UPDATE

Annabelle26

I had a phone call from a Customer Services Advisor from Capita yesterday regarding my complaint. I told her I would not discuss it over the phone & to put everything in writing.  This she agreed to do & I should get a letter soon.  I also rang the DWP this morning to make sure my MR had gone to a Decision Maker as when I rang on 21st December it had not even been passed over to the DM.   They made their decision on 2nd January & it was a no so next stop is The Tribunal.  The person I spoke to had a strange accent & was not very helpful.  When I asked about the Tribunal she said everything was in a letter which I would get in about 7-10 days & then just asked me if there was anything more she could do for me.  I said no thank you & she said goodbye & rang off.   I feel really low at the moment.  I have a bad dose of SAD & a virus attack at present & this does not help.  I cannot get out as the weather is bad which has upset my new fitness regime as I was at least going for a walk round the block each day.  I had found some cheap talks to go to to try and socialise but cannot face spending extra money at present as money is tight & I am getting everything (apart from PIP) I am entitled to.

thespiceman

Hello @Annabelle26 Sorry for what you are going through.  It is a difficult, hard time for you.  Please can I say you have done the right thing.  All of  us complain about these companies who are doing assessments.  I do understand you get feelings of have I done it right and a massive load of guilt.  You are correct in going through the procedures you have done.  I understand from reading you are not well.  It is period of the year where it is cold, wet and not very pleasant.  I find myself suffer this time of year.  I try to be positive and use either this forum to talk which helps .  Also find things for yourself which  comfort and ease stress .  I have for example favourite music, food that eat.  Have soothing music on Radio usual Classical.  I had a support worker who suggested to me to do this.  Call it a comfort book.  Could be a favourite book with lines and passages for comfort and for reassurance.  I use a bible.  Does help.  Anything to take your mind off this situation.  I know I have been there with benefits and have to try to stop worrying.  Then worry turns to anxiety going around in my head.  I do not need to tell your this.  This is you and seeking the help and advice of others.  Please can I add your fitness regime.  I know you get stressed and get up tight because you do not have the energy.  I had one and when unwell just did stretching moves and most important take time out to do house work just ten minutes at a time when I could.  Small steps first.  That is exercise is it not.  Do not have hoover have vinyl floor and sweep every day.  One room at a time.  Only pace myself.  Make a diary plan days when fit to do small jobs.  Remember you are in control you come first.  I hope any of this helps.  Nice to talk to you.  Hope to speak to soon take care best wishes

CockneyRebel

Hi Annabelle

Have you got a copyof the assessment report ?
You will need this to start preparing for appeal

CR

Annabelle26

Thank you theSpiceman for your suggestions.  I already do a lot of those things.  I already do my housework in small stages as I have to pace myself because of health problems.  As a present I bought myself a nice scrapbook to put positive items in like quotes etc & have a few things nearly ready to put in.  The idea is when times are bad to look through it to remind myself.
CockneyRebel I have read through the Tribunal procedures & have my health assessments & have made some notes in preparation I  am  just waiting for the DMs letter before doing the final letter to start the tribunal process.

sue66

thespiceman said:

Hello @Annabelle26 Sorry for what you are going through.  It is a difficult, hard time for you.  Please can I say you have done the right thing.  All of  us complain about these companies who are doing assessments.  I do understand you get feelings of have I done it right and a massive load of guilt.  You are correct in going through the procedures you have done.  I understand from reading you are not well.  It is period of the year where it is cold, wet and not very pleasant.  I find myself suffer this time of year.  I try to be positive and use either this forum to talk which helps .  Also find things for yourself which  comfort and ease stress .  I have for example favourite music, food that eat.  Have soothing music on Radio usual Classical.  I had a support worker who suggested to me to do this.  Call it a comfort book.  Could be a favourite book with lines and passages for comfort and for reassurance.  I use a bible.  Does help.  Anything to take your mind off this situation.  I know I have been there with benefits and have to try to stop worrying.  Then worry turns to anxiety going around in my head.  I do not need to tell your this.  This is you and seeking the help and advice of others.  Please can I add your fitness regime.  I know you get stressed and get up tight because you do not have the energy.  I had one and when unwell just did stretching moves and most important take time out to do house work just ten minutes at a time when I could.  Small steps first.  That is exercise is it not.  Do not have hoover have vinyl floor and sweep every day.  One room at a time.  Only pace myself.  Make a diary plan days when fit to do small jobs.  Remember you are in control you come first.  I hope any of this helps.  Nice to talk to you.  Hope to speak to soon take care best wishes

Hi thespiceman agree with so much you said, i noticed you mentioned the bible.Thought id share a few thoughts from this amazing book which other like minded people who are suffering and feeling low might find a comfort to read what God promises for the near future.
The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.f 4  And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.i The former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
 At that time the lame will leap like the deer, And the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy.For waters will burst forth in the wilderness,And streams in the desert plain. Isaiah 35:6
And no resident will say: “I am sick.” Isaiah 33 :24

thespiceman

Hello @Annabelle26 Thank you for kind words.  Yes I am glad you do some of the things I suggested.  I am always here to listen and you have given me some ideas for me.  I have a folder with plastic sleeves for to keep my menus and recipes in.  Plus things that fill me with hope.  Never thought of a scrapbook.  I hope everything works out.  I know tribunal is the difficult one ahead.  I had one myself a long time ago.  I am see you are reading up on procedures and the rest.  I assume that you will take some one with you.  I hope and pray it works in your favour.  Nice to talk to you Best wishes