Hi, my name is GHope22!

GHope22
GHope22 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited June 2022 in Benefits and income
Hello, I am new to the group. I joined because I was diagnosed with FND but prior to this for the last 5 years I have been diagnosed with multiple connective tissue disorders. I applied for PIP last year and it was denied. I wasn't going to bother appealing or applying again but have absolutely no choice in applying because of my circumstances. 

The two reasons I gave up before and never appealed is firstly I was able to work from home during COVID despite being clinically vulnerable and having mobility issues caused by damaging my lower lumber I wanted to be independent. 
The second reason is I work for the company who process PIP claims, I could not be bothered to put up a fight as I was earning. 

I am a Customer Advisor so I know how the process goes with PIP, receiving the letter just felt like the face to face assessor thought it was all a lie and I was completely demoralised. 

Now with the new condition I am not able to do my job, I suffer from seizures, vocal and facial ticks. I am mostly wheelchair bound except in the house as there is no space. It's a risk walking as my seizures cause blurred vision and I have had episodes of temporary blindness. 

My employer messed up my SSP back in April with overpayment despite having told me in March I am on SSP. Each time they have made an error they told me it was there mistake for February and March but when I pointed out they paid full pay in April they said they made a mistake. I was told that when I go back to work they will gradually deduct the overpayment which is fair enough but I have been emailing them since they started deducting / overpaying. Without notice at the end of May I wasn't paid. In turn it's also affected our joint claim for UC.

We have not paid rent or council tax, I have never been behind and thankfully my landlord has been understanding but how long for? We are relying on food banks, in the same week my husband was laid off. He was on zero hour contract and all round we have lost out on earnings. UC say we don't qualify for any advance. 

It's frustrating and I have reached the end of the line waiting for an answer about my pay since 27 April 2022. Not telling me shows I am just a number, they don't care as I still haven't got an answer and we have reached June. 

I have even reached out and asked if I could take on a different role due to impaired speech, I am not able to do my job, I am signed off until September but desperate to work to meet our priority bills and feed my family. 

I have considered resigning but that feels like I am pointing a gun at my head as I will still owe them but it's a way out and I am so fed up with life.

So much for promoting mental health as a company, they don't give a damn. 

Sorry, it's a big rant for my first post. 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 63,186 Championing
    Hi,
    Please be aware that PIP isn't about your ability to work, people claim PIP and work. Neither is it about a disagisis. PIP is about how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities.
    If you haven't yet filled out the forms, when you do you should add a couple of real world incidents of exactly what happened the last time you attempted that activity for each descriptor that applies to you. Include information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.
    If the worst happens again and you're refused you should challenge that decision if you still think you can score enough of points needed for an award. To constantly reapply using the same evidence you previously used is likely to see constant refusals.
    You can also get some expert advice from an agency near you. Start here https://advicelocal.uk/
    With regards to your UC, have you reported a change of circumstances and reported your health condition? You will need to make sure you send a fit note within 7 days of this and continue to send them without any gaps until a decision's been made on your work capability assessment. If you're found to have LCWRA then you'll be entitled to extra money from the 4th month after you reported your health condition. See link for further info. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition