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Work Program.

Bloodheart

Does anyone know what our rights are while within the Work Program (and larger benefits system such as Job Seekers Allowence)? 

I've had multiple problems with the Job Centre and New Deal - general prejudice and ignorance from advisors, being told I have to phone to appy for benefits (I can't use a telephone) and refused any help unless I 'get over it', being told I'm mentally incapable, verbally abused, forced off JSA and onto ESA, and being forced into work placements I was either unable to fulfill or that put me at serious risk. All that is on top of the other problems unemployed people have with the job centre. Now I've just started on the Work Program and I'm terrified of what's going to happen. 

For example what do I do if they try to make me apply for jobs I'm unable to do due to autism? They mentioned classes involving role play or social speaking which I simply cannot do, what happens if they claim this is my being unwilling to participate in mandatory classes? They seem to make no allowences for disabled clients, so I'm worried they'll threaten to stop benefits if I'm unable to do something. 

No one has ever been able to tell me what the job centre can or cannot make me do, what to do if they threaten to remove my benefits, or whether I can refuse to deal with staff who are openly prejudice towards me. What are my rights? 

Parents

  • What do you mean you'll lose over £100 a month?

    The current rate of JSA is £71 per week (or £56.25 if aged 16 to 24).

    The current 'basic rate' of ESA is £71 per week (or £56.25 if aged 16 to 24) - which you will receive only up until the point at which they make a decision, and which point you then get an additional £28.15 per week, if you're placed in the 'Work Related Activity' group (that which I refered to as the 'employement' group), or £34.05, if you're placed in the 'Support' group.

    Giving you a total of either £99.15 (or £84.40 if aged 16 to 24) or £105.05 (or £90.30 if aged 16 to 24) depending on which group in which you're placed.

    Now, if you currently receive lower rate DLA care component, you should also be receiving an additional £30.35 per week (or £43.25 for couples), on top of your JSA, so you would lose out there, but not by over £100 a month.

    Also, if you do receive DLA, that won't change. I get both ESA and DLA.

    If you don't get DLA, then you'll actually gain by going on to ESA, once you're placed in one of the two groups, also simply by being on ESA, you're more likely to then be seen as being eligible to receive DLA.

Reply

  • What do you mean you'll lose over £100 a month?

    The current rate of JSA is £71 per week (or £56.25 if aged 16 to 24).

    The current 'basic rate' of ESA is £71 per week (or £56.25 if aged 16 to 24) - which you will receive only up until the point at which they make a decision, and which point you then get an additional £28.15 per week, if you're placed in the 'Work Related Activity' group (that which I refered to as the 'employement' group), or £34.05, if you're placed in the 'Support' group.

    Giving you a total of either £99.15 (or £84.40 if aged 16 to 24) or £105.05 (or £90.30 if aged 16 to 24) depending on which group in which you're placed.

    Now, if you currently receive lower rate DLA care component, you should also be receiving an additional £30.35 per week (or £43.25 for couples), on top of your JSA, so you would lose out there, but not by over £100 a month.

    Also, if you do receive DLA, that won't change. I get both ESA and DLA.

    If you don't get DLA, then you'll actually gain by going on to ESA, once you're placed in one of the two groups, also simply by being on ESA, you're more likely to then be seen as being eligible to receive DLA.

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