Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Is everyone on this site on ESA except me?

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Clearly not. But with a membership of over 88,000 you would expect a fair few to be.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

God. you can be so rude.

Not everyone is on JSA like you :)

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Yes, now get back to work! Chop!! Chop!! :D

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Call me a cynic but i can't see them replacing ATOS with another company until after the general election next year. Then once that's over if they are still in power a new company will be instated with the same nonsense going on.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Just an observation, but yes, I can be very rude.

---------- Post added at 08:45 ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 ----------

Your welcome.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I can't see them wanting to do that. they'd have to rely on Labour carrying on their legacy. and not dropping it.

so they'll get somebody else in before they go,

but I do think that whoever does get the contract will be a lot stricter. that'll be the condition of them getting the contract in the first place.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Any new firm is likely to employ the same people as now, and use the same training and guidance,

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I think the same policies will not be that different. I think they may make certain criteria different to save money on appeals but then again with the new mandatory re decision period where some claimants may well give up as they will have to survive on nothing may cover them costs

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

The reality is we still need a system to tell people they aren't as sick as they think they are,so yes i agree any new company will have to be just as strict that's assuming a company can be found that wants the hassle

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I would like to see referrals made to consultants or relative medical practitioners. I have to metaphorically jump through hoops to get help off every GP I have seen all they ever want to do is dump pills down my throat the last ones had a suicide risk to them for Christ sakes. Now if I went to my DWP medical and if there was doubt about my illness then I would be grateful if they sent me to someone who could actually help me

As you say we need a system that tells patients if they are not as ill as they think well ATOS and the system in place does not do that as those who run the medicals are at best a GP in most cases only as good as a nurse so how can they know how ill you are? We all know GPs are useless when it comes to complex illnesses. How can a none psychiatrically trained person say if someone has a metal illness or not? they can not simples same as a DM can not either

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

G4S.
They'll do anything.
Jack of all trades.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

It'll be a "Management Company" raking in huge payments whilst paying peanuts to overworked staff as usual.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

My partner recently went along with a client to one of these. The guy had a few mental health issues and was refusing to go so she offered to pick him up, take him there and sit in on it.

She wanted to go out of curiosity to see how fairly they were being conducted. She doesn't know if her attending made the difference but they went easy on him and she was surprised that they decided very quickly that he was unfit for work without any persuading required from her.

Knowing the guys history and hearing horror stories on forums she fully expected a problem, but she thought it was conducted fairly and with the right outcome.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

You always gets good and bad opinions, you mostly only hear the bad though.

A while back I got called up to see a work advisor to see if there was anything they could do, this was totally out of the blue. (Pre ESA days).

I turned up and she saw straight away I shouldn't be there and sincerely apologized for the inconvenience. She called a taxi for us to take us home, and told to get a receipt and claim the taxi fare back (which I wouldn't have bothered). But at about 6pm she turned up at the door and handed over taxi fare personally. Some do their best to help but often goes unnoticed.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Just had an email from an organisation to do with helping those with disabilities stating that repeat assessments could be missed for 2 years

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Is that from the Benefit and Works website tiz?.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

it is yes

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Yay I got a letter this morning from them in the right format. Original letter for my records - Braille cover letter AND a CD. Nice.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

That's excellent dilli that they sent you the right format for once.:)

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Disability benefit delays cause 'distress'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26356623

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

That is disgraceful, sorry if this appears to be a silly question but if someone was on the old benefit and was awarded it indefinitely, why not just switch them over to the new benefit if their illness has not changed any that to me would make sense, I can understand people need to make a fresh claim when there award period runs out but life awarded or awarded it indefinitely or what ever it is means to me there is little chance of the illness getting better or why be awarded that in the first place or have I got that wrong, but reading this thread I hope I never have to claim as it seems a nightmare, and TBH before I joined cable forum in December I was under the impression it was easy to stay on once awarded how wrong was I.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

They have moved the goalposts (of course) so a pre-existing "indefinite" award of DLA may very well not qualify for PIP.

If your circumstances change, better or worse, you must inform them and undergo PIP evaluation.

Many are justifiably worried, especially with the ATOS horror stories they hear.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Disgraceful ... that they can do this IMO ...

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

One suspects 50% of those who were on a pre-existing "indefinite" award of DLA will not qualify when they have to undergo the new PIP evaluation but my advice is to try not to get stressed but that's easier said then done for some where the worry of it all can get on top of them all very easily and my advice is when it comes to advice contact CAB , DIAC or one of the helpful online sites such as Benefits and Works which gives good information about current and forthcoming benefit changes.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

You can get high rate mobility DLA even if you can run 100m in under 10 seconds. I think I've nearly achieved that - I wish (yes I get HRM). But I think the goal post have moved quite a distance under PIP and I don't think many are going to be happy. I'm not holding out for any good news but it is too early to say. At the moment it's not good for new claimants, if it carries on like it is now all I can do is hope things change before I get called up.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

If you can walk more then 20 yards in a regular gait and unaided then claimants are highly unlikely to get the new PIP mobility award.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I was being honest when under DLA you can run 100m without any problems you can qualify for HRM. This is due to the severe incontinence rule. I expect this to have changed under PIP.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I hope you stay on it Peanut, as I can't see them changing the severe incontinence rule after all if they suffer severe diarrhoea for a day or two I wonder if they would go out on public transport or to work. I know I for one would be too scared to risk it ... like I have said before I know someone with Crohn's and it is a horrible illness, she does not know from one day to the next as how severe it is going to be and she has become a recluse since this illness has took hold of her, she used to be so out going it's a wee shame what it has done to her :( as she now suffer's from depression through it...

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Yes the new PiP system does worry me constantly nothing I hear about it from the RNIB leads me to have positive thoughts :(

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

That's just it though isn't it, they don't have a clue just some guide line they have to follow.

I wouldn't know if I have food poisoning, bowel cancer or anything like that. The only way you can explain it to people is that is like have food poisoning or D&V (Diarrhoea & Vomiting) but for every day of your life. To go out to local shop its a risk and a gamble and you do end up being housebound. But the guide lines states a mild tummy upset with frequent periods of remission.

How many fit people would go out with D&V if they had it or even if their stomach feels just that little bit off, or just severe nausea? Just for one day?

I'm classed as severe now because most of my intestines are scarred up and don't work, so I don't have any periods of remission, drugs no longer work so and it's equivalent to a constant full blown flare up without anything other than pain meds and constant hotwater bottles on the go.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg, the pain (severe) and the 101 other things associated to Crohn's. Yeah it's just a tummy upset and we go to loo a bit more often than other people. Yeah right.

And no you do not get used to it. Just adapt and get through it day by day.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Sanctions are happening all over the place now.
hundreds and thousands of peoples money are being stopped. and it's ever increasing.

it's benefit paid on performance now.
you don't perform. you lose your money. you can't pay gas and electric. you can't pay bills. you can't eat.

the few options you have when this occurs is to beg, steal or borrow.
nobody gives to beggers, nobody to borrow off as they've got no spare cash. but plenty of people to steal off.

it's all going down hill rapidly. things are not going to improve.
these people are going to have to do what they have to do to survive.

they're not going to sit at home. keeping out of trouble and eating bread crumbs.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Not sure I see how incontinence can be helped with mobility money. Even with access to a car it will take time to get anywhere. An overarching criteria for high rate mobility is that you have to be able to "benefit from enhanced locomotion"

I deal with that sort of problem by not leaving my flat until I'm sure it will be ok. There are times when my mobility is so restricted that the distance to cover in my small flat, is too great, I have to not eat for days on end, Sometimes as long as a week.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I honestly do not know how you do it Peanut ... and the stress of having to reclaim the Government should be ashamed of themselves putting people like you through this stress and worry, but like I say the sick/vulnerable are easy targets for them sadly...IMO makes me so :mad:

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

If you need to go out for any reason you need at least 3-4 days notice. 1 to get your head around it and plan, the others to starve yourself to make sure you're able to get out with as less stress as possible. Though starving yourself when you're under 9st and no hope of putting on weight isn't the best thing to do.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Not being funny here but if I were in a situation where I had little/no bowel control when the I needed to go, I would rather have an accident in my own
vehicle than public transport sorry if this has upset any one with bowel problems...but I think bowel incontinence should get high rate mobility...

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

You are right, you can't call a taxi nor get on a bus when you've had an accident. And when I say accident I'm not saying a small containable one either.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Still don't see how mobility money would help in any way. If I have somewhere I have to be at a particular time, I don't eat for 24 hrs beforehand. That is usually enough to cope. If you are totally housebound for most of the time then you don't qualify for high rate mobility because you fail the "benefit from enhanced locomotion" rule.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Exactly, I cannot see a taxi or bus driver being too pleased, so therefore your very own private transport is very much needed here.

---------- Post added at 17:08 ---------- Previous post was at 17:03 ----------

I would have had your thoughts if I had not experienced just what this illness can do to someone, honestly they do need their own transport and sadly until you experience or witness first hand at just how ruthless Crohn's can be and how suddenly they need to go, you cannot even imagine the panic they feel.My friends life has been ruined by this illness honestly.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

More often than not when I have hospital appointments (very often) getting 2 buses (1 hour) is way too long and often won't stand a chance to get there, so I do have to rely on taxis to get me there. A taxi could get me there in 20 mins.

Also the same when I do manage to get out, if I need to get home quick (again often), then buses are not always best option.

Having panic attacks when you're out is all too common, it's get home quick as possible again, walking or busing is out of the question. It's the same when you can't move for pain, the list can go on.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

For hospital or medical related appointments contact your local ambulance service and transport is one less concern Arriva run it where I live and having used it I can't say enough good about them.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

That is all very good but if you suffered from severe bowel incontinence would you be prepared to wait around for a lift, I for one would not like this and panic attacks are very common for Crohn's patients, for they are very fearful for losing control of their bowels as they have very little control on this matter and every journey they make is like a military exercise, I can only imagine the fear my friend suffer's, it is bad enough for someone when this happens among close friends and family member's, I shudder to think what they must feel if and when this happen's in public or among strangers...I know my friend refuses to go anywhere now and if she visits me it is on the condition she uses my on suite as she is deeply embarrassed for obvious reasons...she will also not visit any longer if my hubby or son's are in, which TBH is really sad, as they would not think any negative thoughts of them as they know she is ill...

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I don't know how it works elsewhere but i give them my appointment time and they arrive pick me up stay till my business is finished and drive me home again. My mother uses it as well she has been a crohns suffererr for fifteen years now and she also praises the service.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I know my friend would not use this service as there could be for example 6 people in the pick up service and she would need to wait for the last person's appointment before being driven home to the Glasgow area so not ideal for someone who suffers from severe crohn's tbh, on my free day's I try to take her, so her hubby is not using up his holidays, if you do not mind me asking how does your Mum cope now as my friend feels she has let down her family as she cannot work any more and has to rely on benefits which is half her wage so she is under a lot of pressure IMO she is blaming herself for something beyond her control but this is all new to her as she has only had this horrid illness for maybe about 6 years but was only confirmed 3 years ago as her doctor had her down with IBS and nervous disability before sending her for tests..

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

To be honest living with crohns is the same as living with any debilitating illness first understand it what makes it worse/better and adapt life around it usually that's the hardest part. My mother had to give up her job as well but she was only six months from retirement so that wasn't a major problem she restricts her diet no pork being the main thing but given how much she loved bacon sarnies that hit her a bit. In terms of going out and about she never goes anywhere without knowing where facilities are and has a little kit in her bag no idea what's in it and not something I've asked.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

My friend is the same carries a little hold all, I know she has a radar key and can't wait card, and I too have never asked her what is in the bag but I can imagine...she is only 40s so it is quite hard for her as she has a young family and money is quite tight for her now as she has always worked as she never imagined being on benefits and like many she feels people judge her for being on them, which is their problem IMO and not her's but try telling her that...that is why I get so mad at people bringing down people on benefits as no one know's what is round the corner for them... ;)

---------- Post added at 22:18 ---------- Previous post was at 21:48 ----------

NO. I am not on ESA and hope never to be...there seems to be a lot of stress being on it, IMO it is terrible to make someone feel so stressed out at receiving this benefit... the government should hang their head in shame at what they are doing to the sick in the UK...

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

It's a difficult one, and this highlights the issues out there.

In my opinion, on this case, I think I would agree that a mobility benefit would be in order.

Subject to certain criteria. But generally I wouldn't object in this example

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Sadly Pierre it seems many would...I always try and imagine living in that person's shoes before I decide, sadly not every one has our views :( I just think when I have a tummy upset, I would not want to use public transport or even a taxi now can you imagine living with that x 10, that is what peanut goes through everyday because of Crohn's...

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Iirc there is a mobility scheme involving cabs for those that can't drive cars anymore, think you can get a cab anywhere in the borough for a quid for instance. Jacket spuds including the skin helps alleviate crohns a little

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

That sounds like a good idea but from what I can see it's for the London area only. I will look into seeing if there's hospital transport but from what I can find it is different for all areas.

There is a lot of truth about relying on transport as booking it in advanced doesn't mean I would be able to make use of it. If I can get the bus I will, but most decisions are made minutes before I need to leave. Sometimes I have the intentions of getting a bus, then at the last minute plans change, then even getting a taxi can be out of the question. So any kind of prior planning can make matters worse.

As for potato skins, they used to be safe. But after 25 years a lot of changed, I used to have periods of remission which was helped with a strict diet of safe foods but now as things have changed it's a struggle to find anything that I can class as safe as it's now just mainly food in general.

Obviously what is safe for some could be hell for some one else. I can't eat eggs, onion, soya (and soya protein), most oils, spices, yeast extract, salad leaves, nuts and basically anything that can be hard to digest, but I don't think I'll ever find out what is safe now or not. If I do eat any of those I'd know about it within half and hour and probably for a few days afterwards too.

But the point is there are illnesses like Crohn's that doesn't get the proper attention or awareness it deserves (who wants to listen to my toilet / bowel habits etc, hence it is classed as the 'unsociable disease'), not enough people are aware (including GPs) and because no single person is the same or have the same symptoms you hear of conflicting opinions on it. When I was first diagnosed I did have bouts of remissions and certain drugs did work (for a while). I held down a good job despite having a few problems. I know of other sufferers that can and do go to work, some go months or a lot more without any signs / symptoms and can be totally controlled by medication and basically live near normal lives. But for some it is life and soul destroying and when it is it is still difficult convince people that it is serious enough to claim benefits because on the surface I could look totally normal.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Too many people these days take casual glances as proof in their mind that someone is fine and base far too much on it without knowing people in depth it is sometimes near impossible to know how badly some are affected by their illness. Like many aspects of society it's all become a bit shallow where face value has more impact then it once did. There are a lot of people with a myriad of illness's both physical and mental that don't show how bad a person might be.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Exactly, this is a reason why ATOS has failed many people. The ESA50 form doesn't cater for the likes of myself (and others), nor would their face to face assessment be fair either because I probably would be able to pass their tests like picking up coins etc. So I could easily be passed fit enough to work. This is why I believe medical notes, GPs and consultants need to be a part of the assessment procedures.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

They are, if supplied to the Decision Maker by the claimant.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

True, but it's not always easy to obtain the right information from GPs and consultants personally, especially in the short timescale you have before you have to send the forms back.

Sometimes letters from GPs could hinder your chances of a fair assessment. Some think because they have a serious illness or disability they don't think they need to supply any info because you do put down the details of your GP and consultants on the form thinking it's up to them to contact the relevant people.

---------- Post added at 12:04 ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 ----------

An observation on these kinds of threads / topics is that if there's a chink in someone's opinion then there is the obvious arguments, mainly for the sake of just to score points on a public forum. But when anyone can't disagree with something then nothing is said. It's almost like ****ing in the wind.

That just doesn't apply for forums but in general. I don't believe that anything I can say or anyone else here makes the slightest bit of difference to opinions. I ain't dissing anyone here, just an observation of how it is or how it feels. Heart on sleeve an all that. Just highlighting how difficult it can be.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Not sure if the amended comment was aimed at me, but as a point of information, I wasn't disagreeing with you, I was clarifying the statement that other things should be taken into consideration when a decision was being made - I pointed out that they were.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

No Hugh it wasn't aimed at you at all.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

OK - thanks for clearing that up.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I thought the DWP were meant to approach the GP etc for supporting information so it can be presented to the DM. I was never told it was my responsibility to supply said information

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

To be honest I should have said it wasn't aimed at you because of your comment. But aimed at you 'possibly' as in general (open).

---------- Post added at 12:22 ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 ----------

There is a small sentence on the ESA50 form that says if you have any relevant info to support your claim that you should send it with the form.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I would have assumed that any claimant for anything would want to give as much evidence as possible to support their claim, rather than hoping the DWP would do this.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I send everything I have with my forms. Maybe that's why I didn't have to go for an assessment?

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Indeed l have been passing the DWP as much evidence for quite a while now as the benefit advice centres have always told me not to rely on them gathering all the evidence needed for the claim.

---------- Post added at 12:42 ---------- Previous post was at 12:41 ----------

Ditto.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

tiz, this is the part peanut refers to on page 17 of the form where it says

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

On the PDF it's on page 2.

'Send us any medical information you want us to see. It is important that you give us as much information as possible as this helps us to deal with your claim.If you have any medical information from your doctor, consultant or health care professional, or any other information which you wish us to see, please send us a copy with this questionnaire.

You do not have to see your GP or health care professional to ask for a specially written report. You may be charged if you do this.'

And also states.

Please tell us who your GP is. If you want to, you can also tell us about another health or care professional who knows you and your condition best. Sometimes we will need to contact these people to ask them for medical information. We do not do this for every claim.

It's always best to go overboard than not at all.

You could read it that most people won't have any info on their conditions other than appointment letters, it's also tell you don't have to get a GP report as you might have to pay. It's not directly telling you to write to your consultants or GP to get the relevant information, just if you have it. Asking for reports is not always an easy task.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I agree with you, but the DM goes on the evidence - the more supportive evidence, the stronger the claimant's case (this is what my wife tells Support Groups when she does outreach, and to claimants on the phone).

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

If you do not have the means to get supporting evidence off the GP and then the DWP does not ask for information how in gods name can they come up with a proper decision ?

My GPs recently have been less than useless I continually go with my issues asking for help but come up short every time all they ever want to do it give me pills. The evidence of my condition however dates back to when I was 12 so there are a lot of reports in my files dating back the 30+ years that would need to be looked through

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Our local GP is saying that providing additional information to ATOS or DWP is in excess of his contract, so more money is needed.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Probably looking for his £20 per support letter (or whatever he charges)

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

My consultants all told me the DWP could request any information but wouldn't give me anything I could send to them myself so not as clear cut as the system seems to think I know at the time of my atos assessment my gp submitted info as requested by the DWP but they didn't contact any of the consultants which I thought a bit weird.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

The best thing you can do is request all your notes from your gp and demand that they arent to be edited in anyway way. It may cost up to £50 for this. Your notes will include any letters sent to and from your consultants and all test done and the results.

If you want to do this then please bare in mind that some of your notes might not be easy reading and could also do harm. They will state this or maybe if that is the case they could refuse to comply with the request altogether.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news...arents-6735348

I bet there's a few people that didn't see that coming.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

You can get this information for no more than £10.00 under the terms of a Subject Access Request should you wish but you have absolutely no right whatsoever to "demand that they arent to be edited in anyway way".

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Is that to just look at them but not to have a hard copy?

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Hard copy (I know someone who has done it).

It can cost up to £50 to access paper based records,

http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/personal_information

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

When I found out the consultants send letters to the GP, whilst visiting my GP for I asked for a copy and they printed it off there and then for no cost. That may be one way of doing it as it only costs a few pence and doesn't involve other admin staff etc. From then on, I asked the consultant to also send a copy to me. It is the same report, therefore little extra cost and/or effort involved by them. The downside is that the reports are aimed at GPs and can contain medical terms which need further explanation to the DWP. I use the internet to find impartial explanations to give them. It can also be useful to point out the DWPs own medical advice to decision makers. That is available on the internet.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Why is it that ATOS have won this contract, l dont know. They dont bother obtaining a GP details for the patient. As they just decide that a patient - even if his is dying, is fit for work to save the government spending money on benefit.

As far as l know - isn't the Patients details strictly confidential. And doesn't the Data Protection act come into it.

Many times l have contact the surgery on behalf od my wife and the first thing they say is ' We are not allowed to give this out due to the DPA.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

When the government do it. all the rules go out the window.
that's what we vote for. we elect a government that we are happy to break the rules. plot against us. and give their mates in their circle loads of our money.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime...y-9123030.html

“I’m pleased to say that this is much harder since we clamped down hard on fraud, introduced passport scanners to help identify fake documents, and started using ever more intelligent data checks to uncover anything suspicious.”

Why didn't they 'clamp down hard' on this type of fraud before then? :confused:

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

These sorts of cases will keep happening until councils etc realise that they are meant to employ people in these types of positions, that represent this country, rather than are representative of it.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Disabled benefit delays unacceptable, say MPs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26615853

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

To have to wait six months or more to find out if they you are eligible is a disgrace IMO not to mention the stress this could cause, and some illnesses could be made worse through the added stress... :(

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Atos ‘misled ministers’ to win lucrative contract assessing disabled for benefits.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...s-9206278.html

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Not in the least bit surprised, they lie saying the ill are fit to work adding more stress to the sick and vulnerable people of our society, I am not saying that you don't get benefit cheats of course you do, but they have declared people fit for work who clearly were not. They lie end off...

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I'm sure I can do a good honest days work, hell I'd say I might even risk or manage to do Two. Beyond that it might start to get a bit dodgy.

Stupid comment.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

l was not born sick but became sick through no fault of my own and unless l have a heart transplant then my illness is terminal but l have never wanted sympathy from anybody but it would be nice if some people got rid of their prejudices and understand that for many everyday is a battle to get through but there again we can't expect the uneducated or prejudiced to understand that can we.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

There are some people claiming sickness benefit that shouldn't be as during the last government many were put onto IB by job centres looking to manipulate figures encouraged by the then government. Sadly Hero there are a great many people who cannot work whether you choose to believe it or not and not because of lifestyle choices or even self inflicted. Medicine has a greater understanding of many illnesses that in the past would have been ignored or covered by medication drastically shortening the lives of those affected. Progress has a lot of pluses and a few downsides but don't worry this coalition is doing it's best to demonize to the point many leave the longterm benefit they were on and go play the merry go round game bit less money but no hassle, no medicals and because they are perpetuately classed as short term they don't impact the figures as much.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

No they don't :rolleyes:

Just because some people don't get the decision they want doesn't make ATOS liars

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

do you think they never lie?

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Problem is though Den that too many on here label people uneducated and prejudiced simply for disagreeing or looking at things slightly differently.

---------- Post added at 19:41 ---------- Previous post was at 19:37 ----------

I think people think they do when they don't get the decision they want .

What is the point in ATOS telling lies ? ATOS have nothing to gain,so it is idiotic to suggest that the company has a policy of lying

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

I didn't say the company has a policy of lying.

I asked you if you think they never lie?

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion but that opinion should be formed from listening to both sides and understanding things and not from some listening to what some prejudiced politicians or journalists spout because they generally twist things to suit their own agendas be it from the right wing or left wing of the political divide.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Weenie did

but just for you i don't think they do as i just said what would be the point

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

For example the tester could just not like the person he is testing and lie.

Same as the testee could just lie about what happened.

I'm sure the on occasion the ATOS people lie it's inherent to human nature.

To suggest that anyone doing work for ATOS will NEVER lie is just odd.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

As i said ...ON THIS FORUM ...having a different opinion to those on disability gets us labelled as uneducated or ignorant

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

....by some, not everyone.

Just the same as on this forum - some (not all) assume that all on benefits / disability or not are just scroungers.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

+1

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

Absolute crap ,people lie if they have something to gain ,what does ATOS have to gain ?

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

You don't think sometimes people lie just because they don't like someone?

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

To meet targets perhaps.

Re: The state benefits system mega-thread. Many merged.
 

exactly this