although sometimes not quite fit enough for it, she has been on SSP for almost a year hence the application for ESA but your information could be another avenue for her.

Thanks for that.
For your sister to qualify, one of your parents would need to be getting attendance allowance, the daily living component of PIP or the the middle or higher rate of the care element of DLA.

If she lives separately from them, it could affect their benefits if they're getting a means tested benefit.

If she's eligible, she'd get carer's allowance of around £62 pw and, if she's eligible for means tested benefits (not living with a partner who works or having significant capital/savings) she could get an extra £45 pw or so in income support.
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Old 13-07-2016, 06:32
LakieLady
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Thanks

This is all new to me, I'm so stressed and anxious at the moment about this. If you are found fit to work is there a notice period before the changes take place or is it with immediate effect?
It can take a few weeks to be notified of the decision, but then it stops. Because ESA is paid in arrears, you get final payment, but should start claiming JSA straight away.
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Old 13-07-2016, 06:40
Tiger Rag
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It did thanks. Got a letter today saying that his appeal was successful, we just need the DWP to agree. Finger crossed.
Good luck. They rarely disagree and can only change the decision on a point of law.
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Old 13-07-2016, 08:26
jack_marsdin
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I am really stressed out.

I had an asessment today at 9am (ESA). I was told I may be entitled to a home visit, was confirmed a home visit (though date not given), was relieved. Received an email 5pm yesterday saying wembley someone-or-other reevaluated my information and now I don't need one and that I must attend today.

I asked if I could have it postponed by at least a week so I can find someone to attend with me (I have panic disorder) but they said no. So erm, yeah, no money for me!
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Old 13-07-2016, 18:56
LakieLady
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Put in a complaint. You've been treated appallingly.

To give less than 24 hours notice of an appt is utterly unreasonable, especially when they'd previously agreed to a home visit.
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Old 13-07-2016, 19:29
jack_marsdin
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Put in a complaint. You've been treated appallingly.

To give less than 24 hours notice of an appt is utterly unreasonable, especially when they'd previously agreed to a home visit.
Thanks Lakie, I should've replied to this thread earlier.

I sent them an email laying it on a bit thick (it's the only way I have come to realize) saying that I am in a state and this has really effected me (it's stressful, but I wasn't crying about it) and someone replied pretty much within 10 minutes saying "the kind lady at reception has wavered it for you and will provide you with a new appointment date/time".

Although I was pleased, I was a bit baffled by the whole situation in all honesty. As well as it being totally uncalled for.
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Old 14-07-2016, 10:29
Khyra
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We had a positive experience claiming PIP

My cousin rang for claim forms mid April, they arrived within a week. She asked for an extension to the return date which was granted a further two weeks to mid May. She was invited by Capita to attend a medical two weeks later. The medicial date clashed with the first day of her holiday. They brought the medicial forwards. The medicial was taken by a doctor who was very understanding and came across as really caring. Within a week my cousin received a text letting her know she'd been successful. A few days letter she received a letter with all the details on. My cousin was awarded the enhanced rate of living allowance and mobility for three years. The money was back dated and paid into her bank account the same week.

We'd heard and read horror stories about this and it seems there are lots of them out there, but our experience wasn't like that at all. Applied April and the whole process was completed by the end of June.
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Old 14-07-2016, 14:17
Gnomsie
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I had my PIP assessment a couple of days ago. And I'm back to wishing I never applied at all.
I had a letter confirming I have chronic hemiplegic migraine with brainstem aura, IIH, and cyclic vomiting syndrome, from my neurologist. I received this diagnosis the week before the appointment, so hadn't included it in the form, just that CM and IIH where the probably diagnosis.
She wouldn't take it into consideration. I was trying to explain and she just wouldn't listen. She downplayed it to "oh so just a migraine occasionally then?", even though I have them 26 days of every month, and the IIH is constant.
I took a month long diary, which she said she couldn't use.

And she kept trying to trip me up. She asked if I was able to read, I said yes, I'm literate. A while later asked if I have any hobbies, I said no, but apparently being able to read is a hobby. I explained I can no longer read books, and more often than not I need someone to read letters to me.
Then I mentioned my vision loss, and she presumed that this could be treated with laser surgery. My neurologist has no idea what's causing it or how to treat it, I really don't know if laser surgery will be an option.

I just felt like it wasn't so much a test of my actual abilities, but my ability to not get tripped up by the wording. Which is difficult when your in the middle of migraine hangover brain fog.

Sorry for the rant. I'm just fed up of everything.
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Old 14-07-2016, 16:17
francie
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We had a positive experience claiming PIP

My cousin rang for claim forms mid April, they arrived within a week. She asked for an extension to the return date which was granted a further two weeks to mid May. She was invited by Capita to attend a medical two weeks later. The medicial date clashed with the first day of her holiday. They brought the medicial forwards. The medicial was taken by a doctor who was very understanding and came across as really caring. Within a week my cousin received a text letting her know she'd been successful. A few days letter she received a letter with all the details on. My cousin was awarded the enhanced rate of living allowance and mobility for three years. The money was back dated and paid into her bank account the same week.

We'd heard and read horror stories about this and it seems there are lots of them out there, but our experience wasn't like that at all. Applied April and the whole process was completed by the end of June.
Always nice to hear good news like this, encouraging for some. Congrats to your cousin (if you see what I mean).
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Old 14-07-2016, 17:56
jack_marsdin
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I'm wondering if anyone can help with my predicament! I am currently with my family away from home (around an hour's drive away) and my fit note runs out tomorrow. Is there a way I can get a fit note (to continue my ESA) without actually going to the surgery?

I remember a few months ago the doctor saying they could put a note or something in reception so I don't have to keep booking actual doctors appointments each month, but still, that's within the surgery.

Wondering if anyone can help at all? I will ring them tomorrow obviously
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Old 15-07-2016, 07:01
Tiger Rag
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I had my PIP assessment a couple of days ago. And I'm back to wishing I never applied at all.
I had a letter confirming I have chronic hemiplegic migraine with brainstem aura, IIH, and cyclic vomiting syndrome, from my neurologist. I received this diagnosis the week before the appointment, so hadn't included it in the form, just that CM and IIH where the probably diagnosis.
She wouldn't take it into consideration. I was trying to explain and she just wouldn't listen. She downplayed it to "oh so just a migraine occasionally then?", even though I have them 26 days of every month, and the IIH is constant.
I took a month long diary, which she said she couldn't use.
Urgh. Your situation is different to mine (my diagnosis, amongst other things is migraine) and it seems that many people think it's "just a headache". I wish! It seems to be one of those things that unless you've been there and done that, you really have no idea. I am "lucky" I tend to only get them once a week now.

I hope you get a decent outcome.
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Old 15-07-2016, 17:51
Gnomsie
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Urgh. Your situation is different to mine (my diagnosis, amongst other things is migraine) and it seems that many people think it's "just a headache". I wish! It seems to be one of those things that unless you've been there and done that, you really have no idea. I am "lucky" I tend to only get them once a week now.

I hope you get a decent outcome.
Thank you! I'm just so fed up with it all. My GP is useless and wants to send me to A&E every time I see him, because migraine symptoms mimic a stroke or meningitis. My neurologist is doing 'wait and watch'. And meanwhile I'm stuck in my house rotting whilst everyone thinks I'm just struggling to cope with a 'headache'.
Once a week is still horrendous. Sometimes I long for a day off, and when it comes I spend it in fear of the next one, which means hiding away from all the triggers. It's no win either way.
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Old 16-07-2016, 21:51
Little Nell
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Thank you. I shall definitely look into it. The CAB guy seemed floored that I wasn't already claiming it.
CAB will help you complete the forms, and there's nothing to be lost by sending for a claim pack. The information is here -

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...nd-carers/pip/

I'd strongly advise getting help though. I've come across people who stand a very good chance but have taken one look at the form and decided it's far too complicated!
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Old 16-07-2016, 22:00
Little Nell
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I had my PIP assessment a couple of days ago. And I'm back to wishing I never applied at all.
I had a letter confirming I have chronic hemiplegic migraine with brainstem aura, IIH, and cyclic vomiting syndrome, from my neurologist. I received this diagnosis the week before the appointment, so hadn't included it in the form, just that CM and IIH where the probably diagnosis.
She wouldn't take it into consideration. I was trying to explain and she just wouldn't listen. She downplayed it to "oh so just a migraine occasionally then?", even though I have them 26 days of every month, and the IIH is constant.
I took a month long diary, which she said she couldn't use.

And she kept trying to trip me up. She asked if I was able to read, I said yes, I'm literate. A while later asked if I have any hobbies, I said no, but apparently being able to read is a hobby. I explained I can no longer read books, and more often than not I need someone to read letters to me.
Then I mentioned my vision loss, and she presumed that this could be treated with laser surgery. My neurologist has no idea what's causing it or how to treat it, I really don't know if laser surgery will be an option.

I just felt like it wasn't so much a test of my actual abilities, but my ability to not get tripped up by the wording. Which is difficult when your in the middle of migraine hangover brain fog.

Sorry for the rant. I'm just fed up of everything.
If you get the letter turning you down, it'll give you information on the appeals process which starts with making a request for a mandatory consideration - within a strict time limit. I'd suggest going to CAB and asking for advice and help. It's something they have loads of experience in doing, and it can make all the difference. In an ideal world people shouldn't need help in jumping through disability benefit hoops but in reality, they do. Sadly, your experience isn't uncommon.

Good luck
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Old 20-07-2016, 10:52
mintbro
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How long rougly do you hear back from the dwp after sending off a health questionnaire?
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Old 20-07-2016, 18:51
LakieLady
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That's kind of a "how long is a piece of string" question. It depends how busy they are in your area. Sometimes it can be as quick as a month (although that's rare), sometimes it can be as long as 6 months.

I'd say the average is around 10-12 weeks, but that's based on how things are in East Sussex, which has 3 assessment centres (well, 4 if you count the one in Ashford that's impossible for people to get to, that they've suddenly decided to send people from Hastings to).
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Old 20-07-2016, 23:54
chloeb
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That's kind of a "how long is a piece of string" question. It depends how busy they are in your area. Sometimes it can be as quick as a month (although that's rare), sometimes it can be as long as 6 months.

I'd say the average is around 10-12 weeks, but that's based on how things are in East Sussex, which has 3 assessment centres (well, 4 if you count the one in Ashford that's impossible for people to get to, that they've suddenly decided to send people from Hastings to).
Chichester and Littlehampton travel to Portsmouth , which is quite some trek
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Old 31-07-2016, 00:16
Ben_Freeman
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i have a acessment coming up on thursdsy i suffer from autisim and find it difficult to get to know new people i also have constant 24hour staff support and live in a care home what do you think my likely outcome is going to be just to add i also have constant staff support when i go out anywhere
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Old 31-07-2016, 12:49
TelevisionUser
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i have a acessment coming up on thursdsy i suffer from autisim and find it difficult to get to know new people i also have constant 24hour staff support and live in a care home what do you think my likely outcome is going to be just to add i also have constant staff support when i go out anywhere
I am afraid no one can answer that question for you Ben because it'll depend upon the individual assessor - are they sympathetic and are they well informed.

I would hope that any assessor would take full account of the fact that you live in dedicated residential accommodation.

What I would suggest doing is waiting for the outcome of the result, which might take many weeks, and then come back to this forum thread again if you need any advice then.

Good wishes!
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