Pip reform/vouchers

MikeDavies85

Ever since the government and DWP have been talking about replacing cash payments with vouchers I've been absolutely terrified to say the least. My mental health has deteriorated so much more, my anxiety is ridiculously bad and my panic attacks have I creased tenfold. Vouchers would not be of any use for me as I have to pay cash for most things. Just a few examples I've got to attend a chemist everyday for my medication so I have to get a taxi 4 days a week as my mother works 4 days a week and can only take me on her day off. My 16 yr old daughter is my carer and has to be with me at all times incase I have a panic attack or anxiety attack, I have to pay for my weekly food shopping plus fuel money for my mother who doesnt live with us to go an get my shopping as we've tried online shopping quite a few times and the always mess thing up which ended up costing extra money. Then there's extra money I have to spend on taxis to go to my various appointments with my keyworker, nurse, doctors etc.. it's endless amounts of cash so vouchers would completely ruin my life, I'm trembling just writing this. My mental health is at the lowest state it's ever been in.

poppy123456

You are not alone and we've had endless threads about this. At the moment they are just proposal by the Tories who will most likely not be our Government by the end of the week. What will happen with any new Government is anyone's guess.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @MikeDavies85, welcome to the community. As others have said, we know very little about what will happen with these proposals after the election. I can understand how worrying it can be to hear about it and consider what life would be like should they go through, especially if life is already feeling quite difficult to cope with. Unfortunately we won't know what will happen with benefits until the government releases more details on their plans, but we'll keep everyone informed if we hear anything new and we'll be here to support everyone whatever happens.

It can be really difficult not to focus on it as there's lots of stories in the news, but please try to step away from reading about it if it's affecting you. Lots of our members have felt stressed out by it, so you're definitely not alone in the way that you're feeling. We're all here to chat about it if you're having a hard time 😊

Are you getting any support for your mental health at the moment?