Exceptional Circumstances

TCP wrote:

I tried to get the decision changed, but heard today that I have to go to appeal. I will have to seek help from CAB as I need the support. My doctor hasn't a clue about my condition and my former consultant signed me off as he could do no more for me..'it's a pain issue'. I am going to do what I can, although the stress and upset is already taking its toll on my body and mind. I have kept my MP informed but he's pretty useless.

If your previous consultant said, "It's a pain issue" then perhaps your GP could refer you to a local Pain Management clinic.

If you saw a specialist there, then they might be able to help you not only with the pain, but also with support for your claim.

Catherine, you may be correct that this would be the best result for the sick and disabled.

Unfortunately, despite what the DWP say, this is basically about money. They believe they need the money which this exercise is supposed to produce. So they have to cut not only the numbers of people getting benefit, but all the support services as well.

Then they get them on to a time-limited benefit (because, after all, your Parkinson's or amputation or blindness will be manageable with a little help). And switch them from a tax-free to a taxable benefit (a little mentioned feature of this "migration").

Console yourself with the thought that the Paralympics are going to be a really good use for the money they aren't giving to us.

Thanks for your responses. I have severe nerve pain/damage from throat to toes, called autonomic neuropathy. I feel like my skin is on fire all over my body and I also have deep nerve pain like toothache. I have this all day long and it only lessens at night when my system relaxes. It has affected my heart, liver, BP, bowel and bladder. I also have anxiety, ME and degeneration of my spine. I take a lot of medication, but it barely touches the pain. Any anxiety or activity has a major impact on my nervous system. My mum is my carer. I explained everything to the DWP and my doctor isn't very clued up about my problems, either. I have been to the pain clinic but was basically told that my life was about choices.

No cure, prognosis poor. My life is managing my condition. I cannot function most days, but regardless of the info I sent to the DWP, including my medical info and recent paramedic record...I am still having to go to appeal.

Is the CAB the best place to go for help?

TCP

Thanks, Gordon. Sometimes it's hard to find things to read or manage to read everything when your time on the PC is limited. I was trying also to find where there was a list of disabilities and conditions that can be considered to be in the SG.

Regards

TCP

TCP wrote:

Thanks, Gordon. Sometimes it's hard to find things to read or manage to read everything when your time on the PC is limited. I was trying also to find where there was a list of disabilities and conditions that can be considered to be in the SG.

Regards

TCP

Hi TCP,

There is no such list, that is what I was saying in this post:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=vie...id=10&id=74213#74248


With respect to qualifying for SG status, have a look at page 23 onwards of the "Understanding Employment and Support Allowance" guide from this link:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

As you will see there are other ESA claim guides there as well.

cheers

bro58