Any further advise guys?

Thanks mikey, have used turn 2 us but wont let us calculate as I have a student income x will look on grants search tomorrow as on 14 hour shift tomorrow

thanks mikey thought I was going mad!! They said not entitled to any ESA yet letter said £160 as couple rate. Awaiting supersession request to go back onto cont based or back into support group. For existing claim (the one we are being messed around with) have another ESA50 to complete and medical evidence and letters to support it. If her only income is £31 a week wouldnt that enable her to claim for HB?? as the supersession requests have a huge backlog (apparently) as many people appealed end of their contribtutions etc around same time Kate was having her tumour removal and an inpatient.

I get a nursing nhs bursary of £6,701 divided by 12 monthly payments of £558 a month. As I am studying in Wales (even though I live in England) you are not entitled to loan or grants from student loans. Plus I received them when I did my first degree so not entitled to again either. Just thought they may have taken my bursary as capital or income?

thanks mikey, not that she wants to claim it as a single person,we are a couple and are being honest about that. however I do not want them to give her a couple rate if I am not claiming as get an income? does that make sense? she was and did get contribution rate with her student loan etc but this ends on june 30th (official end date) and have appealed end of ni credits due to supersession request as her cancer returned. I found this about tarriff income http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=11636 and says that we should only pay £3 a week due to my nursing bursary. she is on high rate DLA for both, due to her conditions and care/mobility needs.

Thank you Sparkles

hello my civil partner has a history of cancer, lymphoedema (severe swelling in legs and abdomen) caused by radiation treatment and surgery to her leg where a very large tumour was removed from her leg, her abductor muscle cut and femoral artery subdivided. This causes severe mobility issues, and a need for care full time as well as domestic and personal care. My civil partner has claimed income based ESA since 2009, she was in the support group after first medical, put in the wrag after second medical and then started at uni from 2011-2012 to top up her HND to a degree. For this she went onto contributions based ESA, and had student funding. She has had a learning support assistant to support her whilst at uni, and me to support her needs while at home. During March she found another lump which was diagnosed as a secondary malignant tumour on her back (it was a more agressive tumour than the one she had in her leg in 2008) and we sent a letter to ESA/DWP asking for a supersession request, due to her illness, treatment and surgery. with all medical evidence from her oncologist/orthopaedic surgeon. At the end of April this year her contribtions ran out and her ESA ended. We were still awaiting to hear re the appeal, so I popped into the local job centre who advised she should have been receiving income based ESA after her contribtions with ESA ran out. So we filled out a change of circumstances form and sent it off. on the 28th of May they sent a letter explaining they couldnt pay ESA until 26th of june when her uni course officially ended even though she did not complete due to medical reasons due to what she was going through with cancer recurrance, tests, surgery, in patient for 2 weeks etc. They wrote and said she would be entitled to £160 a week from 26th of june as income related esa, I called and queried it and asked them how they calculated it as I still receive my nursing bursary of £6701 (as i am in wales!) and they said send a letter and evidence which I did almost 2 weeks ago. We are a couple and have sent proof of our Civil Partnership to them many times, yet do not want the couple rate as I have my nursing bursary and were told it would be single person rate plus WRAG plus Disabled premium. Called them chasing it 3 times today...first call back left message on voicemail to call them back, I did and the person who left the message had not written any notes as to her voicemail so I requested another call back. She called me back and then when I advised that £6701 and DLA was our only income she said we wuold only be entitled to NI tax credits as my income (bursary) was above the threshold allowed. I asked her to check this...she put me on mute (not hold) and asked others in the call centre how to do/calculate it! or work it out I kept saying hello and then she said a few times "oh she has gone" even though I was still at the end of the phone!!! When I tried to call back for the third time I was told, oh they went at 5! hence at 4.55 why I could hear her but her not hear me??? strange!!! So my question is, our only income is my nursing bursary of £6701 I am not entitled to student loan or any other finance as I am in Wales. My partners only income is DLA and we have a car out of the mobility component that is adapted to her needs. Have they calculated it wrong? What could she or should she be entitled to and why? As surely they do not expect her to live on £30something a week and just my nursing bursary and her DLA. We do not get housing benefit and just 25% off council tax as I am a full time student. Please help as seem to be getting nowhere with ESA and it is stressing the both of us out so much!!!!

Hi again Just wanted to clarify on some things after reading the medical report again and not sleeping much the past 48hrs with ESA going around in my head. In relation to the above post where I stated the Doctor wrote "However the comments passed by the assessor that "in her opinion i am just unhappy about the cancer diagnosis and dwelling on it" as such is not true." I re-read the report and in justification that I am not one to be lying I wanted to write the exact paragraph of comments. Lower Limb Functional Ability : SUMMARY: Typical day inconsistent with examination and observations. "I think this client "is struggling" with having had the diagnosis of cancer. She is now in remission, however, and is capable of greater mobility"-** If the typical day is inconsistent then how can the Dr pass judgement on this if not in the same class of circumstances. Also, I was led to believe that the Dr is meant to make medical judgements, NOT pass comments on what she thinks to be the case. Jesus who wouldnt struggle with a cancer diagnosis? I am SO SO not the typical person to dwell on the fact, ask any of my friends or family what I say when asked about it... yes I say I feel blessed I had cancer, I was fortunate enough to get it young and beat it. I am not one to moan. But in hindsight perhaps I have post traumatic stress relating to it, after all I was 31, had decided to go to Australia on a GAP year and got diagnosed 4wks into the trip and spent the whole 14mths there in and out of hospital treatment, plus had no friends and family near except my partner, surviving on handouts and places to stay so we werent on the streets, as I wasnt fit enough to fly home, and my partner wasnt going to leave me alone. I even got 2 different doctors here in the UK to check the large lump before I flew to be certain and was told on 2 occasions its nothing just go and have fun in Australia, no even a scan or biopsy was offered! Surely that enough is cause for depression and anxiety and think I have coped damn well so far fighting to get my life back. Other notes on the report - Specialist encourages walking - gets into trouble if in wheelchair - can walk 10m and then stops due to breathlessness and back pain (not leg pain) - **what consultant orthapeadic surgen of oncology wouldnt encourage walking to a patient who has had extensive cancer trauma to her leg, having the femoral aertery sub-divided, and the abductor muscle cut let alone loss of 1/3rd of thigh muscle. A wheelchair is an aid, and excercise of the leg helps yes, doesnt mean I can walk on it all the time, long distance, or stand for periods of time. Back pain is caused by carrying at present in the thigh measuring 92cm appx 2-3ltr or 2-3kg of additional weight. this subsequently pulls on my back and pressure on my sciatic nerve. I wear Fentanyl 25mg morphine patches for this - which equates to 60-90mg in 24hr of which the Doctor wrote this as a "small dose". Stood, did not appear unsteady prior to sitting down but felt hot (?anxiety), rose from sofa unaided, sat comfortably for 20 mins, no shuffling movements -** I stood up after shuffling to the edge of the sofa. I have been shown by my physio how to stand, and yes on occasion my partner/carer assists but as the doctor was stood directly in front of my, it was difficult for my partner to get access to me (as if the doctor was guarding me to see if i stumbled). upon rising, I use my hands to walk up my thighs, to rise slowly due to stiffness, and swelling. I stood uncomfortably for around 2 minutes, at which stage I became, hot and faint, and get the pins and needles in my legs due to circulation problems with my lymphoedema, I mentioned to the doctor i need to sit down, and pointed out the fact my lower shins, feet and toes had become purple because of the poor circulation. THIS IS NOT LISTED ON THE REPORT. As for sitting for 20mins comfortably, I have had a rise and recline chair kindly bought for me by a charity costing over £200, and was made to meausre. Sadly as my condition is getting progressively worse, and the measurements taken at the time were incorrect i can no longer use the chair due to added discomfort and ill fitting. I had to ask friends and family to help us buy a new sofa earlier in the year just so I could sit comfortably with cushioning under my thigh and legs as it is a manual recliner, (my partner puts it away as we couldnt afford the electric recline - she even demonstrated kicking the recliner back with me sat on the seat when the doctor was here) jesus I even have the ill dignified task of having to sit on a bath mat on the new sofa in case my leg leaks lymphatic fluid as its new and dont want to ruin the fabric. my leg is numb all underneath the right thigh due to swelling so cant tell if it leaks etc as cant feel it Diameter of lymphoedema thigh only 4cm more than normal thigh. No lower leg swelling. Scar healed well.-** Have lymphoedema in both legs and abdomen and told Dr this. She failed to grasp this when measuing the legs. My lower legs are also swollen as my specialist measures both legs from toes up to hips at every inch and measures the circumference. She marks this regularly so we can tally improvements and work out fluid. at last visit in Jan time it was 2kg - 2litres in right thigh. As for the scar healing well, the scar was initially from surgery on 25th sept 2008. I was discharged 2 wks later. 4wks later i was admitted with a large seroma under the scar. Pig Tail drain fitted. release of 3 ltr fluid in 1hr. 5 day in patient. 2 wks later admitted again large haematoma under scar, 2 wks past, emergency surgery to remove haematoma, flush and reseal scar. 3 days later, scar burst open due to significant trauma and radiation damage to the skin tissue. hole of 4cm x 4cm in 8cm deep cavity into thigh wall. packing and vac dressing fitted after 4 days. addtional 6 wks in hospital. approx 8 wks as in patient. 3 mths later after vac dressing fitted and bi-daily changing the vac dressing was removed. the cavity was still 3cm deep. the actual hole in my leg that the Dr refers to as a well healed scar actually took 14mths to heal from Sept 2008 initial incision. Doctor has also stated - Unable to make tea due to tremor, and upper limb weakness. Doctors think it maybe due to medication.-** I stated that I am unable to stand to even make my partner or myself a cup of tea. My legs shake and itch when I stand for too long. this in turn then makes me nervous and anxious in case I fall or stumble. I have been provided with a padded perching stool in the kitchen by my OT which does help, however carrying the tea has to be done by someone else as I cannot walk steady and not spill the tea. I DID state to the doctor about how lifting a full hot kettle a few weeks ago proved too much causing me to shake and thus pouring the kettle with hot boiling water over my wrist. This is NOT listed in the medical - which I find to be necessary info as it states if I would be a danger or hazard to myself or others. I DID not state that doctors thought the shaking and tremors were to do with my medication. None of my doctors have stated this. They have suggested that weakness in my legs especially my right is due to the removal of muscle, abductor muscle cut and also the added stress placed on the left leg as my limp and walking has affected my gait. I am unable to walk easily with my right leg going forward due to swelling it swings out then in. I have received significant physio and hydrotherapy for this, and do regular excercises at home, however this does not immediately fix the problem caused by the swelling and added weight making my legs tremor when standing and walking for short periods of time. Standing and sitting Activity 2 Cannot stand for more than 30 mins, even if free to move around before needing to sit down - has been ticked yes -**HOWEVER on sheet marked "Description of Functional Ability" she wrote I stood for 2 mins then had to sit due to unsteadiness. Clearly if she saw the unsteadiness, then why has she also written on Lower Limb Activities 1,2,3 - Behaviour:Stood but did not appear unsteady prior to sitting down. -** i only stood ONCE during the assessment so this can only be counted as the same occurence yet her notes are different. To clarify, I MUST have scored 15 point or more in order to have been placed in the support group? Yes?? However, based on the equivalent online test, i have scored myself according to the same way as the doctors assesment as per below: WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT Remember that this is your assessment of what you think you should score - a decision maker may come to an entirely different conclusion. Please also be aware that whilst we have made every possible effort to ensure that the results provided by this software accurately reflect the law, we cannot accept any responsibility if you make choices about claiming based solely on this self-assessment: always seek professional advice. HOW DID YOU ASSESS YOURSELF? Did you assess yourself as being eligible for the support group on the grounds of: a) Exemption: NO b) Descriptors: NO c) Exceptional circumstances: NO Did you assess yourself as being eligible for the work-related activity group on the grounds of:a) Exemption: NO b) Points: YES c) Exceptional circumstances: NO d) Hospital treatment: NO WHICH GROUP WOULD YOU BE PLACED IN? Based on your self-assessment: you would be placed in the work-related activity groupMORE DETAILS Below is more information about the options you chose. Bear in mind it is possible to qualify for either group in more than one way. WORK-RELATED ACTIVITY GROUP: POINTS You assessed yourself as being eligible for the work-related activity group because you scored 15 or more points. You assessed yourself as scoring a total of 15 points for the following: 2b and 9b However, when I completed the online test myself prior to completing the ESA50 form and cross checking with the info provided on the form and the evidence given to the doctor upon the assessment visit i scored the following: HOW DID YOU ASSESS YOURSELF? Did you assess yourself as being eligible for the support group on the grounds of: a) Exemption: NO b) Descriptors: YES c) Exceptional circumstances: YES Did you assess yourself as being eligible for the work-related activity group on the grounds of: a) Exemption: NO b) Points: YES c) Exceptional circumstances: YES d) Hospital treatment: NO WHICH GROUP WOULD YOU BE PLACED IN? Based on your self-assessment: 'you would be placed in the support group' based on - You assessed yourself as scoring a total of 72 points for the following: 1 (a) 2 (b) 4 (b) 6 © 9 (b) 12 © 14 © 15 (b) 16 © Now, I am a little concerned also as to whether I was scored on the "old" test or the "new" test. Perhaps I was scored on both as I was being assessed during the crossover period. as I cant find out anyway of determining this perhaps someone can help. The ESA50 form has the same questions as last time so I am thinking old. but the medical form has somewhat "new" answers ie Standing and Sitting - answers are Sa - Sg not 1a - 1g? Sorry to waffle on again guys but hey can you give me an honest opinion here, do you think any of the following apply: Reason to appeal? Reason to complain over "upsetting and unecessary comments" by the Dr? Reason to appeal based on "not using evidence provided by me to the Dr on the visit, or choosing not to listen to info provided ie leg wound info etc Many thanks in advance.

Hi Thanks for the response again. I completed the assesment myself and scored around 19 point as feel I fit into these sections. however I think it was the "new" assessment completed as descriptors were listed and crossed out as no for all. However regarding the complaint I am going to see a solicitor as feel that DWP/ATOS have only exacerbated my mental healthy in terms of trauma and stress. One comment on the assessment which I feel to be totally unacceptable, not relevant and only an opinion of the medical assessor. It states - "normal appearance - except overweight". Why is this classed as abnormal, and relevant to the assemssment when I am not claiming for benefits based on my weight. My condition means I have excess swelling to my limbs and also my abdomen. However the medical assessors comments are not descriptive to the condition, but a judgement based on my appearance and that of being classed as "overweight" in her opinion. I feel this comment to be hurtful and upsetting, when one of my biggest issues is confidence, self image and self esteem. When a medical assessor states, that I inadvertedly look abnormal due to being in her opinion overweight. On regards to an appeal, I worry about losing my DLA if I am placed in the WRAG and do not appeal, as in DLA eyes I still require 24hr care in terms of washing, drying, dressing, and daily tasks. My mobility is compromised with my condition and always will be as it is a life long condition and my consultants and specialist have prvided this info and are happy to do so again. I do really worry about the loss of the ESA award completely but feel it unacceptable to be treated in such a way as not to take into consideration my condition, the evidence, the assessment failings, and the derogatory comments made. Am I just expected to accept that one persons decision is what I should live by. I am happy to welcome the WRAG group as feel it may assist me in the forthcoming UNI in september if in fact I am fit to complete the 1 yr course then. I am desperate to get my life back and not let this condition take over. However the comments passed by the assessor that "in her opinion i am just unhappy about the cancer diagnosis and dwelling on it" as such is not true. I never wanted cancer, nor do i want it again. only a cancer patient or survivor can truly explain how it feels having the constant threat of it returning and a 3mth or 6mthly cycle of follow up tests. Do the DWP want blood from us, people who truly want to improve my life, but in step by steps and not rushed or inconvenient not only to me and my health but that of an education centre or an employer. Please advise on comments made, as feel this should be raised.

Hi thanks for the reply. I notify both ESA and DLA in any changes good or bad. I received the medical report from my WCA today that was done a few weeks ago that has seen me move from the ESA SG to the WRAG. the doctor has marked me 0 for all components. Listed all meds but not dosages Listed that I dont see any specialist - when in fact I have 3 who I see regularly among other treatments Stated "no significant disability" - why am I awarded DLA and require 24hr care with washing, dressing, cooking and day to day duties? States my scar is well healed - the scar isnt the issue, the internal radiation scarring on other organs such as bowel, bladder etc Stated "mild impairment only of right thigh"? when in fact the condition is listed by my consultant in both lower limbs and abdomen, considerable in right 2kg/2lt+ fluid. States "mild anxiety and depression" - taking ZOLOFT for this, and possible PTSD confirmation from GP on next visit. I am going to appeal the decision, based upon poor use of evidence, and specific to my conditions and mobility. Next week I have many appointments - tuesday - lymphoedma Specialist and Blood Test for Oncology, Wedsnesday - counselling, Thursday - aromatherapy massage and reiki, Friday, MRI scan, Chest XRAY, Consultant Oncology follow up, and the week after I have accupuncture, physio and hydrotherapy. If I am fit for work, A. why do I have all these appointments as continual monitoring and care of my condition, and B. how does the Jobcentre think and employer would see fit allowing me time off to attend all these required appointments to improve and monitor my condition and mental health? Going to seek advice from a solicitor, and have the support of my, Lymphoedema specialist, oncologist, Macmillan Nurse, Social Worker, GP, Physiotherapist and my counsellor. Just cant cope with the threat and pressure and stress of the black cloud hanging over me all the time, and the fear of losing all monies all together as have no other income to fall back on. This in itself is enough to cause PTSD with the DWP constantly giving you cause to feel alienated and vitimised for having a health condition that is out of your control.

Hi Thanks for the replies. I would prefer to remain on ESA, however have also considered the student loan route instead. I am in receipt of DLA and have been on ESA since 2009. However I have been moved from the SG to the WRAG recently. I did an evening 3 hr course several months ago and notified both DLA and ESA, but did struggle to attend and be comfortable in completing the course as the level of disabled support wasnt as good being only a part time vocational course. The only difference with attending Uni would be furtheing my education and employability whilst I am incapacitated by my disability. Also utilising the suport offered to me being disabled. My condition is for life, and not treatable by drugs only physio, hydro and self management, however I am positive and determined at 33 not to let this disability take control of my life. I have spent 3 hard years beating cancer, treating the effects and also recovering from them. I am not intent on reaning on benefits forever as free handouts but to rely on them until I am physically able to rely on myself and my own resources. I intend to work after uni graduation part time locally or even freelance from home as have many fields available through friends and aquaintances in the future to possibly gain work on a freelance basis. I am hoping that when I explain my own thorough plan and projection of finances, benefits, and education in terms of gaining work in the future ESA WFI advisors will agree and understand I am not just happy to continue as I am. Like I said having OCD means I have thought and worried about this for many many months, and have worked out the best possible action for me with pace, and ability paramount to allow me time to adjust with my condition and successfully be able to reach my goal without further health, benefit or akternative setbacks, thanks

Thanks for the link. But i am still unclear as to whether you can take a statute barred for 6 yrs if u have made payments to the debt? Also are there any low income assistance funds available to assist with bankruptcy? Thanks again

Hi, thanks for all your replies. Yeah I am a little concerned, but cant you blame me, 1. having your future decided by someone else who has no interest in my welfare, 2. that person being employed by JCP and also a CONDEM government that so far has created a huge mess up with all policies they have amdended. Regardless of that, I am trying to improve my future in my own time, and pace and also to ensure I do things in a methodical way that allows me time to adapt with my disability and also do it in the right areas. I have follow up appointments for the next 10 yrs, and have regular unscheduled hospital appointments, physio, hydro amonst other complimentary therapy sessions. These themselves will not be looked upon favourably by an employer as I would need time and also rest periods to recover after them, and employers therefore cannot rely on my punctuality or my attendance. Whilst I want to work and also in a field I have experience, capability and skill, I want to enhance my profile of being employable by updating my knowledge and skill as I have been out of work nearly 3 yrs since my cancer diagnosis. So I considered returning to UNI for an additional year in Sept 2011 to update my HND to a BA HONS. As I know the Lecturer personally the understanding has always been if Sept 11 is not the right time to commit to UNI then my place will be deferred for 1 yr. As my condition is unpredictable, and required continuous monitoring and treatment I do not know until the time if it will be suitable. I considered the fact that returning to full time work would be out of the question at present due to tiredness, fatigue, medications, and other contributing factors. Therefore part time work would have to be better as long as it was flexible to my needs and disability and circumstances at the time. Therefore I considered returning to education to be in the same bracket as part time work, allowing me a little flexibility, ability to work from home (allowing me to be close to care, alarm systems, and adapted bathroom etc). The actual course I would attend for 1 yr is classed as full time, but only consists of 1 full day on a Monday, and 2 half days a week. This allows me time to rest between attending, and the felxibility to work at my own pace, in my own environment at home, or be free to adapt my surroundings in UNI, i.e can stand, or sit when required, take a break when required, have disabled assistance to carry my equipment, have assessments on seating, or other equipment to assist me in my comfort etc. I also saw this as a great step to build confidence for the mental health side of my disability, in meeting people, and working within a team again without the added pressure of a workplace in order to perform well etc for targets. As I have completed a HND many years ago I spoke to Student Finance who advised you are entitled to 4 yrs finance in case you fail a year during a 3 yr degree. The disabled information from SKILL has been very encouraging, as have the UNI itself, and advising after assessment they can offer 100% support physically and mentally to ensure my attendance will be a stress free as possible to allow me to feel as integrated as possible. How would the WRAG look upon this decision? I was waiting till July time which is after my most recent MRI and oncology appointments etc in order to make an informed decision supported my my medical doctors and consultants before I confirmed my place at UNI. I completed the ESA50 and medical honestly and in an everyday situation. I have trouble walking more than 20 mtr without discomfort, I am unable to sit for periods of longer than 10-15 without needing to move, I am unable to stand for longer than 2-3 minutes without discomfort and have occasions of feeling faint and weak. I do have bouts of incontinence which are managed as best possible, and with the support of my partner/carer. I am unable to reach down to pick up a coin, nor reach above to lift a container without feeling steady on my feet. I struggle to lift weight with my right and left arm, and recently poured a hot kettle over my wrist trying to make a cup of tea. I find new situations daunting, and lack confidence and self esteem. I suffer from regular bouts of anxiety and fear change. I am still taking morphine bases medication, along with PTSD/Depression medication. I have been having counselling for sometime also to help with my mental state but suffer with OCD and need a methodical approach towards life with lists, etc and change doesnt sit well within my day and I suffer anxiety just thinking about what could go wrong. I still require the following consultants:Oncology, Dietician, Physio, Hydrotherapy, Lymphoedema Specialist, Aromatherapist, Reiki Healing, Accupuncture. I require full assistance with washing, drying, dressing, cooking, cleaning and emotional support with day to day duties. I live in a sheltered complex with an adapted bathroom and kitchen, and rely on a medically assited profiling bed in order to assist in elevating my limbs to avoid oedema. I feel at this time with my current health and upcoming appointments with MRI, CHEST XRAY due for cancer follow up, along with other medical issues I am unable to attend UNI, or work of any capacity. How would WRAG advisors look upon my case? "LEEMACK" could you respond with respect that you work within this environment?? I have been completely honest here, and hope that people on this forum are not like the people I have had the unpleasant experience of knowing to have relished in the fact of threatening reporting claimants, or that of their prejudice and judgemental attitudes until they are sadly in the same position having experienced the same trauma the past 3 yrs as I have. I am only 33 years old so having the trauma of cancer and treatment, and following up along with the circumstances of its occurence it has been somewhat of a rough few years. but still smiling. I am honest, and want to improve my life for the better in the right steps. I dont want to be just judged as a number like all other ESA claimants have been without having their case and circumstances of being individual taking into account. I would greatly appreciate any feedback, and yes I have OCD and I am completelty fearful of my future having the DWP making decisions on my life without my input or ability to come into it. Thanks in advance for reading and replying, sorry if it sounds like I am moaning but sadly I feel very worried and threatened by the DWP and its hold over me, as benefits sadly are my only source of income and without them I have nowhere to turn.

Hi thanks for all the info guys. What sort of things do they cover in the 6 interviews? ie, work you can do, courses, training etc? How long do the interviews last? Is it more a case of a meeting than an interview, ie must dress smartly and take CV etc? Do you have to show evidence of showing you are taking steps to improve your chances of work, ie sending CV, courses, reading newspaper ads for jobs etc like JSA? Would attending an evening course help with evidence? What happens after the 6 interviews have been completed? Would going on 2 wk respite holiday be classed as reasonable excuse for not attending - booked prior to knowing about going into the WRAG (and yes my partner/carer is coming on holiday too) CAN VOLUNTARY WORK BE SUGGESTED OR ENFORCED? IN FACT ANY WORK BE ENFORCED oops caps, Can going back to University be counted as assisting in returning to work, as in education Disability support can be guaranteed through grants etc? Do they require you to attend JCP to Sign every week? I hear that TNG are the company who are now conducting the interviews here in Cheshire, as I believe from Apr 2011 they are now called "workchoice"? What else can I expect being in WRAG. I have just been placed in the WRAG after having a medical at home, as the ATOS Office is inaccessible to a Heavy Duty wheelchair, which I use due to my condition caused by Cancer Radiation treatment. I know how ironic a medical assessment place that is inaccessible to diabled clients!! I was in the Support Group, and my condition has not improved in fact worsened and my medications have increased however thoughts of those who work for ATOS are far from the reality of the people who actually have to endure the paperwork and beauracracy of the benefits system. Thanks in advance

Hi, Firstly hey to everyone again its been a while since I was last here for your help. Secondly, apologies if this post isnt in the correct forum, but after seeing the comapny names I thought this maybe best place. Well several years ago CAG helped me gain my bank fees back, and also supported me in gaining a straightforward personally chosen Bankruptcy order. This is now approaching 5 yrs ago. However since then my partner from the time and I have had a Civil Partnership and she has a few debt issues that are following us which we wish to clear up. I wont try to go into too much detail but enough to help paint a picture all be it not so colourful. We have been trying in vain to pay them off as much as we can afford, as we are now in a completely different state of circumstances than when we agreed the debt. We both had good full time jobs at this time, but now due to me having Cancer and suffering its effects with treatment, I am currently on income related benefit, and my partner is unable to work and cares for me. I can hear all the cries of taxpayers woes, but i believe this is only a temporary situation as we are both taking steps and determined to regain full time employment again one day. I for one agree with the taxpayers woes when it comes to benefits and bludgers but thats another story. Anyhow going from a good income and getting credit, we are now in a situation of no income other than that of state benefits, all of which dont amount to enough to live on. The debts listed are as follows: B CARTER - MBNA - CREDIT CARD - £4427.74 - Paid £140 off via B CARTER (apx prior Jan 2007) LOWELL - 3G MOBILE DEBT - £UNKNOWN AMOUNT - PAID £75 OFF via LOWELL (apx prior Jan 2007) UK SEARCH - SIMPLY BE JD WILLIAMS - £128.96 - PAID £50 OFF via UK SEARCH (apx prior Sept 2007) PENDING LETTER TO LOWELL - 3G MOBILE DEBT £208.89 - NOT PAID (apx prior Jan 2007) NATWEST O/DRAFT AND LOAN DEBT - £UNKOWN - NOT BEEN CONTACTED TO DATE AT ALL We are paying off B Carter - £10pm, Lowell £5.29pm initial 3G debt and UK Search - £10pm. Looking at our current situation, we can say in the forceable future how long we will be on benefits, as my condition caused by treatment is lifelong. However I am aiming to return to work or study asap given what may happen with treatment etc. Would my partner be able to write to the debtors in order to consider wiping the debt clear due to circumstances of income? (heard that there maybe a clause for low income and single parents who can request this). Would voluntary Bankruptcy be an option, and can Legal Aid or charities assist in finding the costs related to such? ie I think I paid £400 plus £25 court costs. Can we go down the route of the 6yrs statute barred if we continue as we are? (or does this not count as we have paid a certain amount off it indicates we accept the debt as ours??) We are living in Sheltered Housing through our local Housing trust, and want to clean our slate in order to take some of the stress off our financial situation, and also to allow us to try and rebuilt credit in several years when our employment and health circumstances hope to be much better. Sorry if this sounds a sob story, just need some advice.

Hi 1 week after moving in our electric blew on sockets in living and dining room downstairs, the electrician has been back twice and still not fixed it. The landlord has kindly broughtus an extension so we can still use front room. question - could we claim rent reduction? feel bad though as he is such a nice landlord and doing all he can to chase electrician and paying out a whack to get it all fixed! cheers

thanks mr shed the application form was signed and returned to the office and at no time were we told of the 24 hour colling off period and that he would have to come in 24 hous before we got the keys to sign. we sent an email with all complaints to the regional director of the agency and ARLA and we are now being offered a refund of the goodwill payment, I am £800 down due to their incompetence, from lost working hours, cancellation of the removal van that day, having to pay more to another agency as they were unable to offer a suitable alternative, until oh 3 hours before we were due to have to leave our flat. if i were to file for more would it go through small claims or shall i accept the refund and then claim the rest back through small c;laims??

Good morning all! What a hell of a day!!! We went to see a property two weeks ago, and that day the manager of the agency agreed to call us back that day with response to our queries. We called her back and left messages and no reply. On the monday we called and arranged for another viewing. We went to see and asked them to bring paperwork to get the ball rolling. We met one of their members of staff on the Weds and gave card details for a "holding deposit" also known as a "good faith payment" that ensures you will proceed with the tenancy. We took our forms away and completed application form for tenancy and the guarantor application and then we returned them to the office with all proof required to "speed up" the appication and not delay it as it stated on the form. We then had to start packing, moving and arranging with our current landlord and removal vans etc. Buying and selling furniture. friends taking time off work unpaid to help you. We chased everyday, got the references for them, arranged everything, called and checked it was all being done, to hear well no as not done or we will do tomo! if you can imagine you have 9 days to do this it is quite stressful while working full time! We then call them this am, as they hadnt called us, to be told "you cant have keys today as we need guarantor to come into the office sign a form, and you wiat 24 hours! The guarantor is a driver as stated on form, he could not stop working and drive all the way back to the office to do this, he wouldnt be back until almost 7pm and that meant tomorrow when we were due to move with removals etc as landlord has someone to move in here!! Then it would be monday at the earliest, thus being homeleess with all furniture etc and nowhere to go! Waited 2 hours for call back from head office, regional director didnt even know what was happening!! It did state on the Guarantors application that the guarantor must be available 24 hours prior to chck in, however it was never mentioned by any of the 3 members of staff concerned to arrange this in order to get the keys as promised, for over two weeks. When we raised the concerns with the branch manager we were told that criticism of her staff would not be accepted, however we were mereley raising our concerns that we felt 1) let down by staff whom she advised were "new" and "unsupervised" by her due to an office audit. 2)I also raised the concern that this was not based on any individual but merely the lack of communicaiton, customer service and commitment to the transaction. 3) I also raised that we were told "you wont let me down" by the branch manager at an earlier meeting and expressed that we were "completely honest and showed integrity throughout the whole process, put in every effort for providing all documentation and more to ensure the process went smoothly. however on several occasions we were given misleading information, blatant dishonesty by staff, totally different stories to each of us and our current landlord, and thus we were the ones who had been "let down" by them, her reply "well that isnt the case, is it?" and no form of apology or offer to help rectify the problem ASAP:x CANT BELIEVE IN THIS DAY AND AGE THAT IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO FIND PEOPLE WHO PUT IN THAT EXTRA EFFORT AND CAN SUFFICIENTLY DO A JOB AS GOOD OR IF NOT BETTER THAN YOURSELF. IT SEEMS THIS COUNTRY HAS BECOME LAZY IN ALL ATTITUDES TOWARDS WORK ETHIC AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AND YOU CAN NEVER BE TRUSTED TO BE TAKEN ON YOUR WORD. Who do I contact ARLA? Ombudsman? WATCHDOG? As we want our holding deposit back as we did all the chasing for our references and even had to hand deliver some of them!!! please reply ASAP so I can get the ball rolling!! Good news after almost having a nervous breakdown we managed to get another house to move into to rent and £1600 later on we realised that some agencies are fantastic and some are shit!!

hi has anyone succeeded in claiming back charges on accounts closed due to voluntary bankruptcy. i am due to start a claim on my 2 old natwest accounts, which were subsequently closed as part of my bankrupcty which i filed myself in 2005. i was discharges after only 6 mths, however the charges raised on the accounts were a contributing factor to my bankruptcy petition. please can anyone advise thanks:-|

has anyone who is voluntary bankrupt claimed back their charges on closed accounts?

I have just received my offer and accepted from natwest. now my partner who declared herself bankrupt, it went through and now she has been discharged wishes to attempt it also. has anyone had any experience or thoughts on this? all comments greatfully receieved thanks in advance chesternutz

925.00 offered and accepted! money took 3-4 days to go in and is there now!!! wooohooo was wondering would my partner be able to apply and get her charges back because she went bankrupt last year and has been discharged. The reason why she went bankrupt is due to a natwest (mess up) and debts from her ex. could she still apply nattie??

i feel the same i sent out letter last week recorded sig required with highlighted statements and list of total inc interest etc of 2 accounts, however i sent to my local branch which started with a PO BOX, as suggested by a comment on this site. royal mail says not delivered yet when i track it, so think i have to send it again, got address in telford for credit management hope that works.

Well my lovely stickers fro Consumer Action Group. I recalculated it all as they had charged me more while I waited for them to arrive. Over two years I was charged £1047.00 I will let you know how I get on, I hope I get it soon! Thank you for letting us know what to do!