This is probably a silly question but comments welcome

[essexmat]

I am on ESA and HB. I do a sponsored walk for a local charity annually and this year the charity want to do a piece on me for the local paper including name and photo. I am on ESA for anxiety and depression so if this would to get back to people at DWP etc would I get in to trouble for 'socialising' and doing this event when I am on ESA and 'ill'?

 

I know how the minds of DWP work - if he is well enough to do this and socialise and walk a long distance he is well enough to work - let's get him and sanction him then put him back on JSA!

 

Silly question but would you decline the offer or am I safe to go ahead without risking benefit sanction?

 

Thanks

[mikeymack2002]

For better advice you would need to elaborate on some of your conditions. but exercise is therapeutic and highly recommended by Drs You can always seek advice anonymously to the DWP for accuracy.

 

 

Personally it is your choice, but asking the correct question of the DWP will assist your decision making on this

[essexmat]

OK some background, I was originally on JSA and had a 2 week JSA28 period for a back problem (still get problems but not as bad) After another few months my anxiety and depression came back (had it for about 10 years) in force and my GP upped my meds and sent me to get some counselling. I am doing well but since August 2014 have been on ESA (assessment) My GP says exercise really helps anxiety and depression so I am not housebound and get out when I can for walks etc which is why I do these charity events.

 

My worry was being seen to be fit to walk, sound state of mind, ready for work and meeting people so claiming ESA fraudulently even though I am not as GP has signed me off!

[mikeymack2002]

Can you please list the benefits you are currently claiming please, for how long and if they are due to your condition/s

[Chesterfield1234]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right or Wrong, I think you will be causing yourself a lot of aggravation if you do the interview

[neword]

Don't do the interview full stop.

 

1] The interview alone could cause you more anxiety

2] Just worrying about it like you already are may cause you stress, anxiety and depression

3] Some events like this are monitored and even an image of you in the back ground could cause you problems.

4] They use anything they can to get people off benefits so be very careful if you do the event.

[Belfaster]

Don't even think about it, not in the current climate. Why make yourself an easy target?

[estellyn]

decline!

[Nystagmite]

DWP accept that people do have good and bad days. They don't ssume that because you claim on the basis of depression or similar, you're that way 24/7.

[caro]

Don't do it. Papers can twist what you say to make a good story and they won't worry how it might affect you.

[Lilly_Monroe]

DWP accept that people do have good and bad days. They don't ssume that because you claim on the basis of depression or similar, you're that way 24/7.

 

Do they?

I am not sure they understand MH problems all that well.

I would not like to take the risk - especially from the press angle you would in my mind be leaving yourself wide open.

 

Not saying I agree we should have go into hiding, but in this political climate none of us are safe.

 

They would see it as 'being fit and able and mentally alert to talk to the press' means you are well.

[jasta11]

I must go along with the 'don't do it' voters. Many years I used to do Personal Injury legal work and they had teams of investigators following people round who were suspected of not being as ill as they claimed - even though you know you're genuine I still believe in the old saying 'mud sticks'. In this day and age we seem to have to prove our innocence as we're automatically assumed to be guilty.

 

The Tories want to shave £12billion off the welfare bill any way they can..either by big cuts or lots of small cuts. They'll be looking for any excuse.

 

Good luck in the charity walk though..make sure you pass at least 4 public houses en route

[RaeUK]

Mine's another nay vote.

[essexmat]

Mine's another nay vote.

 

Thanks all. Good advice, will decline