Turned Down For Benefits

[kayjay]

Hi all,

Thanks for your comments and encouragements.

I'm gonna see my GP in the week and start to build an appeal case. I'll let you know how it goes!

KJ

 

[louisa]

Hi kayjay,

I'm from the U.K too and am in a similar position to you.

My case is up for appeal. There is a great deal of discrimination regarding mental health in the U.K, and at the moment there seems to be alot of misunderstandings regarding PTSD - it's like we've been singled out and their trying to deny the existence of PTSD.

The added stress of going through the appeal process doesn't help when you are already suffering from a stress disorder and can trigger suicidal thoughts or make them worse. To be honest - I don't even want to claim their benefits but I have no option at the moment.

Let me know how you get on. My appeal has been pending for about six months now so I'll let you know what happens. Good luck, and I hope knowing that other people are going through the same thing might make you feel a bit less isolated by your pain,

Louisa

 

[jefferylee]

Fight Back

Don't let them win...you should fight,fightand fight some more to get the benefits you're entitled to!

Here in the states,the government depends on the fact that a certain percentage of people won't appeal the first denial,which is a nearly automatic response.Keep at them and you're much more likely to succeed on your appeal...and GOOD LUCK !!

Peace and Hope...jefferylee

 

[kayjay]

Heya,
I just wanted to update everyone who gave me such encouraging comments on this thread.

In the end, I decided to go to the citizens advice bureau and we sent off a letter to start the appeals process. This would usually end with us having to build a case with evidence from my medical people and present it to a tribunal, who would then have the final say.

Amazingly, I received a letter this morning saying that they have reviewed my case and changed their decision! I'm entitled to the maximum amount, with no tribunal!

It's such great news and a weight off my mind. It's amazing that they can completely change their decision though...I'm so glad I appealed.

Hope that's an encouragement to some other people who might be in the same situation.

And thanks to everybody's comments here, you helped me to go for it and not just give up!

KJ

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

KayJay - I am so happy for you - what a relief this must be.

See you just have to not give up - it's such a hassle but I do think that they count (at least in the US) on a certain percentage of people giving up on the process.

 

[Keenbean]

Really pleased for you Kayjay, well done for having the guts to challenge them. I don't know if I would have had the fight left in me. Hope you can put all this hassle behind you and concentrate on getting well again now!

All the best, KB

 

[2quilt]

Never give up fighting for what you deserve! Pile the medical records on them to show proof. They can't ignore the weight and mass of evidence.

 

[Nicolette]

It's amazing that they can completely change their decision though...I'm so glad I appealed.

It is always worth fighting for what you believe in or what is right and/or fair....well done and I hope you are an inspiration to others.