FRUSTRATED!!!!!!!!!!!

[Claireb1985]

Went to the job centre yesterday, did not come out happy as they seem to think i can do anything they can do. Asking me to go miles away on the train everyday when after 2 or 3 days i feel extremely tired so can make it. Ive been asked to go and do courses and jobs fairs (obviously i need a job and this will benefit me but im thinking of my health at the same time) but i find it hard but no they think ill be fine to do it. I know my own body and they think its an excuse.

[Hidden]

Hi Claire,

Are you on JSA or ESA? If you are on ESA they should assess you to see how able you are and put you into one of 2 groups. Either the WRAG or the support group. If you feel they have put you in the wrong group you can appeal. Please do call the helpline if you need more information. No one should be made to do these activities if they are not capable, but we know that the assessment process is not working.

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Claireb1985 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Beverley, thanks for your reply. I'm on contribution based JSA due to paying however much tax over 3 years. All I know is that they don't get it and it upsets me.

[Hidden in reply to Claireb1985]

You should be on ESA. It's not right to put people with long-term conditions who are affected on a daily basis by that condition on JSA

[Claireb1985 in reply to Hidden]

I'm going research and enquire with my work coach next time I see them. I got let go from my job and I'm finding it hard to find any work, I've applied for so many jobs and no replies so feeling disheartened too.

[Hidden]

Hi, please go & see your GP, explain your situation with the Jobcentre putting pressure on you. It's not good for your health, stress will make it worse. Ask your GP for a sick note, it's then up to your GP how long the sick note could be for. Apply for ESA, you can work while receiving ESA, the benefit payment dosen't change either.

I work part time as well as receiving ESA. It's only a small job, lunchtime supervisor, most days i'm absolutely knackered when I get home, but it's a job i enjoy & it gets me out.

Hopefully you'll get something sorted soon.

Ruth ☺

[Claireb1985 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for that, I think I will do that to help me out

[Hidden in reply to Claireb1985]

Must mention, when your sick note is about to run out, you should receive a letter from the DWP to remind you. If you feel the same as you are now, or worse when the note is on it's last date, speak to your GP again about re-newing your note.

[Claireb1985 in reply to Hidden]

I will thank you, it's great having help financially but the way they go about it with the pressure doesn't really do me any favours

[Hidden in reply to Claireb1985]

Understand you 100%. Been there & it's frustrating. I also have a health assessment next week, because claiming ESA, more stress to pile onto me. I'll just keep on fighting & defending my corner. I hope we've helped you so far. Fingers crossed for you.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ruthy i didnt know you could work on esa. Not yet but may like to later if things improve, obvs limited hours and have applied ill health retirement from full time job as literally cant do it. Is there limit on what hours/earnings? Sorry didnt mean to hijack post.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Kerena yes you can work. If you have a look at Gov.uk. then onto benefits, it's gives you the lowdown of what you may be entitled to, there is also a calculator check, which is free to use, which works out approximate amount of benefit you could be entitled to.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Cheers Ruthie really helpful; amazing what you can find out on this site. Didn't know about benefits and work site either, so thanks for that too. You should be working in employment law and earning a mint 😄x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

😂😂😂 luv it. x

[Hidden]

Hi Claire, can't improve on any of above advice but sorry that's happened, must be exhausting with this. Just about to apply for esa so worried me a bit. Pip isn't means tested and you can work and get it, nras advice line and booklet on it were great. Hope things improve for you.

[Claireb1985]

I've got so many publications from the NRAS website, it's my bedtime reading when I get stuck. But, with all this it's getting me down. I'm definitely going to ask about ESA

[Hidden]

Not surprised, hope it all gets sorted for you. X

[Claireb1985]

Thank you, me too x

[Matilda_1922]

I do empathise with you

This is an invisible condition and no one can see how you feel by looking at you. For more than a week I have had disturbed nights due to coughing. I'm slightly better during the day but do cough at times.

I recently been diagnosed with bronchietese in December.

[Magymay]

Hi Claire what's your illness ?Probably need to get doctor to describe symptoms so they can't force you to do this as it can aggravate it.It's the money aswell they forget about ,although they should cover that but won't get it right away .They're on another planet .That's the thing they don't understand how PSA or RA can affect our everyday life .It's not easy to control .I've totally gave up as it was too unpredictable to commit to any employer .Never know how I'm going to be from one day to another so have to send sick notes to get any money.I'd rather be working but just not possible .Hope you can get this sorted and get some peace from these slave drivers 😕

[Tattoo72]

Hi there maybe you can get a letter from your rheumatologist stating your condition , I don’t know where you are in the world but here downunder a letter from your specialist should be able to go a long way . Be persistent and don”t give up , good luck with everything 😎

[Claireb1985]

Thank you ,yeah everyone is saying the same really. I'm in England so quite a way from you 😀