Having a bit of a meltdown.........

hels78
hels78 Member Posts: 60
edited 19. Dec 2011, 12:18 in Living with Arthritis archive
............ Thanks to the letter I have just received from the DWP about changes in benefit - ESA.
I'm currently on Incapacity Benefit so obviously they want to change me to ESA or nothing if they have there way.
Hubbie at work so can't call him and Mum not available at the moment so I'm sobbing to myself that in a matter of time I'll probably be forced back to work or £400 pound a month worse off that will just about finish us off.
Happy Christmas! :cry:

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Melt away, hels78, we understand. This might be what they would like to do but it does not necessarily mean that they will, or they can. You may well have a fight on your hands now so maybe it's best - once the melting has stopped and the spirits are up a little - to contact your CAB and ask for their opinion. They are a very knowledgeable group of people who may well know more about the beneftis system than even those who administer it. I have to go now but I will pop in again later and see how you are. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi luvie,

    Can understand how you are feeling..
    A few of us on here are having to fight ESA, i am in process of appeal, i have had some great help off CAB they have been brilliant. As DD said once things have calmed down a bit contact them and they will gladly help..x
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    i know it a shock but get help do not let them just do it as others have said try cab or phone help line here ((())) val
    val
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,026
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hels

    l can see why you fel so panic-stricken. This change of benefit is so stressful for people and makes me cross :sad:

    First of all in your shoes l would immediately be taking advice from a reputable organisation such as CAB. All being well you will be ok and things will be fine for you but better to be armed and ready.

    Take care

    Love

    Toni xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello again, I hope the initial shock is beginning to wear off and that you are feeling a little more comfortable: yes, I know, fat chance of that. I still think it best for you to talk to those who really know about these things and I hope they can help. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • jez
    jez Member Posts: 27
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If all else fails contact your MP keep a copy of all corresspondence and if no help forward to a local newspaper.
    chin up
    jez
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Hels,

    as the others have said maybe get in touch with CAB or DIAL to et some help with it all. they say its a better system..... just hang in there and hopefully it will not be the nighmare your thinking it will be. nice to see you just wish it were for a better reason. cris x
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Hels

    Just want to say I hope your mind is a little clearer this morning and that you soon feel strong enough to get intouch with someone who can help you.

    Take care
    Love Juliepf x
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hels you have every good reason to melt down! I found going through the whole 'old' DLA applying system the most stressful thing I have ever done even more stressful than buying our house! It took years of applying waiting panicking and reapplying then when I got given it for life they decide to scrap it and bring a new one out! So honey you have every reason to feel stressed! But I agree it is worth contacting CAB & the AC helpline and seeing if they can take some of the stress off your shoulders. I wish I had known them when I was applying!
  • hels78
    hels78 Member Posts: 60
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi all, sorry for the silence.
    I've calmed down a bit but am still worried sick. I have made an appointment first of all to see the GP this coming week to chat to him about it, but also my reaction to all this has got me a bit worried. I've been feeling terribly low etc for sometime now so am concerned that it is more than just having an off day. Will see what the GP says first and try and deal with one problem at a time. Does anyone know whether the GP is always asked for a report for the ESA or only if something in the questionnaire answers prompts one? Thanks so much for all your support x
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi good luck with gp ((())) val
    val
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Hels
    They have know right panicking people like this, I am fuming for you, please get the help that some of the others have advised, and I really do everything works out for you...I just wish I could help more
    Please let us know how you get on.
    Love
    Barbara
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Hels

    Hope that your appointment goes well with your gp when you see him

    Thinking of you
    Love Juliepf x
  • hels78
    hels78 Member Posts: 60
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi all, thanks again for all your support.
    I have seen the GP who says I am depressed so I am now on Anti-Depressants to see if that will help. I mentioned the letter and he said I wasn't fit for work.
    I had a follow up call about the letter sent and the man from DWP was quite nice but was trying to make it sound like they were doing me a favour! I was so cross with myself as I ended up crying down the phone. Anyway, they will send the questionannaire out and I guess we have to take things from there, sigh. x

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