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.

[chriscameron48]

Hi there, so sorry you're having such a tough time. From your letter, I`m understanding that you're in the UK. I`ve always found CAB impressively supportive & can't understand why they're not helping you.

It's outrageous that DWP won't tell you what you're meant to have done wrong. If there's no advice from CAB, then you're left with no choice but to go to your MP for help. There's also an organization called Common Law (try Google) who's whole focus is helping people who find themselves in difficult situations where injustice is happening. I can only imagine how this will be affecting your health & I know from first hand experience how isolating it can be living with disabilities. I think you might well enjoy & benefit from a FB group called Hands of Friendship where you`ll meet lots of people living in all sorts of difficult situations. Advice & experience is shared, alongside lots of humour, & I can strongly recommend it. I know FB gets a lot of bad press, but this is a safe, closed group where people with chronic illnesses can share their experiences & receive support & encouragement. It's certainly worth a try & would let you see that you're not as alone as you feel. I'm in Scotland & would be happy to hear from you via Messenger or What's app if you like. Good luck & hang on in there ~ there will be a way through this. Sending much love & support, xx

[ajd69]

So sorry, to hear this.I agree about contacting your local mp and I would also see if there are any local disability forums or help shops near where you live. As far as I am aware I dont believe they can force you to attend an interview without representation be that a carer, solicitor or friend but I could be wrong.You have a right to know why your benefit was suspended (were you sanctioned for not complying with something?). There is a good online help group called Benefits and Work who may be able to help you, there is a small fee to access certain information but the free information maybe enough to help you. Good luck!