Being forced to look and get back in to work

Taliesen

Hello so I suffer complexed mental health including a seizure condition called non epileptic seizure disorder (also known as non epileptic attack disorder or pnes).

Back in 2015 i was working in full time job, and in end of 2016 beginning of 2017 I was diagnosed with my seizures condition along with mental health conditions caused by 15 year period of childhood trauma.

I was let go on medical grounds due to severity of my seizure condition making me a danger bk in 2017, I then got put on U.C (Universal Credit) and then on P.I.P.

Back in Jan 2nd I moved from Ipswich to Colchester, the Ipswich job centre were pushing for a medical review to then put me in to the support group on U.C, however this Colchester job centre are now making me look for work to get back into work again.

So my seizure condition is a psychological condition and not physical so there is no medication for it, every company has an insurance buffer for those who ARE epileptic, and I do not fall under that category, so companies won't take me on as I am a liability and a danger. 

I get no aura or warning with mine, and can range from partial, vacant and full body convulsions.

I have explained this multiple times to my job coach who is himself disabled, and all he does is reassure me that companies will make adaptions/accommodations to help me get and stay in work.

I am feeling forced to do something I can not do due to my condition. I don't know what to do as I'm getting fed up of repeating and explaining myself each time we have a meeting.


Sorry needed to vent.

Jimm_Scope

Hi @Taliesen, that sounds really frustrating. So you've asked for a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) but your coach keeps saying no? Have you given them any recent notes from a medical professional at all?

They should really be looking to move you forward with the WCA, especially if the Ipswich branch was in the process of doing so.

poppy123456

Taliesen said:

Back in Jan 2nd I moved from Ipswich to Colchester, the Ipswich job centre were pushing for a medical review to then put me in to the support group on U.C, however this Colchester job centre are now making me look for work to get back into work again.

When claiming UC you're treated as a job seeker until a decision on a work capability assessment says otherwise. A PIP award doesn't automatically exclude you from looking for work.

Have you reported your health condition and provided a fit note? If you haven't then you will need to do that by reporting a change of circumstances. Then click health condition and report it that way. You will need to provide a fit note within 7 days of that and continue to provide them without any gaps until a decision is made. 

Taliesen

I had a medical review and such, this new medical review that ipswich was pushing for was annual but due to covid there was a massive back log, so I though Colchester would continue down same road,  but instead its not, and no ones mentioned about regular sick notes are needed. 

If thats what I need then thats what il get, my condition is why I got put on U.C in first place, my commitments was keep going to drs appointments and keep them updated.

Nettybear

I was changed from the old way of claiming for myself and my husband who is my carer, onto Universal Credit in February 2nd.....I think.  We weren't actually told.  Anyway, they actually acknowledged on our journal on 28th February that I have MS and my husband is my full time carer.  But, we only get the lowest rate for a couple.  They give us a percentage towards our rent which is three figures less than previous.  Naturally I've asked about having a disability and have been told I cannot talk  to anyone else down to just a sympathetic I'm sorry.  Please tread carefully.  I wish you all the very best. 

poppy123456

Nettybear said:

I was changed from the old way of claiming for myself and my husband who is my carer, onto Universal Credit in February 2nd.....I think.  We weren't actually told.  Anyway, they actually acknowledged on our journal on 28th February that I have MS and my husband is my full time carer.  But, we only get the lowest rate for a couple.  They give us a percentage towards our rent which is three figures less than previous.  Naturally I've asked about having a disability and have been told I cannot talk  to anyone else down to just a sympathetic I'm sorry.  Please tread carefully.  I wish you all the very best. 

What benefits exactly were you claiming previously? 

Are there any children on your claim or is it just the two of you?