Hi folks, yesterday had a 1:1 phone call from an occupational therapist with the DWP and my search for work. I'm 63 with RA in multiple joints, it's flared up again and not settled down yet. Lot's of questions I felt intrusive and unnecessary. I now have depression again. I've worked since 17, over the years cared for my fiance for 4 years of cancer, he died, helped looked after my parents until their deaths worked full time in all three cases. The person from DWP was cold. Do they understand the pain and issues we face daily. If I struggle to sleep at night due to pain I fall asleep daytime. I often struggle to move.first thing in the morning until. Questions about my depression were nasty so she got information that shocked her. She implied I didn't want to work. Once I could type at over 70wpm, now I can't manage 20wpm. I'm looking into voice activated software for typing. If I didn't want to work would I have spent £300.00 for a proofreading qualification with the offer of work at the end? I've got marks above the pass required for each assignment I've completed. Our helpline have said they have received numerous complaints about the DWP's attitude towards us. I rarely go out now, no need to. My sicknote is electronically sent, prescription now delivered as is grocery shopping. I have gadgets to help cope around the house. My surgery have said I am unfit for work. I wait with bated breath for the DWP's decision. New phone stopping lots of nuisance calls. Oh well will seek advice from our helpline if needs be. Good health to you all and many thanks for being here.
DWP : 1:1 PHONE CALL - UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE - NRAS
DWP : 1:1 PHONE CALL - UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE
Well you certainly didn't need that! I really hope it turns out well for you.
I’m so sorry but not surprised. I had a f2f precovid my husband was present. Her report didn’t reflect my answers. I had my diary to show how it effected me . In the last month I had only two Ok days she reported I was only having 2 bad days in a month. She reported I was clean and well dressed no mention that my clothes were pull on button and zip free . Also I had a dog that was well cared for . My husbands input was ignored. Her opening words to me were your postcode took me x amount miles away on her satnav. This was constantly repeated during my interview. She then the cheek to say I can use the satnav. I had a report of f2f and counter argued each answer . Upshot I got standard in both her report said I got zero points in all sections even though I had many supporting letters from medics. Don’t give up if you are not successful it is designed for failure. A high % of refusals are overturned.
We really shouldn’t be put through this stress and there should be more understanding of this disease. Xx
Yes, I was told they refuse most people when they did me and waited for appeals!
Sorry you had to go through this, some people lack empathy when their job calls for it.
I really hope get it if not definitely appeal x
I hope you get a positive response and are awarded PIP. I am sure they get so many people telling them how hard it is (me included when I did my ftf in 2019) that they are hardened although my assessor was really wonderful I have to say. I hope you hear soon and if it is a no then appeal.. I did in 2006. Was turned around instantly and I was given it. Good luck. X
OMG how callous was that person. I must have got lucky when i had a visit from the DWP. The young man who came said i needn't try and get up as he could see i was struggling.xxxxx
Am so sorry this happened to you, you’re not alone. Have you thought of applying for ESA if unable to work. NRAS publications do a really good booklet on benefits on their website 👍
Hi Kerensa21, I'm currently claiming new style ESA which is valid for a few more months and this is what the 1:1 was about. My surgery is supportive about NOT returning work . I am financially secure which helps but judging by the replies some DWP staff need training in their attitude towards arthritis suffers. I did feel some of the questions were intrusive and unnecessary. No-one asks for depression. Our helpline has been lovely and very supportive, that has helped. Thank you.🐕🐕
I’m not knowledgeable about new style but sounds like you should be on long term ESA from what you’ve said: sorry you’ve had such a bad time with them, I had similar on ESA ages ago(pack of lies basically on copy of report I requested) & ended up complaining & going for mandatory recon, it was overturned, funny that, so I really sympathise. PIP bizarrely I had lovely assessor but right at start so I looked & felt like s*** ☹️
Life’s stressful enough with this & it takes days to fill out all the forms in the first place, hope things turn out well for you. The helpline were great for me too x
Oh dear unfortunately I had a similar experience I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone who manages to get PIP or ESA whether it’s contribution based or not the first time of asking. The only reason I got my pension early was because I was retired due to ill health by the NHS who were my employers and luckily enough my GP gave me a copy of the report she sent regarding my condition when I applied for it. So I was able to say well if the NHS say I’m too disabled and sick to work then what makes you think I’m able ?? still didn’t get DLA first time but when it changed to PIP had to go through it all again. So appeal appeal appeal and never let them think you’re a fraud or aren’t doing everything you can to stay employed or try and gain employment you never asked for this disease and you’re no less of a person because you have it you should be treated with the greatest of respect because it’s a very hard thing to manage. You have my sympathies that you’ve been treated so badly but you also have all my respect for trying to overcome a very difficult situation.
Hi… it’s all very dispiriting . If you are ‘signed off work’ by your GP… DWP should go away and leave you alone. They are terrible… they have no idea that we may be distraught to start with 🤬. Get your GP on side and fight this; also ask to be referred for some Mental Health support… It’s tough. You have to fight for everything even though you are poorly… it’s a National Disgrace… 😮💨
I'm sorry to read this and a bit of sympathy goes a long way in reassuring someone who is in difficulty. Sometimes I do wonder how some people get jobs. In my day we had respect for the people we interviewed even when severally provoked. Sadly now I think its all been dumbed down so pay peanuts and monkeys apply. In this case it sounds like a baboon and I'm sorry you had such an awful time. x Write down how you feel while its in your mind and keep it in case you need to appeal.
So sorry that you had such a bad experience. I don't know how these people sleep at night. I feel so relieved that I am still on DLA, and I don't need to be reassessed. Just know that you have no need to explain to us, we all know how hard it is to live with this wretched disease. I'm so glad that you have had such great support from the helpline.
Just don't let the b******s get you down!! Take care, M x
Phone call for op. 
Workfare
At last we are get some help to fight the DWP
