Young people on UC LCWRA

UnusualBlu33
UnusualBlu33 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in Benefits and income

I've just joined this site. I have hypermobile ehlers danloss syndrome, chrons disease, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, complex post traumatic stress disorder, autism, severe and treatment resistent depression and anxiety. I have more conditions but they're not as relevant to work or daily living.

I'm just terrified about the cuts to people on UC age 18-22 that have health problems.

I'm 18 and renting my own home. My parents forced me into work at a young age, ignoring my pleas, and it nearly killed me multiple times. It cost me my education and health. I had to drop out of college just to keep working for them.

I was homeless just 2 months ago and I'm worried losing my LCWRA could cost me my home, force me back into living with my abusive family or back to sleeping on couches.

I get PIP, enhanced on both daily living and mobility. I'm terrified of losing that too. But I shouldn't have to worry about that for a year or two.

Just frustrated. What. Because I'm young, I can't be disabled? Do they want me to force myself into work and kill myself in the process? Is that what our government wants? Do they want me to take sick days nearly everyday because one of my wrists has dislocated 6 times by lunch? Spend 2 hours a day in the bathroom throwing up? Having a mild cold and ending up in the hospital? Is this what they want me to experience because I'm young therefore I must work?

I'm just scared and frustrated. I struggle enough day to day. I don't need this on my plate. I've contacted my MP about it, but from what he said it doesn't seem like he's actually able to do much! Shocking.

I can't even leave my home without someone else there to keep me safe. What am I supposed to do?? How can the government be so idiotic.

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Comments

  • calflye
    calflye Online Community Member Posts: 97 Empowering

    @UnusualBlu33 I'm 19 and get PIP and UC LCWRA for Bipolar and I'm equally scared. I've worked from 16 years old to 18 and had to leave due to being too mentally unwell.

    One thing that's keeping me going is the consultation period ends in late June, so many MPs are already against these changes, even their own Labour MPs. We've still got to wait for the White Paper whenever that is going to be made and released which could be slightly better due to backlash.

    I know it may not help but I understand that fear, especially being young and on these benefits too. I can't see them implementing that rule of needing to be 22+ if I'm honest. When they talk at PMQs, on the news or even when Reeves was speaking about the Spring Statement, she could not answer any questions therefore proving how indefensible these changes are. I'm not sure if it's of any consolation but you're not on your own with your worries.

  • BrianMcFaddenfan24
    BrianMcFaddenfan24 Online Community Member Posts: 67 Contributor

    I'm 42 years old and I've never worked since leaving college due ill health due to pregnancy related issues as I was pregnant with my daughter at the time. She's 22 years old now.

    I have loads of medical conditions including depression and type 2 diabetes

    Myself and my fiancé claim UC and I have LCW.

    I have been told by different UC coaches I've had that I don't have to work, but I can volunteer if I want to, to help with my mental health.

    I'm going to be volunteering at my local hospital once I've done my volunteer training (or as the volunteer team calls it "helping hands training").

    I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also getting very nervous.

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