incapacity benefit - advice plse

[ladyjane]

After being made redundant I asked the local disability advisor about how to sign on for jobseekers or incapcity benefit to be told that I should visit doctors and ask for a certificate as I have limited opportunitys for employment due to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and sjrogrens. Upon seeing the doctor she refused to allow me to have such a certificate, and even said she didn't believe this was the correct way of doing things, and she was unaware of any such certificate. Now I am completely confused and unuable to speak to advisor until two weeks time. I am currently not doing anything financially ie jobseekers or IB as I don't want to do the wrong thing. I have asked for income support but have still to receive the forms (why does no one seem to be reliable anymore?)

I DO have limited opportunity as do the rest of this community, with good and bad days, sunny offices make me feel ill, as does air conditioning drying out my eyes and at the moment feel better just for being at home.I do however need money to live on and could really do with some advice. My previous employment was part time, which if I went back to work is what I would be looking for again. I do have an idea which would entail working from home but need to take time in looking into the legality side of things but can I claim jobseekers whilst doing this? I really feel that working from home would be the best option as I have four children, one 5 yr old included to juggle with school etc but as you probably are all aware these jobs are soo hard to find. Any advice would be appreciated. I think I need a life coach. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rotfl.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rotfl.gif

[carolfer]

Hi. i am so sorry you are having problems claiming benefit. i packed up work 2 years ago due to lupus getting worse i went to my gp and told him i had to pack up work due to lupus and he was great gave me a certificate which i handed in which enabled me to claim incapacity benefit i then went on to claim DLA which i got after 12 weeks which cover what i was getting in my part time job. so i dont know why your gp is not helping you he must know what lupus is like goood 2 days bad 3 please let me know how you get on carolferxx

[ladyjane]

Many thanks for your quick reply, you have reassured me about the incapcity benefit I was beginning to wonder if the doctors have been told to clamp down on their issuing of certificates etc. I already have a disable person badge for my car, very useful and receive higher rate mobility allowance so surely this should speak for itself but obviously not where the doctor is concerned eh. Thank you any way.

[carolfer]

Hi you should have no problem because you are already in the system with DLA mobility what about the rest DLA are you getting that if not you should apply. if i can be of any help please ask. carolferxx

[Bern2]

Hallo LadyJane,

Getting around the benefit system is a nightmare. Try this government Disability helpline number

0800 882200. Explain your personal circumstances and ask what you can claim.

In view of the problems you have encountererd ask for any claim to be backdated to the time you first made your request. Tell them your story when you tried to make a claim and what happened. Nothing ventured nothing gained, you may get your claim backdated!

Let me know if I can help further

Regards

Bern

[jodipat]

Hi,

I am 28 and have been on I/B long term for two years. The doctor initially was giving me "sick notes" as you would to claim sick pay if you was working and your employers did not pay sick pay. You then have to get the Incapacity Benefit forms from the Benefits agency and after 6 months of doctors notes they write to you and your doctor to assess how bad you are. Once you have filled these in you may be asked to attend a medical at their main offices - but given the inforamtion I gave them they did not do this to me. Apparently there are some condtions etc where you meet all the criteria so do not need a medical. I will be reviewed this year though. I go it for my Lupus, Arthritis and Depression. Is there another doctor you would be able to see at the surgery? From past experience I have found some female GPs to be very unwilling to help - as though they think I am a woman too just get on with it!

I hope you have some luck, you may be best to sign on for Jobseekers for the moment if you are still having trouble. Just make sure you give them very little room to find you a job - i.e you need to work within two miles of home as don't have a car, your working hours are very limited because of school run etc. They don't really push you to go for anything anyway, but hopefully won't come to that.

Regards

Jodi

[roxie_P]

hi there

am roxie 19 in uk just reading your problem thats crazy ive just had a letter of my docter but i went to the docter i see at the hospital as my gp dosent really see me for my lupus keep trying xx style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[jodipat]

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[MAMAJOE]

Hi i have been on benifits since a stroke 2 years ago and with my growing lupus probs. Yesterday i got a letter saying i am no longer entitled after several hours of trying to phone i was told that they do not know why it happened and i will have to start a new claim. I explained that i was due a payment today and would now have no money for gas electric and food but that does'nt seem to matter. To make a new claim i was told i would need a medical certificate i promptly phoned gp was told can't get appointment till end of next week and was given an appointment with a locum i explained my situation to him first he said that there is no way that dss would just stop my money and then said he did'nt beleive i could'nt get appointment with my own gp. In the end he reluctantly gave me a weeks certificate,whcih means by the time i have got my forms and returned them it will be invalid. I explained that i am just recovering from a 5 weel flare up but he just was.nt interested.So thats the british system for you it makes me sick the way we are treated.Hope you get things sorted out soon, keep on applying as i am
take care

mamajoe



LOVE ENDURES

[Bern2]

Hi Mamajo

This happened to me. I contacted the Welfare officer at Citizens Advice Bureau and appealed against the decision. It took a long while but I got my DLA reinstated.

Try this site for information, it may help




http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/b...looked_at_again (http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/benefits/problems_with_benefits_and_tax_credits.htm#get_the _decision_looked_at_again)


Explain your predicament to CAB, they may be able to help

Regards

Bern

[swecri]

hey there,
id get a second opinion if i was u, doctors are clever in their field of medical science but one cant always be sure they are aware of the way the benefit system works. my doctor didnt even think of the fact i was maybe entitled to certain benefits and i went 18 months before a family member suggested DLA. just get some more advice thru a second opinion....maybe a different doctor at the surgery?
hope this helps!