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

The government is “consulting on delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.”

I do not see it as ethically correct to deny or delay access to financial support. What happens to a child transitioning into adulthood with a long-term disability? Do they starve until they turn 22? I truly fail to understand what the government is trying to save here.

thanks @Summerlove useful videos to promote wider awareness. I am a novice in terms of political debates, so very helpful 👍

I think it's likely there will be some conditions that will automatically qualify e.g 'progressive' and 'terminal'.

Having several health issues myself, I have found (through being on targeted FB support Groups) that not everyone with 'a specific condition' suffers in the same way. If someone is suffering with just the one condition, they're still suffering but, maybe not as much as someone else who has additional conditions - that aggravate or have a knock on effect.

I'd like to think that they will now look more at the 'overall" impact of how people's ability is affected by their condition(s). But.....in order to do this 'competently' the DWP Assessors need to be more medically qualified (a lot are not) and have a better knowledge of the criteria: Musculoskeletal, Cardiology, Neurological, Vestibular(hardly ever mentioned but also extremely debilitating) etc.

In my case I have 3 Vestibular issues. This impacts on my ability to function 'normally' on a day to day basis. I also have Musculoskeletal issues which, without the Vestibular issues, I could probably function/cope much easier.

I can only 'hope' that a better understanding is implemented for future claimants.

We can only wait to find out more - and take each day as it comes. Personally, I find worrying about is makes my conditions far worse, so I definitely practice mindful thinking. Not easy, but at the end of the day I have to focus on keeping myself as stable as possible (both mentally and physically) so as not to end up on a gurney in a hospital corridor😫🤮

That said: I have managed to submit

my 'health story' to my MP in the hope it will 'trigger' some element of 'understanding' but heard nothing back 🤔.....

I wish you all the very best going forward.

Unfortunately, the UK has a serious shortage of doctors right now. I don't see how they could do this.

@Dawn6065 Hi I completely relate to what you've said. All of the Assessor roles are 'qualified' (is my understanding) such as nurses, physios, paramedics) however, if you look at the roles advertised, I've only ever seen 1 years experience needed post qualification so most have probably not got a clue. Speaking as a former nurse of 12 years who did have a clue due to wide ranging experience, I don't know how many people have had an extremely poor experience due to inaccuracies and outright untruths documented by Assessors).

Lesson for me is record assessments and I will be definitely reporting to their Regulatory Body any Assessor who lies in future. I went to Tribunal and was awarded but I should have reported her.

I've sent c 20 letters not heard back from any of them.

Wishing you all the very best too, take care 🫂

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). Those unemployed after the time-limited period would be able to claim UC, depending on their personal circumstances. We believe this reform would align with the removal of the WCA, by offering a route to financial support for those with temporary and short-term health conditions, including for those who may not be entitled to PIP and therefore not entitled to the health element of UC.

The above implies for new claims?

If my next review is not until 2032 will I be ok before then ? Even though I don't have the 4 points. The mirror said that those who don't qualify will be given something but unsure what . My health will get worse over time can anyone help with this question please

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). Those unemployed after the time-limited period would be able to claim UC, depending on their personal circumstances. We believe this reform would align with the removal of the WCA, by offering a route to financial support for those with temporary and short-term health conditions, including for those who may not be entitled to PIP and therefore not entitled to the health element of UC.

The above implies for new claims?

Morning @Catherine21

I've also found this, which implies that it's only NS ESA that's affected. Like you say, no mention of what would happen once WCA is scrapped. Perhaps current and then future PIP entitlement would be used to determine ongoing eligibility for old style CB ESA?

Introducing a new Unemployment Insurance by reforming contributory benefits

149. We are consulting on creating a new Unemployment Insurance for those that have made National Insurance contributions. This would mean people receive the income they need alongside the right employment support to get back into work. The welfare system was founded upon the contributory principle – the idea of ‘something-for-something’. Contributory benefits are a form of non-means tested support for those who experience unemployment. Currently, New Style Employment and Support Allowance (NS ESA) and New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (NS JSA) provide support for those who have recently become unemployed. To qualify for these benefits, 2 to 3 years’ worth of National Insurance credits must have been paid or credited prior to the date of a person’s claim. NS ESA supports individuals whose ability to work is restricted due to a disability or health condition. NS ESA relies on the WCA to determine eligibility. After the WCA, NS ESA places people in either a work-related activity group or a support group, which determines how much work preparation activity they are required to do and how long they are able to access the benefit. NS JSA also supports unemployed individuals, or those working on average less than 16 hours a week, but it does not have a health-related requirement. People receiving NS JSA are expected to be actively searching for work and are able to access the benefit for up to 6 months.