Job Centre BLUES!!

[sabine]

Have just come back from the job centre and felt like i have had to fight for my ESA again.

Even my DLA entitlement was questioned and i fought so hard to be able to pick up this benefit in the first place. Is anyone else concerned about the new changes that are coming into force next April (Universal credit) ???

[Lupo30]

Hi Sabine

Yes, I'm also very concerned. I have been put into the WRAG for ESA and my contribution based ESA runs out in 11 months, if at the job centre they say I'm still entitled to it - as I believe they can take it off you according to the letter they sent me. I've posted a letter asking for my reasons for this and, guess what, no reply after a month - I sent it recorded delivery. I also get disability living allowance but think they will have a good go at questioning my entitlement when I go, as unfortunately, 'we look well' and most of the job centre people act 'so stupid'. I say that as the last time I went, when I was given incapacity benefit, they called for me and said, 'so you can't cope with fatigue'. I'm at the moment feeling so down, but this site has really help me, as I know I'm not the only one. All the best.

[Alexandria in reply to Lupo30]

Contribution based ESA only lasts 1 year and then it is automatically taken away. The only way that you can qualify for Contribution based ESA is if you work for a minimum period of 3 months. When you year is up they will send you a form (ESA 50) to see if you qualify for income-based ESA. I had my contribution based ESA removed in April and do not qualify for income based ESA as my husbands income is above the level to qualify for this. Luckily for now I receive DLA but who knows what will happen when this is reassessed in the changeover from DLA to PIP which is coming. Hope this is helpful

[nurseowl in reply to Lupo30]

I too look well, rosy cheeks, overweight but of course this is the lupus rash and steroids. I am still working full time and drag myself round by furniture at work --I have been turned down twice for DLA which I would like so that I can pay for a cleaner to give my husband some respite. I go to bed as soon as I get in after work. DLA would dramatically improve my life but I'm not hopeful that I will get it. I don't know how ill you are expected to be before you get help. I hope you get sorted out with your benefits Cheers

[Bal121]

Hi Alexandria, i my self get DLA and it is indefietly for me does that mean in the changes that will happen in April next year they will re assess me agian, as it was hard fight to get it at that time.

[Tinalou]

I believe you will be re assessed yes. People are bombarding sites with really negative scare mongering stuff and my advice is not to take any notice of it until it happens to you. There is no point in making yourself more ill. The criteria looks stricter but you can only tell that how life is for you x

[sabine]

Thanks for all your comments and support. I am going to take things one step at a time and hope the changes will not affect me too much. Lol xxxx

[fiona734]

Well done for fighting.

Am petrified about DLA being replaced by the ILA so called Independent Living Allowance.

The attitude seems to be - if you can get here then you are not ill.

BARHUMBUG.

I have flare-up after flare-up. Leaving me hospitalised. On incorrect meds leading to Surgery.

My back was injured while an inpatient so that again caused even worse forms of Crisis.

I have carers 3 times a day and for the last 3 years have virtually been bedbound due to the flare-ups. Even with the confirmed SLE & Discoid

Lupus no one has the same symptoms exactly.

Get as many reports you can. Talk to your Social Worker, and GP.

Even take pictures..especially if you have the giveaway butterfly reddening accross your nose & cheeks.

If you are in Flare or Crisis then the ILA assessors will be contacting your GP, specialists etc.

So maybe preparing the way & getting together dates of attacks. How long it takes you to be able to get to the bathroom unaided after & during flare ups.

Even without the magic positive blood test...keep a diary. I know how the hell can that be done...your too exhausted....

Good luck

To us all