Changes to benefits - it makes me feel sick!

jenzie06

There's probably going to be lots of threads over the next few months regarding the changes to the benefit system. I couldn't find a recent one on here so I'd thought I'd kick off a new one.

The thought that I would have to go to regular medicals if they are run by those bunch of numpties Atos fills me with absolute dread. The doc I saw didn't know the effect of arthritis and fibro if it had bitten him on the bottom.

On a good day I look normal, I might limp but no one could tell what pain I am in. On a bad day I'm in a wheelchair. Everyday I have to care for my son no matter how rubbish I feel. If I'm lucky my hubbie or parents will look after him for an hour so I can go back to bed. It makes me feel desperate and sick to think that I will be judged regularly on how I am especially if they are trying to reduce claimants. It's bad enough to be judged by members of the public when using my disabled badge (and yes that is being attacked by the government too).

Don't get me wrong, I think getting rid of fraudulent claimants is a great idea but not at the detriment of genuine disabled people. Changes are all well and good but only if done effectively and efficiently - not a government (any government) strong point.

What does everyone else think?

jayneys

Hi Jenzie I am not on benafits yet still working but its only amatter of time ,and im very scared,its a very lonely place to be ill .thank God for this place ,about the only place ,that under stand how we all feel. ALL THE BEST JAYNE

dreamdaisy

I don't know if I will be called in or not, but if I am, so what? I am receiving a generous sum of money from the taxpayer for something that is one of the risks of life: thanks to the selfishness of my parents (who both dodged the effects of the crappy genes they gave me) I have a blighted life - but why should the taxpayer cough up? Don't misunderstand, the money is a huge help, especially as my professional life is now grinding to an absolute halt thanks to the PA, but I am still astonished that I was ever granted anything in the first place.

The fraudulent ones have to be weeded out, and the so-called 'medicals' are one way to do it. It IS very hard for the healthy to understand how our lives are affected, the very fluctuations of arthritis are a major part of its problems. I thought I knew about long term chronic illness with the asthma, how wrong was I. I do have some idea now though, fifteen years in. I have recieved DLA since 2007 and I won't object to being asked to justify my claim. Being a new claimant tho is a very different kettle of fish. DD

valval

i do feel all benifits should come under one umbrella it silly having to apply here for this and there for that and not knowing what you can get at least if it all in one place they can be sure those who need will get and those who do not need but claim any way do not and with less forms to fill in they will need less pen pushers to pass them from desk to desk if they do it right (do not feel they will lol) it would be great but it a big if val

bubbles

Hi Jenzie, oh it is going to be a minefield I am sure, for many of us. I agree totally, that going to an ATOS Dr, or other "medical" person, for re assessments at times that suit them, is one that fills me with dread as well. Not that I am worried about the outcome, I am not fleecing the system and have a string of medical problems and subsequent disabilities, it is the fact that the powers that be, do not listen to, or read the reports from our Drs and Consultants.
They are not lying, on our behalf, they are stating facts, medically proven facts, that leave us unable to carry out what would be deemed a normal daily life. Oh it makes my blood boil and people on here know what a fuss I had last year, to win my case. The fact that I won that battle was great, now we have to win the war.
I have had letters from the DWP that I no longer need any further medicals, or Drs report, etc, but they end by saying "this will be reviewed in 2011". Sounds like double Dutch to me, but, we will see what happens.
The DWP seem to think that I will be better by February 2012, well, they must know of several cures that I am not aware of. None of us choose our disability or illness as a lifestyle, it is a card we are dealt and have to deal with on a daily basis.
Sorry, I am on my little soap box, I will shut up, or I will make myself unsettled for the night.
I agree, the system needs to be simplified, but don't grill those of us who have already gone through endless hoops, it is totally wrong.
Right, I am quiet now, honest. XX Bubbles

nanasue

Hi Bubbles, don't worry about being on your soap box, I think we all feel the same. I totally agree with you, it's bad enough having these illnesses and having to deal with everything that goes with them without having to prove to these people (who don't have a clue what it's like) that we're not lying (which is basically what they're implying) just to get what amounts to a pittance really so we can just about get by on the poverty line. I know there are a lot of people out there who abuse the system and then go running or working doing lifting etc. but they shouldn't tar us all with the same brush. As you say our consultants aren't going to lie for us so they should take what they say as enough proof, especially with scans, x-rays etc. Sorry!!! I've joined in the ranting now, so I'll stop, but don't feel you're alone, I'm sure if we all stick together if the worst comes to the worst they won't be able to walk all over us.

Sue x

frogmorton

Hi Jenzie

This is awful and very frightening for many people who use these forums as well as other disability forums.

Everyone on DLA Att All or incapacity(ESA) will be called. They have changed the wording for 'lifetime awards' to 'indefinite'. I do not disagree with it in principle.....there really ARE people out there who are getting benefits to which they are not entitled. Maybe because they have really 'got better' (that's what they insist when they are caught at any rate!)through surgery for example.

The reason they don't really want our doctors reports may be that they think they are biased and less independent/objective than 'their' so-called medical people. Xrays and MRIs are empirical evidence aren't they l would have thought.

My main bugbear is that ATOS do NOT seem to be able to assess genuine cases fairly in any way shape or form do they? How many people who have had a medical have come on here and cited gross errors in the ATOS reports? A fair few for sure :x

The humiliation of the way genuine people are treated is outrageous and l find it hard to find the words to express JUST how furious it makes me. There are people who cannot work- CANNOT work!!!!! (because they would not make very good employees, due to sickness or the work would make their condition worse)and they need to eat and have homes and a quality of life.

Sorry it's too much for me and I go 'off on one' when I think about it :oops:

A while back arthritis care were asking for our opinions to feed back to those in power it was a sticky at the top of this page. If it's not to late maybe we can still voice our veiws via our MPs??

Love

toni xx