tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post7486463123683395401..comments2024-03-28T09:16:33.241+00:00Comments on Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: The Very Definition of IronySue Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14849801822216267250noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-87771976162229945602021-06-05T09:55:21.379+01:002021-06-05T09:55:21.379+01:00
I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate ...<br />I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their website www.ultimatelifeclinic.com . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!<br /><br />Florencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03247616144267009897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-45500052229680299782014-03-07T15:10:36.408+00:002014-03-07T15:10:36.408+00:00Hi buddies, it is great written piece entirely def...Hi buddies, it is great written piece entirely defined, continue the good work constantly.<a href="http://strokerecoveryandprevention.com/" rel="nofollow">stroke prevention diet</a>2009 DREAMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15481856703447919606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-36452721775513794992013-07-25T11:11:40.841+01:002013-07-25T11:11:40.841+01:00I have Crohns Colitis and Perianal Crohns with Fis...I have Crohns Colitis and Perianal Crohns with Fistula. Today I had a phone call from DWP. The operative was very cold and spoke to me like an automated robot. I tried to put my position across with my concerns regarding the questionnaire and was told, don't take it out on me, I am only contacting you regarding the initial letter. I have had this condition for 15 years and the physical symptoms take a lot of getting used to, but the emotional ones never go away. I worry constantly that I will need a toilet and I also know my limitations and this has helped me cope. Its hard enough dealing with Crohns, let alone having the condition called into question for my Incapacity Benefit. The emotional implications of working are too hard to bare. I would be in a constant state of anxiety and spend most of time in the toilet anyway. Has anyone on here undergone the process of assessment and if so, what was the outcome? I am married, so I do have financial support, but I feel we are being penalised for getting a disease through no fault of our own. Drug addicts get treated better and that is self inflicted. Their ability to not work is never questioned and people with diseases are called upon to justify their claims. Its humiliating and causes far more harm than good to the individuals involved. Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06393176079930560123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-65187054232248901872013-02-02T10:51:05.858+00:002013-02-02T10:51:05.858+00:00I put in a claim for DLA on the 19th January 2013....I put in a claim for DLA on the 19th January 2013. I got a rejection letter yesterday (1st Feb 2013). This must be a record. The DM (Decision Maker)rejected all my stated facts abot care and mobility. I rang them for reconsideration on the grounds that the DM put no weight on the medical evidence I provided or what I go through at home. I suffer from Arthritis of both thumbs (cannot grip,cut,chop cook, shower, bathe), Glaucoma (causes flashing lights and blurred vision), Joint pain, neck pain. I get 5-6 dizzy spells a day and at night.I have been to Physio and my therapist has given me splints to wear at night and day to ease the pain. I take strong painkillers, Beta blocker for eyes (breathlessness side effect). I put all this down and the DM (without contacting my Physio or doc or Therapist) made a decision. He suugests I can bath on my own, I can chop things etc.(despite my thumbs!) I can walk 200 meters slowly (as if he came to measure...I get breathless and need to rest after 40 meters). I need help with showering,bathing...DM says I don't! Can anyone tell me how he has come to this decision? DM says he took into account my medications, therapist report (I enclosed this) and a report by the EMA (I got that in October 2012..I was on IB before that)Atos Professional who examined me then...an idiot by all accounts!). Any suggestions?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05748387594240669878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-25288224706324182362013-01-10T15:13:44.007+00:002013-01-10T15:13:44.007+00:00Why can't the DWP just accept what they are to...Why can't the DWP just accept what they are told by doctors or are GP's and consultants no longer proffesion and trustworhty sorces. Surley it should be a siple tast of a Doctor completing a simple form for DLA and/or ESA that say yes this person is sick and/or disabled yes this person requires support and they qualify for these benefits. The whole system is out of control with no trust anywhereKept sick by ESA and DLA madnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16704107025667491644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-71239664355360528802012-08-14T11:56:17.998+01:002012-08-14T11:56:17.998+01:00Hi There, I just spent a little time reading throu...Hi There, I just spent a little time reading through your posts, which I found entirely by mistake whilst researching one of my projects. Please continue to write more because it’s unusual that someone has something interesting to say about this. Will be waiting for more!For more info click herehttp://scarprinnow.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-54937992046158449282012-08-03T10:17:37.601+01:002012-08-03T10:17:37.601+01:00I broke my left foot in an accident and I have art...I broke my left foot in an accident and I have arthiritis in it now.<br />For that, I have had lower rate DLA and had it for many years.<br />However, 22 years ago I broke my back, had a recostructed left arm and right knee, due to being run over by a car. I was in a wheelchair for several months and it was touch and go a to whether I would ever walk again. I did do though and within a year I was starting my recovery. It has been hard.<br />I was out of work for 5 years and I decided to go self employed and I have done that for 9 years, but now the agony in my body has forced me out of work. My doctor suggested that I apply for mobility to be added onto my DLA to help with getting around, like I said I have already had the care component for many years, this was to simply add the mobility side of it.<br />I was rejected, I appealed and even after the appeals and now a tribunal, it has been rejected.<br />I have no use of my left arm, I have had to have my own car modified and I can not drive a manual at all, I have been on automatic for 10 years with a modified gear and handbrake. I cannot use my left foot which makes clutch control impossible and I can not bend my right knee which makes brake/accel difficult<br /><br />I appealed both the ESA and DLA, however, I have now found a job that I think I can both do, and I actually love, and thats support work ( Yeah I know ) but my boss is fully aware of my physical situation and I only go to specific service users that do not require me to do anything physical, as the job is, is SUPPORT WORKER. So, I didnt care too much about the ESA and that was done on paper without me being there, and that wwent through on points because I was 23 points when I only needed 16 ?<br /><br />And I have now lost my DLA?<br /><br />WTF?<br /><br />What these people are doing, surely cannot possibly be legal?Damion Jonesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-86926135756709741572012-07-26T20:48:19.355+01:002012-07-26T20:48:19.355+01:00I agree entirely. This is definitely a stats issue...I agree entirely. This is definitely a stats issue ie they're trying to keep the numbers down. Nobody in their right mind would reject Sue's claim. It makes absolutely no sense...unless they have been told to keep numbers down/make sure appeals are held in a different fiscal year/when PIP comes in.Jessicanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-10096316495130019082012-03-16T07:23:08.521+00:002012-03-16T07:23:08.521+00:00Ugh, sickens me. Tory scum. Why people voted Lib D...Ugh, sickens me. Tory scum. Why people voted Lib Dem knowing full well what they were going to do is beyond me. Your blog is really sad, i hope that the political system and climate changes in this country. I loath the Torys .sundersartworkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03081191869328074493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-91857017395132490442012-01-30T17:06:44.869+00:002012-01-30T17:06:44.869+00:00hi i am 31 years old i have social anxiety and dep...hi i am 31 years old i have social anxiety and depression i have been told i scored no points in my esa medical the nurse if she was one has lied through her teeth about what i can and cant do i am on all kinds of meds anti depressents beta blockers and i have lower back pain however im fit for work even though i cant leave my house alone ever i have panic attacks reg i worry con yet apparently i dont have thease problems i have had this illness since before i left school been on treatment for 17 years yet suddenly iam cured sorry to drone just i dont know how much more of this i can take they dont give you enough to live on in first place now i have nothing guess ill have to starve to death nowAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-74617331343776529852012-01-24T00:18:59.205+00:002012-01-24T00:18:59.205+00:00I have a mental illness...they cant see my disabil...I have a mental illness...they cant see my disability...what chance do the hidden disabiltiies stand...how could they do this to the most vulnerable people in society :/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-12008562180605385182012-01-23T14:20:29.543+00:002012-01-23T14:20:29.543+00:00Further to previous comments.
A man sitting in his...Further to previous comments.<br />A man sitting in his car out front of our property for several hours scared us both so badly we could hardly speak to each other. <br /><br />So, now we live like hermits, we have a home that is partly paid by DLA, and is the cheapest we could find privately; it is in an ex council house estate, and we now have to pay well over half of our own expense. We are on a housing list, but only qualify for apartments; with no lifts; and even if we were specified with special needs (which we were reviewed for the an the recommendation was for specially fitted ground floor accomodation) there is nothing available for us.<br /><br />Sue, you are brave and wonderful. I too suffer from severe Chron's and like you have had 7 surgeries, but I also have a very severe balance disorder (both inner ear dead) I can walk okay in lighted conditions but struggle not to look like I am pissed, and to keep from falling down. I also suffer from stage 5 arthritis, haemochromotosis and fibromyalgia. Who is going to employ me? When I did try to return to work under the "right to work scheme" following all published guidelines, the employers had to let me know, and the benefits office cited me for fraud (even though I asked to have my income reported) this was a administrative snaffu, which I fought and won, and which is now being passed between departments and classified an overpayment (which it wasn't) and the amount increases exponentially the more it is passed around. I have never had a response to my appeal, I have never had an accounting for the amount claimed, and they very sediously claimed it as a "social fund loan" and are deducting it from my other benefits. When I queried it, they told me I had no rights to appeal. When I told them I had already won the appeal, I was told they would look into it and get back to me. I received no call back, contacted them again and was told they couldn't find any records before 2007 (when my named changed)......the amount they are claiming back is from 2005.......go figure they didn't follow the NI number!!! And refused to when I said my name had changed. Said I should have told them that in the first place.<br /><br />So there you are, my husband is now being accessed on ESA; we requested a home visit and have been ignored. They even ignored the dr.s letter explaining that my husband cannot be put under this type of stress, and soon I will be under the gun for review as well.<br /><br />I am following your progress fully; keep up the good work. I'd say keep hoping it will all change for the better, but I've lost the will to hope. Despair is a part of our everyday living now. Shame really isn't it.rockhardgirlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17841079678594162327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-2799123630878515162012-01-23T14:18:12.527+00:002012-01-23T14:18:12.527+00:00I know DAB and CAB do the best they can, but my hu...I know DAB and CAB do the best they can, but my husband and I both know from experience there participation can end up as being less than useless, not because they haven't tried and don't know the system, but because the tribunals are constrained by guidelines set out by DLA and in no way reflect the ideology of being "independent." In my husbands case, he suffered 2 CRITICAL heart attacks whilst working abroad. His company refused to pay for important angioplasty, and the Dr's in the middle east informed him stridently to see a GP in UK and get immediate referral to specialist. When he finally saw the specialist, 4 months later, he was told by the specialist (after seeing the medical documents from the middle east) he would do no tests, and would not even look at my husbands case for at least 6 months. We were astounded!!!! When he did apply for DLA, this left us with no support from either GP or Specialist, for application. He was refused, and appealed. When we say a DAB officer, she wrote to both, (in the meantime his specialist had immigrated to australia and he was awaiting an appointment with new specialist), and two days before the tribunal told us she hadn't heard back from either. We frantically contacted the specialists secretary, she frantically tried to get us a letter, when it was finally done (the morning of the tribunal and too late for us to pick up), the tribunal refused to let us consider a phone callto the specialist, or a fax, in fact the DLA representative who was at the tribunal to "observe" was allowed into the deliberations; and he was refused again. Although it must be said the tribunal was "disgusted" by the DLA's arguments. The letter arrived at our home 2 days after the tribunal.<br /><br />Especially in this case, the DAB officer was useless. DLA has rules for one and none for anyone else. They should not have been represented in the deliberations.<br /><br />3 months later we tried again. Dr. wrote to all explaining that "Mr. **** suffers from irreparable damage to his heart, due to heart failure, that neglect on the part of company etc, left him with dead tissue reducing the efficiency of his heart to 20% or below, and that the stress of paperwork, interviews and tribunals were an unnecessesary risk for his patient. He did get DLA, but only mobility. I am also disabled, severely, but between the two of us we manage. But when I was bedridden we actually experienced the complete impact of his illness, as he found it nearly impossible to cope without my limited help. We only have each other. <br /><br />It helped in his reassessment which came in October last year, as he was awarded both levels, middle and high. But now, we are both in jeopardy! We have indefinite awards, but the introduction of PIP is now impacting on both of us. Our health, mentally and physically has deteriorated significantly because of the stress. And the now "scrounger" mentality of the general public makes it very hard for either of us to feel happy or comfortable putting our heads out of doors. Managing to have a day when putting out the trash is not a strain, can be construed as a "scrounger" lifestyle. We are both terrified!!!!rockhardgirlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17841079678594162327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-48443199984613543012012-01-21T22:43:15.048+00:002012-01-21T22:43:15.048+00:00((((Sue Marsh))) with love and blessings.xxx Look ...((((Sue Marsh))) with love and blessings.xxx Look after yourself!The Bosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17464619220260039172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-45130395785956283772012-01-19T16:00:20.006+00:002012-01-19T16:00:20.006+00:00My heart has literally broken for the 2nd time tod...My heart has literally broken for the 2nd time today I have just found out that my daughter has lost her dla for type 1 diabetes and having read this I am lost for words. Reading this now I feel my determination to fight this and help others who are in the same predicament, they may have terminated the dla here but they are going to choke on me as a means of a huge thanks for being sodding idiots. If there is any way I can offer assistance to you please do not hesitate to let me knowPamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03566919388315920718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-45029423655426769892012-01-17T13:37:57.600+00:002012-01-17T13:37:57.600+00:00It's very brave of you to be pushing along as ...It's very brave of you to be pushing along as you are. It seems so heartless to condemn otherwise good honest people to a life of probable poverty 'just' because they were unfortunate enough to develop serious health problems.<br />As an MS sufferer myself I'm extremely worried about the assessments as I'm sure they'll conclude I'm not entitled to the DLA I receive at present. There are so many hidden factors with most of the diseases covered that their forms can't possibly take them into account and people are being driven to destitution as a result.<br />The DLA was set up to protect us, it seems it's function now is to destroy us.<br />I'd like to appear as optimistic as yourself, but politicians these days are mainly 'career' minded and we are just statistics that get in the way of their 'targets'.<br /><br />Wishing you all the very best with your health problems.<br /><br />Pete.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-71487235541893765612012-01-15T11:50:50.031+00:002012-01-15T11:50:50.031+00:00It really depressing to read all this and to find ...It really depressing to read all this and to find - "help and support" from agencies, disability orgs, deaf orgs,,,,,lacking in the pro activity. I too have DLA and it will be stripped when the 5 year time is up and I still fear going through the mill fighting for my rights in a system that doesn't care for humanity. I am born profoundly deaf and have less equal opportunity in society and "communication" is critical but "they" will not accommodate. Most of the time I find having to do all this "alone" and this is wrong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-49852320936586356912012-01-14T14:54:08.360+00:002012-01-14T14:54:08.360+00:00Regarding DPA - you can ask any organisation to su...Regarding DPA - you can ask any organisation to supply you with any information they hold on you. There is likely to be a small admin fee of around £10-15 (you can usually find this out with a phone call to the organisation) and if you can send this in with your application it saves time. They must respond within 40 days, if not you inform the data commissioner's office who will write to them giving 30 days for response. After that they investigate. If the organisation contines to withold info or supplies some but witholds other & it later comes to light you are entitled to recompense through the courts and the ICO will do this on your behalfLadyAvanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-61790173855317433762012-01-12T13:02:01.985+00:002012-01-12T13:02:01.985+00:00Really, Anonymous (Jan 11, 2012)? Her petrol cost...Really, Anonymous (Jan 11, 2012)? Her petrol costs are what you chose to focus on here??? And you got it wrong. The hospital is 130 miles away, not a 130 mile round trip. Why not get *your* facts straight before lecturing someone else on the correctness of theirs?!<br /><br />Sue - I was diagnosed with MS last year. I have friends who suffer with epilepsy, Crohn's, coeliac disease, deafness, arthritis, partial sight, etc. Not all are in receipt of benefits (I'm not), but that doesn't mean they won't require assistance in the future. I don't know what MS holds in store for me, if I'll be able to carry on working for the next 20 years, or if I'll end up in a wheelchair requiring care of some sort. That remains to be seen. I'm a single person living alone. I have no savings and no family. I am all I have. I worry what might happen to me if I'm unable to support myself. This government doesn't seem to care about anyone and are very quickly stripping away everything that previous governments worked to put in place. These are sad times.<br /><br />I appreciate your efforts to raise awareness and wish you continued success with your campaigns. Keep fighting the good fight.Chaznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-34720713850010798972012-01-11T22:14:49.438+00:002012-01-11T22:14:49.438+00:00£70 of petrol on a 130 mile round trip, what are y...£70 of petrol on a 130 mile round trip, what are you driving, a tank? As the former owner of a Supercharged Jaguar XK-R 4.2ltr car, even with my heavy right foot on the gas I could not spend that amount of money on a 130 mile round trip...!!<br /><br />For reference, the Jaguar XK-R consumption figures are:<br /><br /><br />Urban 14.8 mpg<br />Extra Urban 32.9 mpg<br />Combined 22.9 mpg<br /><br />Now, even if I took all urban roads at max consumption of 14.8 miles, was buying petrol at £1.40 litre (£6.36 per gallon) and it would cost just £55.90 and these figure are in the conservative side as I pay around £1.34 a litre (£6.08 per gallon) it would cost £47.93.<br /><br />Now lets assume over a distance of 130 miles you are travelling combined Motorway/Dual Carriageway/Urban Roads, then I know my car would on average return around 24mpg, therefore it would cost me just £33.61 for 130 miles... so please, if you are going to post costs, get the figures correct as I assume your figures are £70.00 to fill the tank of the car, but I bet you use less than half of that for the journey and it just makes us Disabled People look like a bunch of sroungers...!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-7656266485739803472012-01-09T17:24:01.294+00:002012-01-09T17:24:01.294+00:00Hi Sue, I understand how you feel . I am profoundl...Hi Sue, I understand how you feel . I am profoundly deaf and I have panic attack and agrophobic .. It is awful . I was on incaptical benefit but I got the letter last year Summer I had to go ESA assessment at wolverphamton. I start get stresson the day of assessment make me panic attack I can't do travel w'ton about 25 miles from my home .. Ask social worker phone for me explain my problem put other date go to w'ton again I still can't do on the day so they try put me Stoke on Trent(21) I have copy of my GP letter explain about agrophobic but they seem don't care .. On the day at Stoke I still can't do out of control they sent me letter explain why I can't do go .. Stupid They can't read GP letter .. I prefer ethier home visit or my hometown I will be fine. It is hard to explain them I have mental health problem and now suffer from anti -depression.I blame welfare benefit effect my health suffer now .. I cannot travel too scared . Two years ago (2010)I was improvement and happy, successful Graduation BA (HON)Fine Art 2:1 at Staffordshire university I have no panic attack brillant .. I travel to wales for my graduation present from my partner few days It was fab .. 2011 is my worse year I become withdrawl travel increase panic attack because over the simple benefit letter assessment. I am very angry because I was plan to looking for work part time but not now my life ruin why me now !! They should pick whoever not bother go work and can afford holiday aboard and new car. I never had decent one ..Lindanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-81467657835793071142012-01-09T14:30:05.251+00:002012-01-09T14:30:05.251+00:00I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this Su...I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this Sue. I am praying for you right now. I am in a similar situation right now and am thinking of quitting altogether. I only have God left. I get a lovely feeling of assurance knowing that he is holding my hand, helping me through my deep depression. HE knows how I feel and it really helps. xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-12369581934560228732012-01-09T13:52:44.280+00:002012-01-09T13:52:44.280+00:00Hi Sue, So sorry to hear about this. Please do try...Hi Sue, So sorry to hear about this. Please do try to find a CAB who can do your appeal for you, it's pretty low impact that way. Best Wishes xAmbleskramnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-42000854516092768982012-01-08T01:44:57.500+00:002012-01-08T01:44:57.500+00:00This is horrific.
It is my estimation that this g...This is horrific.<br /><br />It is my estimation that this government is setting about redefining 'disablilty' in purely economic terms. People are no longer people, merely economic instruments. Unless you are dead you have no chance of getting benefits.<br /><br />There is no doubt that to meet their budget considerations either people currently eligible for DLA will no longer be in receipt of it (thus numbers reduced) OR disablity redefined to make awards less for all. Some combination of the two will no doubt occur - indeed has commenced. <br /><br />They are removing the welfare state as defined in the 1944 Acts and they are removing the word 'disabled' from our vocabulary. Meanwhile, the latest round of bankers bonuses is due to be released ...... and MPs increase their rights for lunch subsidies to ,ore than £8000 per MP per year!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-58762109108523861232012-01-07T05:55:24.286+00:002012-01-07T05:55:24.286+00:00Great news you managed to get that stuff into the ...Great news you managed to get that stuff into the press Sue, just hope they don't try to use it against us!<br /><br />Hope the appeal for your DLA goes well. Keep on at Blackpool and also drop a line to the Appeals people, it can only speed things up.ians12http://dlahelpgroup.comnoreply@blogger.com