Severe health issues and the benefits system

KraftyKaz62
KraftyKaz62 Member Posts: 4
edited 17. Feb 2022, 10:05 in Living with arthritis

Hi, joined today as I feel I need some support but didn’t really know where to go. I feel it might help to share my current issue(s) as I’m really isolated right now and need to offload a little.

i was diagnosed with Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis 30 years ago and although it has cost me so much, husband, friends, jobs, home, etc, on the whole I feel I have managed it quite well however, since my second Covid vaccine, April 2021, I have been a a huge flare.

i have several conditions that I have ‘collected’ over the years, along with RA I have OA, Spondylolisthesis, Fibromyalgia and Sjorgrens and just last week Plantar Facilitis.

On New Years Eve I was struck down with full Covid symptoms but all tests where negative so I guess it was the Flu but I’m am still struggling with the symptoms more than 5 weeks later and currently I’m unable to weight bare on my right leg because of Plantar Facilitis so am immobile. I am single and all the above is unbearably hard to cope with, it’s just too much all at once, I am hanging on to my mental health by the skin of my teeth, I have only left the house on a handful of occasions since new year and then paid the price afterwards.

Bit my reason for seeking help and advice today is, on Saturday I opened a letter from DWP to find a ‘Notice of Compliance’ Interview by telephone. At first I was confused, I didn’t understand what the letter meant so I googled it and read that it could mean the DWP maybe investigating me for fraudulent claiming, I also learnt that I could be a randomly selected claimant to just check there have been no changes in my circumstances but of course my mind took me to the former and I have worried constantly since receiving the letter.

i now feel dreadfully anxious, have lost sleep, can’t eat and am feeling so low that I’m finding it very difficult to find a good enough reason to carry on. Before my last vaccine my health issues were relatively under control and by pacing I could enjoy the things I loved, my hobbies, my grandchildren and the outdoors, now however, I am currently unable to wash, dress, cook, go out etc and this letter has just topped off a very difficult period of my life. The interview is on the 22nd February and waiting has been unbearable as I wonder what on earth they need to question me about.

sorry for the long post. I would be grateful for any responses

thank you

Comments

  • jeddison1985
    jeddison1985 Member Posts: 211

    Hi @KraftyKaz62 firstly let me welcome you to the forum I hope you find the information and support you are after from our wonderful community.

    I can see from your post that you have been going through a very tough time with your health and mental health. The first thing to say is you are not alone and lots of people experience similar challenges and will be able to try help you. You as well as looking for support on the health issues but you are also worried about the DWP letter.

    The site is full of information and conversations and firstly I wanted to share with you below a link to a couple of stories and tips on managing mental health in conjunction with arthritis.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/how-does-arthritis-affect-mental-health-two-people-tell-us/

    If you are happy I will also ask our helpline team to get in touch with you to see what support and advice we can give.

    In terms of the DWP letter it might be best to try and speak to your local Citizens Advice or ring the Citizens Advice helplines, as such I enclose a link to an article I have seen about DWP investigations and a link to how to contact them.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/you-think-youre-being-accused-of-benefit-fraud/
    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/

    Please feel free to search the forum for others with similar experiences and I am sure that some of our community will be able to help offer some useful suggestions.

    Take care and I hope you feel better soon and get some help.

    Thanks

    Joe

  • Rina
    Rina Member Posts: 86

    Dear @KraftyKaz62 you are really going through some challenging times and it must be so worrying for you to have the meeting coming up. Is there any way you can phone the DWP to find out a bit more about what you can expect at the meeting? As you said, it might just be a random check and nothing to worry about at all. Or is there anything on the letter that gives an indication of why you’ve been called?

    The Versus Arthritis helpline will be open tomorrow from 9am-6pm - why don’t you give them a call? They are very helpful and might be able to shed some light on the letter or guide you to someone who can explain. And they’re great talk to if you just want to offload. Their number is 0800 5200 520.

    Love from @Rina

  • KraftyKaz62
    KraftyKaz62 Member Posts: 4

    Thank you so much Rina, your advice is much appreciated, thanks for the number also. Take care x

  • GalaxyA12
    GalaxyA12 Member Posts: 73

    KraftyKaz62 Hi

    Rina's advice is best i personally would follow Rina's

    Best

  • Rina
    Rina Member Posts: 86

    Keep in touch @KraftyKaz62 and let us know how you’re getting on. You’re among friends here who understand a bit of what you’re going through xx

  • YvonneH
    YvonneH Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 17. Feb 2022, 10:11

    Hi @KraftyKaz62

    Welcome to the online community from myself also.

    If you look at your letter you will find a phone number - if you ring this you will get an outline of what the phone call is about.

    Once you have that information you can see whether you need any help, like a letter from your GP or health team to support you.

    Would it be helpful to have someone with you when they ring up, they can help you remember what has been said - just in case.

    Once this is over, you can explore our community and share your experience and make new friends who understand just what life is like with one (or more!) chronic conditions

    Take care

    Yvonne x

  • KraftyKaz62
    KraftyKaz62 Member Posts: 4

    Thank you Yvonne, your message was helpful and comforting. My son has been begging me to call them but have yet found the courage. My anxiety is through the roof which added to the damp weather has had a detrimental affect on my health!

    thanks again

    X

  • KraftyKaz62
    KraftyKaz62 Member Posts: 4
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/690632#Comment_690632

    Thank you Rina, your message has helped, I do feel alone and don’t have many friends especially who understand. The ESA award I receive pays my mortgage and bills and so I live in constant fear of it stopping! I have always worked up until 4 years ago when it was obvious that I was no longer well enough! I would dearly love to be working, earning my own money and paying my way. And just feel it’s so sad that many of us can’t and then have to manage the fear from the Benefit Agency. I just want the anxiety surrounding it to stop, I feel I can’t cope with my pain levels, isolation and fear. Have not found the courage to call them or reach for help other than here. Thank you x

  • Rina
    Rina Member Posts: 86

    Hello @KraftyKaz62 , just wondered how your appointment went today? Xx

  • Brynmor
    Brynmor Member Posts: 1,755

    Hi @KraftyKaz62 we are wondering how things are going for you and hope things are a little better. Do call in to say it all went with the DWP.

    Best wishes

    Brynmor

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