Another UC review, growing very tired.

inaspin

Had a bank statement review June last year, in the middle of another now, mixture of frustration anxiety and close to contacting UC and telling them to close my account after this review, I haven’t got or had 6k in my accounts, I did make a deposit of £300 recently ( half was a purchase my on behalf of my elderly mother and she give me the cash to pay the credit card bill and the other half is cash from friends and family which I’ve purposely kept back until now to pay for extra heating costs) but I know I’ll be grilled about this no doubt, I also recently paid a credit card bill for over £1000 as it was due and I’d be advised if I could pay it then it would stop anymore interest, again I’m expecting a grilling about this debt payment, they say it’s to make sure you’re getting what you’re entitled to but we all know they’re looking to catch you out.

I live alone with a recognised disability, also suffer with trauma due to witnessing dozens of people being killed in an awful crush and on top I’m an alcoholic, but I feel the pressure of these and such reviews effect my health and mental wellbeing more, if I stop my UC and ESA then they’ll win but I’ll be a bigger problem for them going forward as I’ll lose my home and be more dependent on the state.

Apologies for the post but I’m at the end of my tether with the system, some days I think perhaps I’d like to try and get a bit of work from home but I’d not dare float the idea as they’d have me digging a ditch by lunchtime, aspects of the welfare system are slightly cruel I feel, they need to put the stick away and try the carrot.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @inaspin. I completely understand the stress and frustration that a review can have. If you haven't gone over the £6000 or engaged in deprivation of assets I can't see that there'd be a problem 😊You've got explanations for those larger amounts if they ask so you're prepared.

The reason for your trauma sounds awful, I'm so sorry you had to witness that. Do you receive any mental health support?

Don't give up on UC, keep going 😊

inaspin

hiya @Rachel_Scope thanks for the reassurance, I do understand why UC do the reviews but it’s as much the time between first contact (over two weeks now) as it is the process, I’m running through what if’s in my mind to the point I work myself up and convince myself I’ll lose my home, it’s was described to me as catastrophizing situations in the talking therapy I received, I always arrive at the worst case scenario and find it hard to fallback to probable outcomes, I had 12 sessions then had to join the waiting list again, the upshot is I don’t like crowds or being in places I’m not familiar with as I get panicked, my disability effects my legs and I worry that in an emergency I’d not be able to escape

I understand the amount of time I spend alone doesn’t help but I don’t want to mix with people as I don’t feel comfortable telling them how the trauma, alcohol and anxiety effect me, I’m a man of a certain age and I’m afraid to even consider going out after dark, maybes it’s an age thing perhaps it’s just being more aware of some of the awful things you hear that go on.

I suppose making no decision until there’s a decision to make regarding UC is the safest option currently, previously I worked in a high pressure environment with a high level of responsibility I know I can’t do that now but sometime I wish I could work for my benefits from home but see no safe way of even starting that process as currently as far as I’m aware there’s no suitable benefits safety net.

Thanks again Rachel.

Rachel_Scope

The waiting is awful, I completely understand. I'm very similar to you in that I catastrophise a lot. My therapist told me that until it's a real problem that you need to solve, don't worry, which I know is easier said than done! I'm sure you've been through difficult times before and you got through them. The next problem will be the same, you'll get through it 😊

If you struggle going out, you could get more involved here and build some relationships with people. We don't judge anyone here or force anyone to explain the what's and why's of their health.

I'm sure it's difficult to go from a high pressure job with responsibility to not being able to work. It's a complete lifestyle change. We have our Support to Work service who can help you find a job when you're ready. You'll get a dedicated adviser who can go through the whole journey with you. Be kind to yourself though, don't rush into anything, your health is most important.

inaspin

@Rachel_Scope thanks again, it’s seems the older I get the more fragile my mental resilience becomes this is one of the blockers I feel is telling me to really make sure I’m stable enough to even consider any sort of employment as there’s no going back, when facing issues I find I either work myself into a state thinking the worst or look for the answers in alcohol, I know neither is the solution.

I will take your advice and engage more on the forum if nothing else it will take my mind off my issues and I might find comfort in seeing other who’ve been through similar but come out at the other end.

Kookee

Hi @inaspin

I’m sorry you have to go through another review. I fully understand this must be worrying and frustrating. Please don’t close your claim though. Maybe if it’s causing mental health distress you could explain this and ask them to expedite your appointment so as to get it over with. To be honest I don’t know much about the reviews but I just wanted to reply and offer some words of encouragement and understanding as you sound so fed up.

Your trauma sounds horrific, I’m sorry you had to go through that.

I hope you continue to get all the support you need and that you can be kind to yourself. This forum is a lovely place full of kind, nonjudgmental folk so I hope you continue to be able to share here if you feel it useful.

inaspin

Good morning @Kookee thank you for your kind words, the trauma apart from the flashbacks and not being comfortable watching things like people under water or being wrapped up in blankets etc as I find I try and breathe for them is something I’m learning to manage, wild horses couldn’t drag me to a crowed area or an unfamiliar place so I avoid them full stop.

Honestly on reflection I think my “close my UC “ comment was more out of frustration as I find with these intrusive reviews it basically puts my chances of recovery on hold, I’ve been chewed for 19 days now, they have the required information but I’m still no nearer an outcome, I’m sure they could streamline the procedure by asking for xyz at first point of contact, review and then contact to discuss, I have highlighted my anxiety and being frank when I seen my ID picture I was shocked at how old and ill I looked, I know it’s a necessary procedure and those doing the job are just following instructions but if I’d been working through this last three weeks I’d have been as much use as a chocolate teapot to any employer, this alone is proof I’m no where near ready to even consider trying to work.

I’m considering suggesting to them that every 4 months I send them the last four months statements to review, that way at least I can brace myself for the procedure instead of my heart jumping out of my chest when the postman arrives or you get the dreaded “UC notification” via email.

Kimi87

With UC nothing is sent through the post, it's all done electronically through the Journal.

Kookee

You’ve been through so much @inaspin and I understand this is making you feel worse and setting you back; it’s rubbish. But I suppose it’s something we all have to try and accept and expect when we’re on UC. Easier said than done I know. I wish you the best of luck.