Benefits

[gismo]

I am curious to know how many other people with SA are currently on state benefits? I would also like some opinions on this:

At the moment I am on benefits. I have a degree and all that, but at the moment my mental health is letting me down, I am being treated for depression and paranoia. The way I am just now I don't think I could cope with working.

So I got a line from the doctor and went on ESA. After a while I got asked to fill out a questionnaire, not a very good one and then attend a medical assessment that lasted all of 20 minutes. From this the job centre decided there is nothing wrong with me what so ever.

They decided I have no problems leaving the house, even though in reality I only leave the house if I absolutely must (doctors/job centre), I am unable to have a social life like I used to have. I have panic attacks when I hear people walking past my house. I have no problems getting on with other people according to their conclusions, yet in reality I am prone to mood swings and when the depression and paranoia are really bad I am unable to socialise on any level what so ever.

They neglected to contact my GP and psychiatrist, they relied solely on the questionnaire and assessment, which to be frank were nowhere near detailed enough to paint an accurate picture of my mental health. So I am appealing the decision, but does this seem right to any of you? Can they make an accurate judgement based solely on the questionnaire/assessment? Have any of you had an experience along the same lines? Am I right to be annoyed?

I am just sickened that they treat mental health problems with such casual dissmissal. It annoys me as I know people who fake depression so they don't have to work and they have been getting away with it for years. I am in serious trouble and have taken positive steps to get help and get better, but am practically labelled a liar by the job centre.

[Optimistic]

Originally Posted by gismo

I am curious to know how many other people with SA are currently on state benefits? I would also like some opinions on this:

At the moment I am on benefits. I have a degree and all that, but at the moment my mental health is letting me down, I am being treated for depression and paranoia. The way I am just now I don't think I could cope with working.

So I got a line from the doctor and went on ESA. After a while I got asked to fill out a questionnaire, not a very good one and then attend a medical assessment that lasted all of 20 minutes. From this the job centre decided there is nothing wrong with me what so ever.

They decided I have no problems leaving the house, even though in reality I only leave the house if I absolutely must (doctors/job centre), I am unable to have a social life like I used to have. I have panic attacks when I hear people walking past my house. I have no problems getting on with other people according to their conclusions, yet in reality I am prone to mood swings and when the depression and paranoia are really bad I am unable to socialise on any level what so ever.

They neglected to contact my GP and psychiatrist, they relied solely on the questionnaire and assessment, which to be frank were nowhere near detailed enough to paint an accurate picture of my mental health. So I am appealing the decision, but does this seem right to any of you? Can they make an accurate judgement based solely on the questionnaire/assessment? Have any of you had an experience along the same lines? Am I right to be annoyed?

I am just sickened that they treat mental health problems with such casual dissmissal. It annoys me as I know people who fake depression so they don't have to work and they have been getting away with it for years. I am in serious trouble and have taken positive steps to get help and get better, but am practically labelled a liar by the job centre.

I'd contact my MP and complain at how they treat mental illnesses. I'm sure they must have a campaign/policy to treat mental illnesses seriously, which I would mention, as well as how they did not contact your GP or psychiatrist.

[courageous]

I know exactly how you feel. I had a medical in January of this year and was told that I was fit for work despite everything I had told them about my SA and how it impacts on my life. I've been on medication for this condition for years, it has completely blighted my life. I appealed but it was turned down and so I appealed again. This second appeal was yesterday and I won! The relief is enormous. I am doing a couple of days voluntary work at the moment and I find just doing that really difficult so I know I couldn't handle a paid job even if by some miracle I could get one.
Whilst I,ve been waiting for my appeal I've had to sign on and actively look for work which has nearly sent me over the edge with the stress and worry of it all. There just isn't any real support or understanding of mental illness and the whole system can just make matters worse and ruin any chance of recovery.
You are right to be angry. If I were you I'd see a welfare rights worker and appeal. Try to get some evidence if you can like a support letter from your GP or therapist. You could also try contacting your local 'MIND' for some advice. Good luck

[gismo]

Got word in today, the decision maker decided the original decision was correct, so it is going to a tribunal. Turns out no evidence from my GP or psychiatrist has been used yet....I wonder why they asked for their details if they were going to make no attempt to contact them.

[riverside]

That's astonishing that they would make a decision without consulting the health professionals Hope things go in your favour, Gismo

[Poltergeist]

Originally Posted by riverside

That's astonishing that they would make a decision without consulting the health professionals

Yeah, unbelievable
I don't think they care, they just want as many people off benefits as possbile. I think they hope that people won't bother to appeal.

[RattyLady]

That does sound ridiculous, you need some sort of advocate - do you have a local MIND? I mean surely the fact that you HAVE a psychiatrist should count heavily in your favour!

[Poltergeist]

Originally Posted by RattyLady

That does sound ridiculous, you need some sort of advocate - do you have a local MIND? I mean surely the fact that you HAVE a psychiatrist should count heavily in your favour!

The Citizens Advice Bureau is very good as well. They will even go with you to a tribunal.

[RattyLady]

Originally Posted by Poltergeist

The Citizens Advice Bureau is very good as well. They will even go with you to a tribunal.

I've not had experience with them, so couldn't really speak for them - but I do know that MIND and their workers are very good

[Marti]

You basically have to lie and think of as much crap as you can to add onto the condition you already have to get sickness benefits so the points add up in your favour.