Interesting article on dwp

[bexx87]

Judges force dwp in to corner

thecanary.co/uk/2018/05/31/...

[Stilltrying_]

That's great information. Thanks Bexx87

[BaronC]

Not before time, the idiots

[Matt2584]

The DWP are begining to sweat. Shouldn’t be so greedy and cut benefits when people need them then. Or in other words, shouldn’t be so bloody greedy.

[sealiphone]

This has been going on since 2016, didn't know this had just happened. The March 2017 amendments were specifically made to circumvent a Upper Tribunal decision. So my understanding is that for the moment this won't be of benefit to current claims.

However this will probably rumble on for months.

I do wonder if having to review all these past claims will delay the processing of a new claim and leave less staff who are processing a new claim, to be more likely to make a bad decisions.

From past experience I'm a pessimist.

[bexx87]

Part of me is glad I don't have to put up with the appalling benefits system nowadays it was bad 8 years ago now I think I wouldn't have a hope in hell in getting even jsa

[sealiphone in reply to bexx87]

Back in 2013 the Govt removed funding for benefit advice under Legal Aid. This means you may well struggle to get advice from a number of agencies including CAB and Welfare Right services.

Then they declared PIP would save millions based on the number of claims who would receive an award compared to DLA claims.

They have also changed the activities in ESA to reduce costs.

Anyone involved would be best to be out of it

[swedishblue]

I prefer to think of PIP and ESA as a disability allowance/payment, and not as a 'benefit' - a term which carries a nasty stigma. Given brain injuries are lumped in with benefits, gives the public a perception that "we're scroungers". Neurological injuries are wide ranging and disabling, variable from one day to the next. If the DWP and government want to be useful and active in enabling bi sufferers to return to work, then at least, offer some choices and support those individuals who would like to, instead of waving the stick and dismissing claims. It's cost cutting and discrimination at its worst! I feel this country holds the worst record on disability rights in the western world.

[sealiphone in reply to swedishblue]

I disagree on this one, we're not a different/better class of disabled and we should stand strong with all the other "sroungers".

[swedishblue in reply to sealiphone]

Sorry sealiphone, that's not what i meant. I'm sorry that you thought so. It might be a public perception that we are scroungers because our disability is hidden. Of course we're not a better class of disabled than others!

[sealiphone in reply to swedishblue]

I did hesitate before pressing reply, as I think I've some idea where you come from in term of your perspective, so no need for sorry, mea culpa.

Back in the day it was claimants with M.E. who probably had the worst of it, as it wasn't a medical condition and now it probably us and those with mental health issues who suffer the most from prejudice and lack of knowledge.

I've found prejudice and or lack of understanding in many places, NHS, DWP, acquaintances and even a Headway Trustee Board chair, who said he was pleased to see I'd made a full recovery (give me strength!).

I'll be behind you on the barricade Mr. Blue.

[ricozoe]

Thnks bex.