Work Programme and Illness

[thecookiemonster]

If I emailed them and told them I was ill and they said that I would give them what for and threaten to report them.

[thecookiemonster]

Just got back from the Work Programme, from another one of their "Job Club" specials.

 

Anyway, the manager spoke to me regarding my complaint, I recorded this conversation on my phone, they just said that it had been passed onto the Operations Manager and they will resolve it within a week and they will contact me regarding the complaint.

 

I was also told to carry on attending my scheduled Job Clubs that I have twice a week for the rest this month and then they said the words "It won't be forever" whatever that means, whether that means they are going to reduce them or something else I'm not sure.

[thecookiemonster]

This shows my action plan from when I last saw my Adviser on 30th September 2013, advice please regarding the Job Clubs

 

 

Also, is there any templates anywhere for the withdrawal of consent?

 

Thanks.

[Mr.P]

This online course - Is it the one stated in your "action plan" and does it have to be done at set hours during the day/week ?

Most online courses can be done at times to suit you (i.e. evenings or weekends) so could be done around other commitments. If this course requires set times during the daytime for some reason (e.g. live chat sessions with a tutor) and it is this business admin course stated, then your provider should be making adjustments.

 

No template for withdrawal of consent - It only needs to be a short letter using the wording mentioned in post #3. Don't pad the letter out with other issues as they may overlook the withdrawal. Once consent has been withdrawn, add a note to the bottom of all future letters reminding them of it.

 

Complaints should be addressed in a separate letter and you must follow due process:

Step 1: Complain to the provider - They should have provided you with a copy of their complaints procedure.

Step 2: If step 1 fails to provide a satisfactory outcome, escalate the complaint to 3rd party provisions manager at the DWP (or see http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?391730-Data-Protection-at-Work-Programme&p=4236070&viewfull=1#post4236070 for address).

Step 3: When all other avenues have failed, ask for a review by the Independent Case Examiner - This step will cost the provider up to £5000, so it is in their interest to settle the matter sooner rather than later.

[thecookiemonster]

Thank you again Mr.P for the information, the online course which really hasn't got anything to do with the Work Programme as I put myself forward for it but there isn't any set hours.

 

I will wait to see what response I get from the Operations Manager within the next week but will take it further if required.

 

The trouble is also, I am finding it harder and harder everyday as I have numerous health issues such as bad Asthma, IBS, Gerd, Pernicious Anaemia, Hiatus Hernia and waiting for a official diagnosis of Fibromyalgia but I cannot apply for ESA until I receive the official diagnosis but I feel this Work Programme is taking the mick recently.

[antone]

You don't have to wait for a diagnosis to claim ESA if your doctor will write you sick notes. ESA is not awarded based on diagnoses.

[Nystagmite]

If you have no diagnosis, the symptoms can just be written.

[mr_mastiff]

Thank you again Mr.P for the information, the online course which really hasn't got anything to do with the Work Programme as I put myself forward for it but there isn't any set hours.

 

I will wait to see what response I get from the Operations Manager within the next week but will take it further if required.

 

The trouble is also, I am finding it harder and harder everyday as I have numerous health issues such as bad Asthma, IBS, Gerd, Pernicious Anaemia, Hiatus Hernia and waiting for a official diagnosis of Fibromyalgia but I cannot apply for ESA until I receive the official diagnosis but I feel this Work Programme is taking the mick recently.

 

Thecookiemonster(I love the name) just get the form to apply for ESA you should gain enough points if you look closely at the descriptors and how they relate to you condition.

[thecookiemonster]

Thank you for the replies, I have had lots and lots of tests this year and see ENT's, Gastroentorologist's and Neurologist's as well as very regular GP and Asthma Nurse visits.

[thecookiemonster]

I am currently on Jobseekers Allowance.

 

However I suffer from chronic Asthma, IBS, GERD, Hiatus Hernia, Pernicious Anaemia and also suspected Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

 

I take 2 inhalers every day as well as 2 pills for GERD, up to 6 pills a day for IBS and also 9 a day for my headaches, nerve and muscle pain issues, as well as having to have B12 injections every 3 months.

 

For the last 2-3 months I have had to see my GP and Asthma Nurse every couple of weeks.

 

Given the above would I be eligible to apply for ESA or PIP? or both?

 

Thank you.

[bedofweeds]

I am currently on Jobseekers Allowance.

 

However I suffer from chronic Asthma, IBS, GERD, Hiatus Hernia, Pernicious Anaemia and also suspected Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

 

I take 2 inhalers every day as well as 2 pills for GERD, up to 6 pills a day for IBS and also 9 a day for my headaches, nerve and muscle pain issues, as well as having to have B12 injections every 3 months.

 

For the last 2-3 months I have had to see my GP and Asthma Nurse every couple of weeks.

 

Given the above would I be eligible to apply for ESA or PIP? or both?

 

Thank you.

 

I personally wouldn't be too much in a hurry in thinking that ESA or PIP is due for what you describe. There are many people with some very major illnesses that are life threatening that can't get either.

 

Mind you it took me a few years and many hours or reading to find a way that almost makes a claim impossible to refuse!

[thecookiemonster]

I personally wouldn't be too much in a hurry in thinking that ESA or PIP is due for what you describe. There are many people with some very major illnesses that are life threatening that can't get either.

 

Mind you it took me a few years and many hours or reading to find a way that almost makes a claim impossible to refuse!

 

Thank you for your reply, well I have little to no energy, walking around is becoming harder due to the fatigue and daily pain I suffer and the tablets I take make me feel like a Zombie and make me drowsy.

 

My asthma peak flows average between 200-330 and it should be around 650, I was 11 weeks premature and the Asthma Nurse said this would have left me with underdeveloped lungs which probably caused the Asthma in the first place.

[time4change2]

if you feel you cannot work due to your illnesses and they do stop you from working then i dont see why you cant make an application for ESA

[Nystagmite]

Ignore the post by bedofweeds. As long as you have a medical condition which affects your ability to work, that's all that matters.

 

ESA is for people who have a medical condition which affects their ability to work. PIP is for people who have a medical condition which means they have care and /or mobility needs.

[45002]

I am currently on Jobseekers Allowance.

 

However I suffer from chronic Asthma, IBS, GERD, Hiatus Hernia, Pernicious Anaemia and also suspected Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

 

I take 2 inhalers every day as well as 2 pills for GERD, up to 6 pills a day for IBS and also 9 a day for my headaches, nerve and muscle pain issues, as well as having to have B12 injections every 3 months.

 

For the last 2-3 months I have had to see my GP and Asthma Nurse every couple of weeks.

 

Given the above would I be eligible to apply for ESA or PIP? or both?

 

Thank you.

thecookiemonster

 

Would have been just as easy ask in you last thread http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?405218-Work-Programme-amp-illness

 

the above question...

 

Instead of having 3 threads on the go !

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?405568-Work-Programme-Issues

 

"sigh"

[thecookiemonster]

thecookiemonster

 

Would have been just as easy ask in you last thread http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?405218-Work-Programme-amp-illness

 

the above question...

 

Instead of having 3 threads on the go !

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?405568-Work-Programme-Issues

 

"sigh"

 

Sorry but I thought it would be better to have a separate thread.

[**Margaret**]

:thecookiemonster:

 

The (very harsh) criteria for an award of employment n support allowance.

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

(pages 10 -12 and 17 - 27)

 

And the criteria for a personal independence payment.

 

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_the_pip_assessment_e/pip_activities_descriptors_and_points.htm

 

Margaret.

 

Eligibility for both benefits is about whether the effects of your condition(s) meet the threshold of limited capability for work/work related activity. Or give rise to care/mobility needs. And none of us can pre judge that via an internet site.

Edited October 12, 2013 by **Margaret**

[bedofweeds]

:thecookiemonster:

 

The (very harsh) criteria for an award of employment n support allowance.

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

(pages 10 -12 and 17 - 27)

 

And the criteria for a personal independence payment.

 

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_the_pip_assessment_e/pip_activities_descriptors_and_points.htm

 

Margaret.

 

Thanks, that is exactly why I stated what I did in my post above.

 

As Nystagmite mentioned above, anybody can claim either ESA or PIP, being awarded it is a totally different matter!

Edited October 12, 2013 by bedofweeds

[bedofweeds]

Ignore the post by bedofweeds. As long as you have a medical condition which affects your ability to work, that's all that matters.

 

ESA is for people who have a medical condition which affects their ability to work. PIP is for people who have a medical condition which means they have care and /or mobility needs.

 

No it is NOT.

 

ESA is NOT given if you have a medical condition which affects your ability to work. It is awarded if you can gain over 15 points from any of the descriptors that make up ESA. It is more about proving that you fit the government devised descriptors than if you are too sick to work. I have already shown you in an earlier thread how easy it is to put be in the Support Group of ESA yet be fully able to work full time.

 

As for PIP being for people who have a medical condition which means they have care and /or mobility needs that is not entirely true either. You have to prove that you have significant mobility problems and/or care needs. You do NOT need to have a diagnosis. You also have to prove that you also fit the government devised descriptors that make up PIP. You can still be ill/sick/disabled but if you cannot 'fit' the descriptors around that condition you will not be awarded PIP. You can easily be very disabled and not qualify for PIP as well as being partially disabled and qualify for it at the highest level.

 

I do wish people would spend more time reading and understanding how these two benefits are set up, neither is set up on the basis of having a diagnosis and being too ill to work or being so seriously disabled.

If you don't get the descriptors right, you wont get anything!

[time4change2]

No it is NOT.

 

ESA is NOT given if you have a medical condition which affects your ability to work. It is awarded if you can gain over 15 points from any of the descriptors that make up ESA. It is more about proving that you fit the government devised descriptors than if you are too sick to work. I have already shown you in an earlier thread how easy it is to put be in the Support Group of ESA yet be fully able to work full time.

 

 

 

I do wish people would spend more time reading and understanding how these two benefits are set up, neither is set up on the basis of having a diagnosis and being too ill to work or being so seriously disabled.

If you don't get the descriptors right, you wont get anything!

 

 

 

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is paid If you’re ill or disabled and cannot work. yes you have to meet a certain amount of points to be awarded the benefit but those points are based on questions and your illness / medical conditions or disability and if they stop you from working

[Nystagmite]

For the first 13 weeks, (or whenever you are called in for your assessment) you only need to send in fit notes, stating you're too ill / disabled to work.

[bedofweeds]

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is paid If you’re ill or disabled and cannot work. yes you have to meet a certain amount of points to be awarded the benefit but those points are based on questions and your illness / medical conditions or disability and if they stop you from working

 

I'm sorry but you are only half right. OK say you believe that you can't work because of an illness or a disability. The first thing you should look at is what descriptor could I get evidence for. Lets say that you have difficulty lifting both hands to just below chest level due to pain or disability. That by itself will give you ESA and see you in the Support Group. That by itself may not stop you from operating a keyboard at a normal level - which is well below chest level.

Let's say that you have a difficulty walking up to 50 metres without being in severe discomfort. Could you use a manual wheelchair yes but you haven't got the funds to pay for one. That wouldn't stop you from working in a job that requires you to sit down. Yet you would qualify for ESA and be put in the Support Group. Let's say that you are not able to socialise due to a phobia or mental illness, that too would put you in the Support Group yet wouldn't stop you doing some work.

 

Simply put you need not be that ill or disabled, yet you would be entitled to ESA.

 

I actually meet more than one of these Support Group descriptors which have been proven medically, but to be honest I can't say that I am too ill to work! They are certainly nothing to do with not being able to work. Yes I do have various conditions and because of those I have proven that I fit various descriptors, but none are stopping me from working. I just qualify under what the government have deemed 'proves' that I am unfit for work. Whether I am or not has nothing to do with it.

 

ESA is all about descriptors and points and NOT about how ill you think or believe you are.

[tommy456]

Yes it's certainly a contradictory benefits system, ATOS say someone is fit to work, they claim jsa after a short time they miss their signing day or WP aka new deal or whatever they want to call it these days, then after they fail to sign on they are told that they are too ill to be actively seeking work, so probably the only way they will get any money is to make a new claim for esa and go around the benefit merry go round a second time

[Nystagmite]

There's no need to be so bloody picky.

[time4change2]

someone has clearly had a bad time previously getting ESA one might think