Turned Down For Benefits

[kayjay]

Grrr....

So today I recieved a letter in the post from the lovely government, telling me I am not going to receive any money from them because there's nothing wrong with me.

:mad:

My GP, my psychologist, my psychaitrist all agree I'm no where near well enough to work or even function normally at the moment and declare it on the application, despite several failed suicide attempts and hospital visits, some government worker in an office weighs up the evidence and says, 'nope, from the application and the reports and the symptoms, there is no risk of self harm or neglect there, the lazy bum just needs to get out and get a job'.

It's so frustrating. It's hard enough to convince family and friends that yes, I am actually ill, mental illness does exist, I'm not just acting like a freak to amuse myself, without someone 'official' saying the opposite.
Why on earth would anyone try and fake the symptoms of depression and PTSD, and so give up a great course and the prospect of a good career, just to get a couple of quid off the government?!

:wall:

There is a chance to appeal though, but it involves more stress and appearing in front of a tribunal.

Urgh. What saddens me the most is I've hardly been able to cope with just being alive today, just because of one little letter. Pathetic!

Ok rant over. I'm gonna go pester my cat for some attention.

 

[TLight]

If you are in the US, this is a normal part of the SSD process. You may have to appeal more than once. Get an attorney and just trudge forward.

I know, it almost put me under....I was so desparate and work was killing me, the triggering.......but after several years (sorry), I was awarded benefits.

Try to place this annoying process in a compartment in your mind and you can look at it only when you have to, otherwise, the anger will build and make you even sicker....it did me.

I now have my benefits, after failed suicide attempts also. Now, if I try to go back to work and find I cannot do it, I'm automatically back on without all the hassle.

Don't give up and just be prepared for the 'process'....try not to let it get to you. It happens to everyone.

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

Like TLight said - unfortunately, the process is just as daunting in the US. My mother is currently in the process - has been denied once, we are appealing - we have been warned it could be up to 22 more months before she is finally approved (we began the process in December of last year). She is severely mentally ill and as significant physical illnesses as well. Here, it is extremely rare for you to be approved on the first round.

I know it's difficult - but I would encourage you to appeal (especially if you have the backing of your doctors). In the meantime, I like TLight's advice for dealing with the stress related to this.

I'm so sorry.

 

[evergreen]

I am so sorry to hear this! Unfortunately it is part of the process so don't give up! That's what 'they' want you to do.

I hope abundance finds your way to get you through financially in the meantime.

 

[dust]

Sorry to hear this... I haven't been through the benefits system, but I can imagine that they have no idea what you might be going through. If you can face it, citizens advice bureau can be helpful and could offer advice on a claim. My thoughts are with you.

dust

 

[Jagged Angel]

Hi Kayjay, I am so sorry to hear this. It is devastating to have some pencil-pusher tell you these things.

I have no advise here... is there some way to keep applying, or is that the end of the line?

 

[Deleted member 4109]

Hi ok scared now!!

I am from england too, been signed off sick with ptsd and depression, getting emotional and support allowance. Got a pathways meeting (government) at the end of the month, really scared it will be with someone that does not know a thing about mental health. Already getting anxious about it all ready!! Going to turkey next week so going to spend most of the week drunk to try to forget about it!!:mad:

 

[anthony]

That just sucks...

 

[Deleted member 541]

Kayjay,

If you are in the states, that's pretty much standard for here. If I were you, I would re-apply/appeal.....

 

[Keenbean]

Oh that is so unfair and infuriating. I think with these things it's just a matter of luck with who ends up making the decision on your application.

I have been really lucky and have been on benefits for a few years now. This has continued even into my PhD (for which I am receiving money from a scholarship I won) because it is apparently okay to study and still claim incapacity benefit if a person is unfit to work. I have to go for medical checks and stuff sometimes (I went last month for an assessment) and I always get nervous but am always considered too severely ill to be working without question. Last time I was even advised to apply for disability allowance on top of incapacity benefit, which I haven't bothered doing because I can scrape by on what I get, and I hate claiming benefits even though I know I am entitled to them.

I would seriously think about appealing. This sounds like a ridiculous decision, and I can't understand how it could go against you if your doctor was agreeing that you are too ill to work. It's the last thing you want to go through, I'm sure, but I don't see how they can ignore your doctor's advice.

Best wishes, I hope it gets sorted out,
KB

 

[Ambience]

Sorry to hear of your problems with the government. I think some of the systems in place are all wrong.

I am currently on benefits, but I am looking for work. My symptoms are massive when I'm working and I get triggered even where there are seemingly no triggers in the environment, just words people use can spin me out into massive pain and despair.

Obviously it depends on your situation if you would be entitled to housing benefit and job seekers allowance and council tax benefit. If you are on your own this would be fine, if you have any one else living with you I'm not so sure.

As far as job hunting goes, when you are in this situation, just go for the jobs you would feel 100% happy in, stress free roles. I've been unemployed 3 months now. People are not likely to take you on anyway if they don't think you are well enough. Maybe to explain you are suffering with ptsd at interviews and see what they can do to accommodate.

This way you get to be on benefits whilst you find your ideal job, preferably something that is a role where you can be left alone to get on with your job and maybe this would prove to be a nice distraction for you from your own feelings.

I know in Anthony's posts I've read, he writes that distraction isn't the answer, but if you have to have a job, this is inevitable and perhaps you can use this as the oppotunity to do something good for you.

On the other hand if you can't deal with work when you become employed, you are in your right to call in sick and then if you get fired for being ill (which I know is not supposed to happen) but in my experience does happen and has happened to me several times, you will be in the same position on benefits again where because of your previous job ending due to being fired, you will have less chance of getting a job, meaning you would stay on benefits longer.

If this system is so messed up it can't help you, use the system to help yourself by knowing how it works and the rules around what is and is not acceptable.

I hope this helps. *hugs*
Much Love, Janey x

 

[sigh]

KEEP TRYING ... It's worth it.