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.

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.

inaspin

less than 10 minutes before my call UC cancel it, so upset as I’ve been ill all week, brought on by this review I’m betting, I’m going to wait one hour and if I still feel the way I am now I’m going to tell them I’m not doing any call as my health -state of mind is more important than UC.

inaspin

call cancelled less than 10 minutes before it was due, I’m waiting one hour and if I still feel the same way then I’m going to tell them I’m not doing any calls end of and they can do whatever they want, nearly a month chewed to bits, I’ve been ill all week and my health is more important.

Passerby

Benefits bring more stress than they solve, just like antidepressants and sleeping tablets that despite being highly effective bring more problems than they solve and may worsen the conditions they are supposed to treat!

Sorry to learn about your ordeal. I know this is stressful, but please don't give in to their hassle.

inaspin

They ( presumably) can see what benefits you are on and why, I struggle ( get upset) when stressed, it’s highly embarrassing and puts me off speaking to strangers ( and friends) in case I fall to bits, I’ve repeatedly told them this, a man putting this in a journal message makes me feel pathetic, they’ve got the requested information, I’m contacting them and telling them I’m not proceeding as I’ve sent what they’ve asked for and they can make whatever decision they see fit.

birdwatcher

Where are you up to now inaspin? I do hope you're somewhere nearer sorted. I had a review about 18 months ago but they want to do another. Left a message on my journal as I'm not particularly computer literate and can't do this uploading or downloading or whatever it is they want. Last time an advisor came to see me. I'm housebound,have been for years, I can't get to their offices. She was helpful. But no reply to this journal message I left the other day. It annoys me as I still maintain that once the powers that be have your NI number they know more about you than you do yourself. So why put more stress on people who are quite possibly already struggling?

Catherine21

Im the same I worry so much its getting worse as I get older too most days im terrified in my home worried I will lose everything and become homeless I constantly worry about this i cant relax for one second I went through a period of feeling ok self talk mantras but now I feel pure terror we are caught in a very evil system and labour seem to ne turning the thumb screws git order from Iceland and I cant even deal with opening the door has your review been completed?

lisajane100

It's so wrong that UC can treat people like there either criminals or just not worthy . After reading that they cancel phone interview 10 minutes before its due is in my opinion them playing mind games , they know people get anxious and majority of people including myself worry over the slightest thing . They want people to stop claiming, to say they have had enough . Im definitely coming close to that !

jonf

the UC broke three appointments with me without warning or explanation.

inaspin

@birdwatcher thanks for your message, the review is complete ( for now) no change in my benefits but a big change in my anxiety levels, I understand the need for reviews but twice in 15 months both taking up to a month to complete has taken its toll, I’ve been instructed to update my bank balances on a monthly basis even though the combined balance has been less than half what you’re allowed across said accounts both this and last review.

Perhaps I’m wrong but I feel at times we’re being pushed into a corner in the hope that some close their claims.

I was also told reviews can take place on a six monthly basis going forward.

inaspin

@Catherine21 @jonf @lisajane100

The breaking of appointments does happen granted but it’s what it does to the individual if they’re a worrier as I am, I’ve just had a look and it’s now six weeks since I got the original generic email, during that time I’ve hardly been dressed and retreated back into myself, surely after they request your statements they can have a quick look and see what the highest balance was-is and are you getting regular payments I.e weekly or monthly from an employer, and if they’ve any questions send a message, simple.

The way I’m feeling right now they can run and jump if they think I’m dealing with them verbally, it’s on my medical records I have a tendency to collapse in an emotional heap when stressed leading to me hardly ever leaving the house to even sit at the back door just in case this happens as it’s embarrassing.

Rachel_Scope

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling so much @inaspin. The whole process is incredibly stressful and drawn-out, it's not fair on the people that have to go through it. Have you got a support network around you?

inaspin

Hiya @Rachel_Scope i have a really good friend that helps put things into perspective but I find it hard in the moment, I also speak to my doctor regularly and I’m waiting to go back through talking therapy again.

I cause myself stress by always thinking the worst when dealing with situations and these reviews don’t help, or should I say the way the review is conducted.

Rachel_Scope

I'm glad you have a friend to talk to and your Dr is helpful. It's always good to talk about things. I find it helps my brain feel less full if that makes sense? I catastrophise too, I always think the worst and it's hard to stop isn't it? Remind yourself that you've done nothing wrong, it's just a review that they have to do.

inaspin

thanks @Rachel_Scope , Talking therapy discussed worst, best and most likely outcome for any situation but in the moment you feel the walls are closing in and it’s only you they’re going after, I’ve tried not to fight the feelings and just accept it’s the way I am, anyone going through a review or similar has my full sympathy.

Funnily enough only today I’ve stopped my parents wanting to buy something for me ( they were going to put the money in my bank then I’d buy online) to save any questions if I get another review, it’s no way to live and I really feel those making and implementing these new ideas need to listen to what people on the receiving end are saying and more importantly feeling.