Tag Archives: Benefits

On having a “carer”

By now I am a veteran at completing application/review forms for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). ESA is for people who are too sick to work, while PIP is to cover extra expenses associated with … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Bipolar, Crisis care, Depression, Employment and benefits, GP, Medication, Mental health, Mental health services, Mood disorder, NHS services, Rapid cycling, Suicidal thought, Treatment planning, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on On having a “carer”

Zero hours

So next week I have to go to the GP to ask for an extension to my sick note. After initially signing me off for six weeks they gave me another certificate for four weeks, but this time I have … Continue reading

Posted in Bipolar, Crisis care, Employment and benefits, Mood disorder, NHS services, Primary care, Self-management, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Zero hours

Fitness for work – the real life questions the system never asks

So I filled in an ESA50 last week and was reminded afresh what a terrible form it is. Yes, we all know it’s terrible, a terrible form for a terrible benefit in a terrible system. It’s not designed to be … Continue reading

Posted in Employment and benefits, Mental health, mental health debate, Mood disorder, Politics and current affairs, Stigma and discrimination, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Fitness for work – the real life questions the system never asks

It’s official – the WCA is unfair

Today, three judges at a tribunal equivalent to the High Court ruled that certain aspects of the process of applying for ESA (Employment and Support Allowance), including attendance at the WCA (Work Capability Assessment), were unfair to people with serious … Continue reading

Posted in Mental health, Politics and current affairs, Stigma and discrimination | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Intimate details: claiming Disability Living Allowance

In my professional life, I have filled in countless benefit claim forms for clients. I have helped people obtain Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans, simply by arguing their case on paper or over … Continue reading

Posted in Mental health, Politics and current affairs | Tagged , , , , , , | 29 Comments