SURVIVING LIFE ON BENEFITS
We’ve had well over 500 replies to our question about what advice you would give to people new to claiming benefits.
SURVIVING LIFE ON BENEFITS
We’ve had well over 500 replies to our question about what advice you would give to people new to claiming benefits.
Seek as much help as you can from those who have an intricate knowledge of the benefits system. It can be a long involved path but never give up on your quest to get that which is rightfully yours.
Always be honest with yourself and those who offer support, you may 'look well' but only you know how you are affected. Express yourself quietly and clearly. All the best.
Dear Suzym2u,
I too agree with everything said above, especially if you look 'normal'. It is important to make your 'case', as clearly as possible if/when you are 'assessed' and take someone (or several 'someone's') to back you up. It does work, as I can verify, I am now on the 'Support Group'- whether permanently, or reviewable, I don't know.
To anyone who is currently going through, this rigmarole, I wish you the very best of luck-stick to your 'guns' you are NOT WELL.
Best wishes AndrewT
this is reproduced from another hu site:-
An Advocate is someone who can both listen to you and speak for you in times of need. Advocacy can be helpful in all kinds of situations where you are finding it difficult to make your views known, or to make people listen to them and take them into account.
If you don’t have an advocacy service or group in your area, there are other organisations such as Community Health Councils that might be able to provide support and advice, including local voluntary services and the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) who will be able to advise you.
Although some advocates may be legally or medically qualified, in general, advocates are volunteers or paid workers who have been trained by the project or group they are part of. You can expect an advocate to have been given training in listening and negotiating skills. They should also have a knowledge of the basic legal framework and provision of community care services.
Action for Advocacy
tel: 020 7921 4395
web: actionforadvocacy.org.uk
Advocacy awareness, with an online database of advocacy services in England and Wales