Benefits stopped because I didn't take a job.

[Georgec]

Quote:

Originally Posted by honeybee13

Hi George. We have an aspergers expert, I'll send him a PM and see if he has any comments.

 

HB

 

Hi George, I don't presume to be any kind of an expert or the person referred to by HB, however I thought that you may be interested to try a good on-line test for AS.

 

I had long suspected (about 10 years or so) that I had Asperger Syndrome. When I heard of Lord Freud's plans for welfare reform (in 2007) when he was advisor to the Government I became really scared of losing my benefits if I didn't get a proper diagnosis to prove to the DWP that I wasn't a "malade imaginaire" faking depression. I took this test and got a high score, which motivated me to ask my G.P. for a psychiatric referral to have an examination for AS. This turned out well for me because when my last IB renewal came up, the DWP decided to sign me off without having to take the dreaded Atosh medical.Wired 9.12: Take The AQ Test

 

Kindest regards and good luck,

 

Paul.

 

Hi. Thanks. I took that very test believe it or not about two days ago. My score was 31 so I guess that I qualify. But I don't know if I can play on this or not because I've never been diagnosed and my last doctor from 7 years back just believed I was "maladjusted". I believed that I was just depressed and spent years out of work wondering why I couldn't relate to anyone; why I couldn't socialise and why I was so obsessive about stuff. People just said I was eccentric and a little bit messed-up.

 

I don't know whether to go for a diagnosis, and I'm also aware of people not taking me seriously which puts me off seeing doctors and the like.

[twinkletoes66]

Hi Georgec

Exactly the same happened to me, but they only sanctioned me for two weeks. I went to CA and they told me there wasnt anything I could do as I couldnt prove I had good reason for not applying for the job. I was given the job details when I signed on, and had no idea they sanctioned you if you didnt apply, I only took the details because I didnt want them to mark me down as refusing stuff, I wasnt even qualified for the job! They had checked with the employer to see if Id applied for the job and got the "A doubt has arisen letter" I told them I didnt apply as I knew I didnt have the qualifications or experience they wanted, that I didnt want to look fussy so took the details of the job, and told them if I had known it would cause me trouble I would have wasted mine and the employers time applying! The result was a two week sanction.

Theyre ruling with a rod of iron, Im sure its all just a way of clawing back money for the Government.

Im sure you can appeal, I just didnt bother as the CA told me basically I had no chance.

[Georgec]

What I can't understand is that applying for a job is not the same as getting a job. They talk about me missing the opportunity of taking the job. I've gotta get the interview before getting the job!

 

It's like they believe that you're guaranteed a job by getting an interview. It doesn't work that way.

[twinkletoes66]

Yeah I know, I got the same, "failure to take up a job opportunity" I knew I wouldnt even get an interview, they knew I wouldnt but they dont care, this is why I think theyre just grabbing money any way they can. My advisor told me at one of those 1 to 1 things there was a job I could apply for, it was telesales, and the employer wanted someone with experience in sales and excellent IT skills. I have no experience in either never mind "excellent IT skills" and told the advisor this... she said "can you use a keyboard"?? " Err yes" "well then you have IT skills" and off she want for the printout, came back and reminded me they check to make sure you apply.

Id already had a sanction so I applied. I didnt even get a reply from the employer.

[Georgec]

Yeah I know, I got the same, "failure to take up a job opportunity" I knew I wouldnt even get an interview, they knew I wouldnt but they dont care, this is why I think theyre just grabbing money any way they can. My advisor told me at one of those 1 to 1 things there was a job I could apply for, it was telesales, and the employer wanted someone with experience in sales and excellent IT skills. I have no experience in either never mind "excellent IT skills" and told the advisor this... she said "can you use a keyboard"?? " Err yes" "well then you have IT skills" and off she want for the printout, came back and reminded me they check to make sure you apply.

Id already had a sanction so I applied. I didnt even get a reply from the employer.

 

You should have pointed out to her at the time that the job requirement was for "excellent keyboard skills" not merely the ability to use a keyboard. My 10 year old brother can use a keyboard but he would be lost with Powerpoint Excel, or some other software application like that.

[twinkletoes66]

Well I told her I had no IT skills whatsoever, or sales experience...I wonder if they have targets? Sending as many people away with whatever they can no matter what?

[Georgec]

Hiya, I need some more of your advice, if you can.

 

It is related to this thread:

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/263195-benefits-stopped-because-i.html#post2972859

 

My JSA has been sanctioned for a month and I've had no money now for almost a week. My landlady is going beserk because she's had no rent from me for a month.

 

I've had to borrow some of the rent to live from, but now I've ran out of money.

 

I was refused a crisis loan last week and I've had no other option but to sell my body to old men for sex. The money has lasted for days. I got some electric with it, and some food for me and my dog.

 

Now I've no money and I don't want to sell my body because I found it degrading.

 

I don't know what else to do. I've been looking for a job but I can't get one so soon. I've put in a claim for Hardship allowance but I feel that they are delibrately delaying it, because a member of my family (my stepdad who has the same surname as me) has recently taken the DWP to court and won his case. They won't give him any money either despite wining the case.

 

I don't know what else to do. I've got £2.00 in the electric left. I've not eaten for 2 days and I've got nothign to sell.

 

The state has let me down and I feel degraded and very angry that there is no help for me.

 

My landlady has threatened me with eviction. I may lose my house; I will lose everything.

 

Can you help me, please. I am desperate.

 

[loan_ranger]

Have you contacted the council to get HB or LHA on the grounds of (low) income?

If your HB/LHA was awarded on the grounds of the JSA "gateway" then you'd have needed to tell the council when your JSA was stopped/sanctioned so that your HB/LHA claim/award was changed to the grounds of "low income".

[jellycubes]

George That is terrible and feel shocked to the core that this cock up has led you to sell your body to old men. A traumatic time for you, something you must never have to face again. I hope that you get this sorted, I cant bear to think of you in this position. Take the advice of lone ranger and plse upate us and let us know.

[Georgec]

Have you contacted the council to get HB or LHA on the grounds of (low) income?

If your HB/LHA was awarded on the grounds of the JSA "gateway" then you'd have needed to tell the council when your JSA was stopped/sanctioned so that your HB/LHA claim/award was changed to the grounds of "low income".

 

The DWP has informed HB about the sanctions on my JSA claim. Having already consulted with the CAB, they told me that there's nothing else to do, except claim Hardship Allowance. But that was two weeks ago.

 

I've chased them up about it, and they just tell me that a decision has not yet been made. I think they're deliberately delaying it. Three of our family have made a claim to JSA in the past year and all of us are having problems. Someone in the DWP doesn't seem to like us very much. That's the impression that I get, and that was even confirmed by my stepdads solicitor.

 

I don't have a low-income. I have zero income.

[Georgec]

George That is terrible and feel shocked to the core that this cock up has led you to sell your body to old men. A traumatic time for you, something you must never have to face again. I hope that you get this sorted, I cant bear to think of you in this position. Take the advice of lone ranger and plse upate us and let us know.

 

If I don't get any money by Monday, I'm going to have to go into town to the gay night on Tuesday and pick someone up. I have no option, short of selling my computer and other stuff.

[jellycubes]

No, there s other ways. Selling your body is no option when for less trauma you could find out which charities give out meals, explain your position....if you have anything to sell DO NOT let that be your spirit be ripped part by someone abusing your body. I know of charities that you could speak to who would not turn you away..look online please please in your local area.

[loan_ranger]

The DWP has informed HB about the sanctions on my JSA claim.

If your Jobseeker's Allowance is stopped, it has a knock on effect of stopping your Housing Benefit, the DWP informs the council who will in turn could (and probably will) stop your HB until you inform them yourself that you wish to claim on the grounds of "income". If you don't check the status of your HB claim and it suddenly stops, don't be surprised. It isn't part of JCP/DWP's job to tell the council why they've stopped your JSA, they just tell them it's stopped as part of their anti-fraud requirements, as far as the council are concerned your JSA may have stopped for any of a number of reasons, e.g. finding work, stopped signing on, moved district etc.

[totiesquoties]

hi georgec, ring your local councillor find out who it is, and even find their website, and usually you should find a directe mail address, put in as extremely urgent, sometimes these e mails are picked up at their home, or may even have a home phone number of the councillor, also salvation army, my heart goes out to you, do try both of these do it NOW.

GOD BLESS YOU.

[Georgec]

hi georgec, ring your local councillor find out who it is, and even find their website, and usually you should find a directe mail address, put in as extremely urgent, sometimes these e mails are picked up at their home, or may even have a home phone number of the councillor, also salvation army, my heart goes out to you, do try both of these do it NOW.

GOD BLESS YOU.

I've done that already. There's nothing he can do.

[RaeUK]

That is disgracefull of the DWP, the person stopping your claim should be made to go without food for several days and see what fun they cause!

 

Try here:

 

United Kingdom - Find a Food Bank - The Global FoodBanking Network

 

I believe you might be in the Manchester area, scroll down and you'll find a phone number. Might be usefull...

 

Best wishes

Rae

[loan_ranger]

It reminds me of my "down and out in Amsterdam" days when I had B&B c/o "The Children of God™" and lovely veggy curries washed down with lassie (the drink - woof!) c/o "The Krishna Conciousness Society". Hare Krishna!

[Georgec]

That is disgracefull of the DWP, the person stopping your claim should be made to go without food for several days and see what fun they cause!

 

Try here:

 

United Kingdom - Find a Food Bank - The Global FoodBanking Network

 

I believe you might be in the Manchester area, scroll down and you'll find a phone number. Might be usefull...

 

Best wishes

Rae

 

Thanks but I don't have the funds to go to Manchester.

[RaeUK]

Apols, my UK geography leaves a lot to be desired - could only have a wild guess as to where you are. Maybe theres one closer to you...

Best wishes

Rae

[Georgec]

Apols, my UK geography leaves a lot to be desired - could only have a wild guess as to where you are. Maybe theres one closer to you...

Best wishes

Rae

 

Oh sorry. I live in St Helens, Merseyside.

[loan_ranger]

Oh, and the bitter rivalry - scouser versus mancunian:)

[RaeUK]

Ah. Sincere apols. I thought that was in ... well ... I think I'd better slink away in shame!

Really hope things get better for you hunni.

Best wishes

Rae

[Georgec]

Oh, and the bitter rivalry - scouser versus mancunian:)

 

No! I'm not a scouser! I used to live there though.

 

[sam247]

My God,what sort of society have we become?

[MARTIN3030]

What happened at the CAB appointment ?

Also have you considered going to welfare rights ?

We have a couple in the Town Centre.

 

Have merged the 2 threads to make it easier for following.