Discussion & help on depression & mental health related issues

[EvertonRhys]

Just wondering whether anyone in here has claimed PIP/ other benefits because of their MH recently? I've just had to lodge a complaint with Capita for them turning up at my house before the appointment, and then saying I didn't attend my assessment. In pieces at the moment, and that has just exacerbated things. Despite being told a complaint would postpone the claim being returned to DWP, I received a letter from them today saying my application was rejected.

Can't believe it (rather I can- a private company carrying out these assessments) but more vulnerable people than me could be really put at risk? Just wondering if people have had experience of Capita (or ASOS I think there was before) as would be good to collate some stories/ get some advice etc. Properly losing it these days I am.

 

[COYBL25]

Just wondering whether anyone in here has claimed PIP/ other benefits because of their MH recently? I've just had to lodge a complaint with Capita for them turning up at my house before the appointment, and then saying I didn't attend my assessment. In pieces at the moment, and that has just exacerbated things. Despite being told a complaint would postpone the claim being returned to DWP, I received a letter from them today saying my application was rejected.

Can't believe it (rather I can- a private company carrying out these assessments) but more vulnerable people than me could be really put at risk? Just wondering if people have had experience of Capita (or ASOS I think there was before) as would be good to collate some stories/ get some advice etc. Properly losing it these days I am.

Hi mate.

I do voluntary stuff for the disabled charity Scope and I'm hearing more and more similar tales.

From what I can gather virtually all new applicants are being knocked back, almost regardless of their physical or mental disability.

It would appear that they're working on the principal that lots of people don't bother appealing, thereby saving the government money and making themselves money ( targets ).

However most people who are appealing are winning ( the appeal goes in front of people qualified to make proper decisions ) and that they are receiving the full amount backdated - running into thousands for some people.

I don't know this for sure, but I'm told that people have taken up the baton to fight this and there are various sites / groups that can help and advise online.

What I'd also do, is go back to your GP / Councillor and get it documented how this is affecting you.

On appeal the only evidence they will consider is that from proffesionals - testimonials from friends, colleagues etc will be discounted.

The more evidence from your GP etc, the more likely your appeal will be successful.

I believe that the likes of Citzens Advice, local charity's have people who can help filling the appeal forms out, as they're quite wordy.

It's a shocking state of affairs mate and its something as a nation we should be ashamed of.

 

[EvertonRhys]

Hi mate.

I do voluntary stuff for the disabled charity Scope and I'm hearing more and more similar tales.

From what I can gather virtually all new applicants are being knocked back, almost regardless of their physical or mental disability.

It would appear that they're working on the principal that lots of people don't bother appealing, thereby saving the government money and making themselves money ( targets ).

However most people who are appealing are winning ( the appeal goes in front of people qualified to make proper decisions ) and that they are receiving the full amount backdated - running into thousands for some people.

I don't know this for sure, but I'm told that people have taken up the baton to fight this and there are various sites / groups that can help and advise online.

What I'd also do, is go back to your GP / Councillor and get it documented how this is affecting you.

On appeal the only evidence they will consider is that from proffesionals - testimonials from friends, colleagues etc will be discounted.

The more evidence from your GP etc, the more likely your appeal will be successful.

I believe that the likes of Citzens Advice, local charity's have people who can help filling the appeal forms out, as they're quite wordy.

It's a shocking state of affairs mate and its something as a nation we should be ashamed of.

Thanks for the reply mate. I've actually been in touch with Citizen's Advice this morning. He's lodging an appeal on my behalf- was really helpful and yeah he did mention the probability I'd have to appeal after an assessment anyway. Sounds like good advice to ask my GP. Would I ask them for a letter or something?

Feels like a court case or something and when my assessor didn't turn up I thought that was that. Don't know from day to day whether I'll be able to get to work, so some sort of help (never claimed a penny in my life to date) would just help me focus on getting better again. Otherwise feel like I'll be in this never ending cycle the rest of my life.

 

[COYBL25]

Thanks for the reply mate. I've actually been in touch with Citizen's Advice this morning. He's lodging an appeal on my behalf- was really helpful and yeah he did mention the probability I'd have to appeal after an assessment anyway. Sounds like good advice to ask my GP. Would I ask them for a letter or something?

Feels like a court case or something and when my assessor didn't turn up I thought that was that. Don't know from day to day whether I'll be able to get to work, so some sort of help (never claimed a penny in my life to date) would just help me focus on getting better again. Otherwise feel like I'll be in this never ending cycle the rest of my life.

With regards to your GP.

You don't need a letter now, just get in down on record how this has affected you / the impact on your life.
You may need to refer to this at any subsequent appeal.

Make sure you maintain regular contact with your GP and anyone else that is supporting you - Uni / Councillors etc as these are all professional people you can refer to as part of your appeal.

The appeal may take months before it's heard ( sorry for the bad news ) as you can imagine how many people are in the same situation as you.

When you fill the forms in with the help of the Citzens Advice, base your answers on the your worst day / days, you've had, rather than just being vague, as they'll jump on this as a reason to knock it back.

The system was allegedly overhauled to weed out spurious claims, however it's like they've tarred every single person with the same brush and turned the whole process into a form of attrition.

If you have a look online mate, there's loads of forums etc been set up by people in similar circumstances x

 

[EvertonRhys]

With regards to your GP.

You don't need a letter now, just get in down on record how this has affected you / the impact on your life.
You may need to refer to this at any subsequent appeal.

Make sure you maintain regular contact with your GP and anyone else that is supporting you - Uni / Councillors etc as these are all professional people you can refer to as part of your appeal.

The appeal may take months before it's heard ( sorry for the bad news ) as you can imagine how many people are in the same situation as you.

When you fill the forms in with the help of the Citzens Advice, base your answers on the your worst day / days, you've had, rather than just being vague, as they'll jump on this as a reason to knock it back.

The system was allegedly overhauled to weed out spurious claims, however it's like they've tarred every single person with the same brush and turned the whole process into a form of attrition.

If you have a look online mate, there's loads of forums etc been set up by people in similar circumstances x

So valuable to know that, thanks I'll be seeing my Uni counsellor tomorrow so will chat to him about it. That's how it feels at the moment- trying to prove how bad I am, and jumping hurdles. Just haven't got the energy for it though- even though it's really got to me. Thankfully CAB have been so good though. Sounds like you do invaluable stuff with Scope x

 

[COYBL25]

So valuable to know that, thanks I'll be seeing my Uni counsellor tomorrow so will chat to him about it. That's how it feels at the moment- trying to prove how bad I am, and jumping hurdles. Just haven't got the energy for it though- even though it's really got to me. Thankfully CAB have been so good though. Sounds like you do invaluable stuff with Scope x

Cheers mate. It's all about the money, money, money, unfortunately and those like yourself that caught up as collateral.

They're doing the same thing with motablity cars, taking them off people that can hardly walk and also taking PIP's off people in similar circumstances.

Without getting too political, this is what happens when there is no viable opposition to the party in power. They just do what they want and it remains unchallenged.

 

[anjelikaferrett]

Just wondering whether anyone in here has claimed PIP/ other benefits because of their MH recently? I've just had to lodge a complaint with Capita for them turning up at my house before the appointment, and then saying I didn't attend my assessment. In pieces at the moment, and that has just exacerbated things. Despite being told a complaint would postpone the claim being returned to DWP, I received a letter from them today saying my application was rejected.

Can't believe it (rather I can- a private company carrying out these assessments) but more vulnerable people than me could be really put at risk? Just wondering if people have had experience of Capita (or ASOS I think there was before) as would be good to collate some stories/ get some advice etc. Properly losing it these days I am.

After I took my redundancy I did a lot of voluntary work with a Community support group in Durham based at the Durham Miners Association. A lot of it was based around helping former miners and other disabled folk to apply for PIP or appealing against being turned down. Capita and ASOS before them are a bunch of shysters, I've heard some real horror stories about them. The person who visits you only has to be a "health professional" not a doctor.

You need to appeal the decision. First thing to do is write back and ask them to reconsider your decision. You've got a month to do this. It's called a mandatory reconsideration. Do it by letter I'd advise sending it recorded delivery or if not get proof of posting. Include stuff like why you think the decision is wrong, any supporting evidence such as medical evidence, evidence on how your condition affects your day to day life (and describe yourself as if you are having the worst day ever- don't be brave or polite) They should acknowledge and say they are reconsidering. If they turn you down you will get a letter that reads like "your appeal has been turned down" IT HASN'T!! The mandatory reconsideration is not an appeal. You then can appeal against that decision.

Hope the above is of use- happy to help further if I can x

 

[anjelikaferrett]

Just wondering whether anyone in here has claimed PIP/ other benefits because of their MH recently? I've just had to lodge a complaint with Capita for them turning up at my house before the appointment, and then saying I didn't attend my assessment. In pieces at the moment, and that has just exacerbated things. Despite being told a complaint would postpone the claim being returned to DWP, I received a letter from them today saying my application was rejected.

Can't believe it (rather I can- a private company carrying out these assessments) but more vulnerable people than me could be really put at risk? Just wondering if people have had experience of Capita (or ASOS I think there was before) as would be good to collate some stories/ get some advice etc. Properly losing it these days I am.

Forgot to say- this website is excellent:
http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-ad...RqofWBjFyvv294BawMFLQtYyAtv5zNavVkBoC1gnw_wcB

 

[JelavicBrate2]

Just wondering whether anyone in here has claimed PIP/ other benefits because of their MH recently? I've just had to lodge a complaint with Capita for them turning up at my house before the appointment, and then saying I didn't attend my assessment. In pieces at the moment, and that has just exacerbated things. Despite being told a complaint would postpone the claim being returned to DWP, I received a letter from them today saying my application was rejected.

Can't believe it (rather I can- a private company carrying out these assessments) but more vulnerable people than me could be really put at risk? Just wondering if people have had experience of Capita (or ASOS I think there was before) as would be good to collate some stories/ get some advice etc. Properly losing it these days I am.

I've only claimed with mental and physical health problems I went the Albert Dock for my test after a few months of claiming. I'd say it very much depends on your GP and your network of support. Get connected with local services they won't mess with you if your connected with services usually.

 

[EvertonRhys]

Thanks @COYBL25 @anjelikaferrett and @JelavicBrate2 so much for the response- also keep up your good work too The man at CAB lodged a mandatory reconsideration yesterday, and told me to start getting stuff together for an appeal. Think it's a good idea as you all say to get in touch with my GP and Uni counsellor. Also I declined a re-referral to my community mental health team a few months back- maybe it's worth seeing if I can still get a referral as more help the better I guess. I'll keep you all informed how I get on. Didn't realise how much I'd have to prove but glad I'm finding out now!

Without getting too political, this is what happens when there is no viable opposition to the party in power. They just do what they want and it remains unchallenged.

Got to agree here btw mate. Wish for everyone's sake the left (Scot/ Welsh nationalists) and Labour would unite or something similar- the opposition is so fragmented we're in for 10 years of this government at least atm I'd say. Anyway, as you say, try not to get too political in here.

 

[COYBL25]

Thanks @COYBL25 @anjelikaferrett and @JelavicBrate2 so much for the response- also keep up your good work too The man at CAB lodged a mandatory reconsideration yesterday, and told me to start getting stuff together for an appeal. Think it's a good idea as you all say to get in touch with my GP and Uni counsellor. Also I declined a re-referral to my community mental health team a few months back- maybe it's worth seeing if I can still get a referral as more help the better I guess. I'll keep you all informed how I get on. Didn't realise how much I'd have to prove but glad I'm finding out now!



Got to agree here btw mate. Wish for everyone's sake the left (Scot/ Welsh nationalists) and Labour would unite or something similar- the opposition is so fragmented we're in for 10 years of this government at least atm I'd say. Anyway, as you say, try not to get too political in here.

It's all about evidencing your condition mate, hence the need for a " paper trail " to to prove it.

The appeal panel will likely consist of a retired Doctor / retired Solicitor / Lay person.

If they've been doing it a while, they will have seen all kinds of spurious claimants and the genuine ones stand out a mile.

Keep going, you'll get the right decision in the end x

 

[anjelikaferrett]

Thanks @COYBL25 @anjelikaferrett and @JelavicBrate2 so much for the response- also keep up your good work too The man at CAB lodged a mandatory reconsideration yesterday, and told me to start getting stuff together for an appeal. Think it's a good idea as you all say to get in touch with my GP and Uni counsellor. Also I declined a re-referral to my community mental health team a few months back- maybe it's worth seeing if I can still get a referral as more help the better I guess. I'll keep you all informed how I get on. Didn't realise how much I'd have to prove but glad I'm finding out now!



Got to agree here btw mate. Wish for everyone's sake the left (Scot/ Welsh nationalists) and Labour would unite or something similar- the opposition is so fragmented we're in for 10 years of this government at least atm I'd say. Anyway, as you say, try not to get too political in here.

@COYBL25 is right, it's all about the evidence. And I can't stress enough - describe yourself on your worst day ever. Have you contacted Merseyside Welfare Rights? They will offer representation at a tribunal and help with an appeal. 0151 709 0504

If you get as far as a tribunal, take somebody with you. I might have been unlucky but I had some awful experiences with tribunals. Really rude, nasty people in the Chair. One was so bad I stopped it and told the Chair to stop shouting at the lady I was with, who had a diagnosis of paranoia and delusions. I dread to think what he would have been like if she had been on her own.

 

[JelavicBrate2]

Thanks @COYBL25 @anjelikaferrett and @JelavicBrate2 so much for the response- also keep up your good work too The man at CAB lodged a mandatory reconsideration yesterday, and told me to start getting stuff together for an appeal. Think it's a good idea as you all say to get in touch with my GP and Uni counsellor. Also I declined a re-referral to my community mental health team a few months back- maybe it's worth seeing if I can still get a referral as more help the better I guess. I'll keep you all informed how I get on. Didn't realise how much I'd have to prove but glad I'm finding out now!



Got to agree here btw mate. Wish for everyone's sake the left (Scot/ Welsh nationalists) and Labour would unite or something similar- the opposition is so fragmented we're in for 10 years of this government at least atm I'd say. Anyway, as you say, try not to get too political in here.

It is ridiculous that you have people protesting against Donald Trump who at the moment hasn't made any huge decisions, yet people won't protest against a useless government who have caused the deaths of thousands of their own people, yet get away with it. The reality is that most benefits go to people who are not even out of work, so it's ridiculous portraying people on benefits as being lazy. The problem is when the government waste huge amounts of money on going to war for pointless reasons, having uncontrolled mass immigration, selling off council houses and trying to replace fathers with the state your going to get into economic trouble. In reality it's the media who decide elections, because they decide what issues are important sadly the rights of the ill both mental and physical are not considered important.

 

[ToffeeSwiss]

Hi everyone. I feel like I need get some things off my chest:
In my last year of college, I developed anxiety. Nonetheless I finished my degree and started university in the fall of 2013. First semester went pretty well, I could attend my courses and talk to my fellow students. In my second semester I started to drop classes. After I spend the summer in clinical treatment, the fall semester of 2015 went better, but since then I follow the same old patterns again and spend more time in bed at home than anything else. Watching football and listening to music are probably the only things I enjoy at the moment. I know that I’m my own worst enemy and I hate myself for not going to university and overcoming my anxiety. I’m worried about my future and feel like a failure.

 

[Jacob]

Hi everyone. I feel like I need get some things off my chest:
In my last year of college, I developed anxiety. Nonetheless I finished my degree and started university in the fall of 2013. First semester went pretty well, I could attend my courses and talk to my fellow students. In my second semester I started to drop classes. After I spend the summer in clinical treatment, the fall semester of 2015 went better, but since then I follow the same old patterns again and spend more time in bed at home than anything else. Watching football and listening to music are probably the only things I enjoy at the moment. I know that I’m my own worst enemy and I hate myself for not going to university and overcoming my anxiety. I’m worried about my future and feel like a failure.

Well firstly, you did well to finish your college degree given your anxiety. Don't be hard on yourself for dropping out of university...plenty of people have done that who werent even suffering anxiety or depression. If your treatment was the success it seems to have been, why don't you have your doctor review your present anxiety and see if he/she can suggest some further treatment to improve things. Youre not a failure for feeling the way you do,...just human.