The Green Paper Discussion (the document link is here too!)

Anyone with ESA contribution based, if that proposal goes ahead, will lose their entitlement eventually 6-12 months. As well as any NI contributions for their future pension.

So if you are on ESA contributions based I would reply to their green paper pointing that out.

definately get a dictaphone, basic ones are pretty cheep and straightforward to use. A lot of phones have apps you can download, most are just recording somoene's voice, so you can put the phone down (even have the screen shut off and you don't have to use it. I do think you legally have to tell someone you're recording them though.

paragraph 54 is pretty clear that it will end IMO

I have an app @ St Thomas' Hospital this coming Monday. I'm going to be laying it all on the line as its been this way for well over a decade, and even I can see the cerebellum tonsils are down past the foramen magnum!

The pain is constant, so even at its baseline level its 80%+ of persistent pain that has never dipped below that level in over 15+yrs.

Too many other symptoms to mention here right now; but you'll know all of them very well, alas!

I have a pic of my MRI on my phone so will be showing the specialist Monday, just incase he doesn't have it to hand.

I've got an old phone and tablet so a lot of apps don't work, but I once used the tablet to record a phone conversation once (not benefit related). I felt like I was being really devious!!! 😂😂

Yes, you are supposed to tell them that the conversation is being recorded but, as far as I'm aware, they can't refuse it.

I just said (what they always say) "I am obliged to tell you that this conversation is being recorded". I don't think they're allowed to refuse, but don't quote me on that!

New Style I think?

I think you're right but after a quick google search I think you need to tell them in advance - perhaps during the re-assesment form or something stating you want to make sure nothing is overlooked/forgotten or that your conditions make it hard for you to remember things.

Ironically I think recording sessions is one thing this damn reform is suggesting to make standard practice.

Oh it's austerity 2.0 definately but they just use different names.

I'm wondering if this will affect new claimants only at present? Hopefully in the coming days/weeks we will hear from the horses mouth so to speak what's going to happen.

54. Alongside levelling up the rate, this change would end the indefinite entitlement to contributory ESA for those assessed as having limited capability for work-related activity (for new people claiming).

I didn't know about telling them advance so thanks for that. I could've tripped up on that!

Funny though that loads of utility companies, doctors surgeries etc. have been recording stuff for years, which they remind us about regularly during the conversation (they have with me anyway) and I thought it sounded like a bit of a threat.