Help please

[Tibby3a]

In 2008 I got swine flu, it left me with many disabilities and illnesses. I fought to keep working, In 2014 I was sacked by an employer for not being able to call in sick after being taken into hospital after I was forced to do a zero hour contract job until I got the job where I now work. I was forced to cut a five day week down to three. I applied for ESA and expected to not get it, but I did. I provided everything the DWP wanted and for 18 months received the important top up of money. In August 2019 it was suspended and no matter what I tried no one would tell me what I'd done wrong. In October I received a letter saying that I was required to attend an interview under caution.

No one will tell me what I've done, they have told me that I am not allowed to have my carer in with me, no solicitors will help me. The person from the DWP, who is always nasty on the phone with me said she will only respond to a solicitors letter. I'm quickly becoming in financial difficulties and in serious debt unable to make payments only able to pay rent and basic bills, losing this money is driving me to the edge.

Where can I get a solicitor who might help me?

What would a basic letter asking what I've done wrong cost me?

Where can I go for help, I've been to the CAB?

My mental health is suffering and so are my disabilities. I'm suffering from major flare-ups. Please help, someone because I am at an end and afraid of what I might do.

I live alone and since becoming disabled have lost all my friends and family.

Please help.

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

Hi,

What did Citizens Advice say? Where they unable to help? Generally if they can't help they are able to tell you who might be able to help you out.

I would have imagined that the DWP would have to tell you why your money was stopped, but I don't know how these things work.

Hopefully others here will be able to give you some advice. x

[Hidden in reply to M0AL61]

Hi

I'm so sorry you are suffering so much. My hubby came in with me when I had ESA meeting but that was a bit ago. Could you apply for Pip? I've got a review for this tomorrow and you are definitely allowed someone in with that. I got standard 18 months ago and I'm much worse now. I don't get ESA , I think this is because I had to take ill health retirement in 2018 and have got a works pension which says I won't ever be fit for work as I've got many conditions causing me pain. I'm lucky, work, friends and family and everyone in here were and still are brilliant. Could you show your family and friends this forum, it might make them realise how much pain you are in. Please take care of yourself Lynne

[Notawhiff]

Do you have doctors letters hospital letters etc if so photocopies then appeal the decision they cant stop money without very good reason I suggest you get all medical letters together ask your gp for medical report on your condition then I would speak to no win no fee solicitation this will help you win a case of unfair discrimination I've had a slimar experience where I had to appeal 3x go to assessment centre where they lied written to my local mp which could help you too this condition no joke trust me I've been there and still there but you can get through it dont give in appeal they cant stop your money without valid reason that would only be if you was well again ... hope you kinda get what I'm typing brain fog not the best today ... I know it's hard but dont give up your not well you shouldn't be treated like that ... Tc x

[MissMinto]

I’d try and get in touch with your local MP urgently - in my experience once he/she is on board writing letters on your behalf, things get sorted pretty quickly.

Also, ring your local council and ask to speak to a Welfare Officer - the one from mine was really helpful and went through PIP application with me.

Good luck X

[Hidden]

This help team have very good reputation and, although based in Bury in Lancashire, they offer nationwide support. Might be worth giving them a ring.

fightback4justice.co.uk/

[Hidden]

Yes, I’d also enlist the help of your MP.

When you claimed benefits you stated that you were working X hours for £x ?

As long as you did that and everything honestly I can’t see what you’ve done wrong either.

I’m not sure exactly what their powers are in law but denying you a helper could be construed as discriminatory.

Do NOT admit to anything.

Do NOT sign anything.

Make sure they record the interview and you have to be given a copy of the recording.

I suspect they have little and are trying to frighten you. Perhaps someone made a mistake awarding you a certain benefit when it should have been less ?

Contact your MP and the phrases to use are you feel you are being discriminated against due to your health condition.

Also state that you cannot take supporting information along if you’ve no idea why they are interviewing you.

These jumped up civil servants really annoy me, pick on the small people but won’t tackle repeat offenders as they’re scared of repercussions.