Green Paper Related Discussions

Exactly, how dare they say we shouldn’t have savings . We need to as we don’t know if our money will suddenly be stopped. I’ve been left with minimal money for 2 years while fighting for pip and I was bed bound a lot of that time so couldn’t work. It’s like the spying in our accounts situation. I have nothing to hide but I’ve heard of people being questioned about what they’re spending their money on . It’s all done to make us feel second class

In no did I mean to offend anyone who works and claims pip . I was merely talking about my own situation. I’ve had really hard assessments and tribunals where I’ve had questions such as have I had a holiday, weekend away , a day out ? Can I go to the shop , how many steps is it . Even a quick assessment has been over two hours long. I’m sure if I were able to work part time I wouldn’t be awarded pip as it would go against me . As it is my conditions fluctuate throughout the day so I can’t predict how I’ll feel in the next hour let alone tomorrow. I’m not saying people who work and claim pip aren’t deserving I said I don’t understand how they pass assessments and if the 4 point rule comes in I won’t be eligible for pip and lcwra as I won’t be disabled enough. But people who do get a 4 point will be eligible for pip and be able to work. That’s not an attack on people who work while claiming pip or it’s meant that way . It’s just something in the system that’s not working. The same is the fact that uc basic for job seekers was increased, though it’s not enough. But people who can’t work will get less . Everything seems to be against those who can’t work as though we aren’t able to contribute so what’s the point to us . If some are able to work due to getting pip that’s good but where I live there are people living in houses worth millions so no I don’t think they should be able to get pip if they were disabled. Example David Cameron a millionaire at the time claiming DLA . If I won the lottery which I don’t even do but if I did and won millions I wouldn’t claim pip even though my conditions haven’t changed.

Just read in the daily mirror

I agree and I think the assessors and case managers have too much power to decide who gets an award and for how long . I was talking to someone recently who said the very same thing , they have a lifetime award and gave a friend with the same condition which affects them the same yet they get assessed every couple of years . I really think conditions that have no cure should be lifelong awards. But it’s luck of the draw as to who you get for your assessment. My point wasn’t one of if you work you don’t deserve it but how do people pass the assessment as I have to fight . I understand it helps people who can only work part time etc but for people in highly paid jobs who don’t need the money I don’t think they should be eligible.

I agree with what @Amaya_Ringo said previously that something had to be done with both teachers & Drs - the Labour Govt say they're going to train thousands more GPs & midwives both 'facts' which remain unclear or disputed here: https://fullfact.org/government-tracker/ I'm unsure how they're going to reach these targets. The pandemic left so many in the NHS who had worked tirelessly risking their own health being 'burnt out.' Have we forgotten that?

Does that take away from the disabled community, I'd say no, it's definitely a separate issue. We need good teachers for our children, & we all need good, caring medical professionals.

The U turn about Winter Fuel Allowance is good, but as it won't be decided upon until the Autumn it may not help pensioners next winter.

None of this distracts from what we're facing about the proposed PIP criteria change & the of abolishment of the WCA.

The link from Citizens Advice previously given shows the impact on disabled people & how their 'theory' in getting disabled people into work simply doesn't 'work': https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publications/work-wont-cut-it-income-from-employment-and-benefits-for-disabled-people/

It's going to cost the Govt more to change the criteria for the Winter Fuel Allowance than it hoped to save by cutting it! All of these things should make us all feel that bit more positive.

I was able to work as for most of my working life I was self-employed. I'd stopped working as a physio to raise my family. When my son was 1 week old I took him to his first auction as I used to deal in linen & lace. Together with his older sister we had stands at Antique & Collectable Fairs & markets from him being 4 years old.

We all have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (& good to see Cherylee Houston, who also has this, being supportive), so it's not been easy. I was often absolutely exhausted after being in so much pain when I worked, but then had to cook meals, do housework, etc, The fact that some of us somehow 'manage(d)' work is immaterial. PIP is if you have a disability that meets it's criteria; if it changes then many of us will face losing the 'independence' it can give, or worse.

I'd just like to agree that we're all in this together as @MW123 has said & PIP is about 'disability' first & foremost as Amaya Ringo has clearly said (PIP doesn't give you National Insurance contributions - these come out of your wages, or you pay for them if self-employed). Divisive words don't help any of us.

Lord Alli, Starmers close friend and labour donor is worth at least 200 million ....

And people wonder why they're against taxing the super rich 🙄

not to mention Alli donating clothing to the value of £16,000 plus £2,485 for multiple pairs of glasses to Starmer and £20,000 worth of free accommodation !

The last two reassessment I had they reduced my mobility points and I had them reinstated st mandatory reconsideration.

I have always assumed if I work it would have to be a full time job, but given PIP isnt means tested or work related, I now am starting to understand more how it can help people work, as on enhanced daily living, its possibly enough to allow a part time work combined with PIP to pay the bills. But on the gateway stuff you are right, I get a huge discount on my water bill because of PIP. I think my region has perhaps the best water social tariff in the country.

I also fully agree on the points you making that we should presume things about others, and should it be spent on specific things. Its purpose is to help disabled people with the challenges they face in daily life. Which can mean a variety of things.

Could you check and confirm REFORMS policy for benefits - I think that you will find them similar (if not worse) than Labours

Reforms policy on disability benefits