Can't afford to even leave the house

Rthous

I lost PIP at review and appeals are taking over a year, because of losing PIP my UC was cut by £500 a month. 

I get 292 from UC plus housing 490, my rent is £1000. My UC doesn't even cover my rent now. 

I have no money for food or bills or anything else and a year to wait to try and get my pip back. What am I meant to do? It's raining at the moment and my coat is torn so I get soaked and can't even get a new one. 
This system is messed up and just wants us to die. If I don't pay my rent I'm going to be homeless but I don't even have enough money to cover rent. And if I put all my money to rent how will I get food so do I just starve? What is everyone else doing????

bg844

Have you been sending fit notes in to UC or alternatively had a determination on your capability to work? In regards to your rent, if you haven’t already, it is definitely worth looking in to a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local authority. 

poppy123456

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

Rthous

I had a dhp for 6 months last year even with pip I was short for rent because the lha is **** and my council only let you have once a year so I cant get another. Its ducking stupid whats even the point any more got my gas and electric bill today 190 so guess I'm getting cut off I dont see the point any more I cant afford to live so no point trying may as well give them what they want

rebel11

Email your MP, you simply shouldn't be in this position in 2023, if it was 1860 I could understand, but not 2023. 

https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

You can also access food banks, they are there to help.

Speak to your energy company, but don't let them install a meter, tell them you need help.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/

Update the thread. 

poppy123456

Have you reported your health condition for UC and been through the work capability assessment? 

Rthous

poppy123456 said:

Have you reported your health condition for UC and been through the work capability assessment? 

yeah they gave me lcw because I can apparently propel in a wheelchair even though I use electric all the time so they reckon I can do meetings but not work. Ignore the fact that last time I tried to work I got so bad with my mental health I was sectioned they just dont care 

poppy123456

When was the decision made on that? Was it within the last 13 months? 

Rthous

I don't know exact date I was very ill at time my supprt ESA housing and pip stopped in 2020 because I was sectioned for 3 months and when I came out I had to claim UC and pip again. They gave pip for 1 year and I had to give fit notes to uc and they did an assessment last year for lcw and I had pip review and that stopped my pip its all such a mess and I just cant cope any more I dont give anything to the world and I cant afford to keep living in it 

poppy123456

You can check on your journal what date the decision was made, it will tell you in the letter you received at the time. If it’s less than 13 months ago then you can request the Mandatory Reconsideration. They will not take into consideration any worsening of condition though.

You can also report a change of health condition but you’ll need to send fit notes and be referred for another WCA. 

Biblioklept

Please don't think you don't give anything to the world @Rthous, everyone does including you We are all important and everyone holds value.
It bloody sucks things are so bad for you right now and I wish I had a magic wand to make things better I've seen before something about appeals getting priotised due to safeguarding and extreme situations and hardship, maybe someone can give information about that. Or if you have a Welfare Rights they could advise or advocate for you.
It's worth addressing the work capability stuff poppy mentions too, as that could up your UC claim amount. Appeals do take some time so I'm not sure if it would be quicker in your situation just to report worsening / change and go through reassessment but that's something you could talk to welfare rights about if you're able. Keep fighting, I've been where you are and know it all feels too much, but keep fighting. It's worth it, I promise you. 

rebel11

Just what MP's can do for their constituents - 

https://working4walthamstow.co.uk/content/help-and-advice