Mobility

[Rachel43]

Todays the day my car goes back. After 15 years of having a mobility car I’ve lost it. Due to this I’ve had to leave my part time job as I have no transport & don’t live on a bus route. We don’t even have a taxi firm in my rural area.

Todays the day I’m basically going to not be able to work attend medical appointments or basically have a life!

I appealed, they changed the errors but as I’m psychologically able to attend work I’m not able to meet the criteria for a car.

Now the universal credit nightmare begins 😞

[Rachel43]

Hi

They said that as I was taking no high medication or having therapy for my anxiety I didn’t qualify. I take setraline & Amitriptyline but apparently mine & families word that I couldn’t travel an unfamiliar route was not enough. Plus I worked so I clearly wasn’t anxious. I find it hard mixing with people I don’t know so I don’t go out.

I appealed but I really can’t face taking it further. It’s making me ill.

I got 8 points for mobility part

[Beechwood1]

Hi Rachel 43, Our NRAS Helpline ladies are available for advice on benefits, moral support , or even just a chat! 🙂 Tel: [phone] Monday-Friday from 9.30am-4.30pm. They would welcome a call.

[HappykindaGal]

I’m sorry to hear this. After 15 years it seems a bit mean.

If you’re working, are you able to have a lease hire car. A small car on php isn’t too expensive and at least you’ll still have your independence?

[Hidden]

Happened to my wife some years back, when government changed criteria to get high rate mobility, from 3 levels to just low or high. Her condition deteriorated even more over the years so tried to get her pip reviewed, just when you need it most she is now too old to get mobility. If you want a vehicle you have to buy one yourself, pay the tax etc., very wrong.

Government says they care about disabled, but in mobility vehicle changes has saved them a fortune and left many in dreadful situations.

Try appealing and let you MP know how it's left you, they hit the most vulnerable don't they, and worse is you want to get to work.

All wrong, they quick enough giving money to others who never paid a penny tax. Crazy.

[Rachel43]

Thanks for comments. The car dealership were very kind yesterday. They told me that they had 7 people returning car for similar reasons & 2 people who went to tribunal & won & ordered another car. It just seems so unfair. So my next problem is how to get to hospital next week which is a 45 mile round trip.

[Knip in reply to Rachel43]

🤒

[wilbertjellyfish]

So stupid. Is there any one you could car share with, as in borrow their car when they don't need it??Really sorry you're getting such a raw deal.

[Rachel43 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

No. The joys of living in rural Cumbria. Lovely but isolated. My nearest bus stop is 2 miles away & my job is 12 miles away. It would be a 3 mile walk from the bus stop at destination to work. As I couldn’t walk that far I’ve had to give up work. I can’t afford a taxi as the nearest is based 12 miles away.

The joys of having a chronic health condition.

I’m looking at some form of home working that the government seem to think there are plenty of. Them my next issue will be the internet speed. We are finally getting the faster internet in February 😳

[KittyJ in reply to Rachel43]

Have you looked at access to work? I worked for a lady with sight loss and she got a taxi paid for by access to work. Worth looking at.

[cyberbarn]

Have you explored whether Access to Work could help?

alliedmobility.com/wp-conte...

[Rachel43 in reply to cyberbarn]

Not tried them. X

[StormySeas]

Jesus, can't offer any help but just wanted to say how sorry I am. So unfair. Hope you manage to find a way through X

[Rachel43 in reply to StormySeas]

Thanks. X

[katieoxo60]

Not very fair is it when you are trying to work, I thought you could just use your PIP to buy a car or hire a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair., pay for taxis to work. I still get mobility allowance as I was entitled before retiring . My mobility issues are multifactoral. Maybe you need help from your local CAB office or some charities like DIAL might be able to assist. Fightback4 justice is suppopsed to be good too. Local MPs can be amazing also why after 15 years are you suddenly not entitled would be my question. The rules have not changed vastly only the distance you can walk and walking includes not being out of breath or in pain, or anxious and be able walk in the same manner a normal person would and see were you are going clearly, and summount steps with ease and obstacles like not flat pavements. with no fall history either ,with no help from others or gadgets like walkers etc. . Hope this helps you put a case to the right people. Good Luck

[Rachel43 in reply to katieoxo60]

I m still entitled to my blue badge. It took the hospital a hospital a while to agree with my gp that I had RA in that time the feet took the brunt of the damage caused. I’ve had both feet operated on and have been on the waiting list 14 months for another operation on them.

The PIP department no longer agree that I need support with my anxiety & that’s what I had the further 3 points for to gain the mobility car.

I have looked online to financing my own but I just can’t afford it.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Rachel43]

I understand about the cost, at present I am using all my mobility allowance to pay a bill for my garden to be tidied up it was daylight robbery I could have bought a car for the price but I do not drive. As you see you are not the only person struggling there are thousands of us having to use that benefit to finance the needs we cannot meet ourselves due to disability. One of my helpers as been waiting around two years for a foot op but still working, another wheelchair bound person is the same for ankle op, seems feet are low on arthritic list for urgency and the support offered to supplement mobility need, even when working. Best Wishes

[Noodles43]

I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through this, it’s absolutely appalling that they can disregard your freedom like this and leave you stranded at home! Praying for them to change their ideas and hearts to put people before cost xx

[Gjbrose]

Hi I might be wrong but with all the problems you are having with transport is there not a possibility of hospital transport? 🙂

[BoneyC]

Have a read on the Benefits and Work website, better still if you can join for around £15 and go on their members' forum for help and advice.

benefitsandwork.co.uk/