Work Program.

No assessment yet. Was on ESA two weeks and then received a form to fill in. Receiving £30 less a week now and they've changed the day and week they pay me. I really can't manage on this amount any more.

A lot of my GPs excuse was that he doesn't want me on to live on benefits. What part of I can't work does he not understand? I am not allowed to drive, can't cope with noise, can't work full time and can't do most jobs.

stranger said:

I'm on ESA now and still despite being in the early stages, I am still being harrassed by the work programme.

At what point in the ESA claim process are you?

Have been to an assesment at Atos?

Are you getting any more money than when you were on JSA?

GP wasn't too happy about signing me off - claiming I'm not actually sick. I never said I was. I have numerous disabilities which affect my ability to work. This isn't helped by other peoples ignorance.

Yeah, I had that exact same problem. Though, at that point I didn't have a formal diagnosis of Asperger's (though I did my Crohn's diagnosis (and it's the Fatigue that may be caused by that that actually causes me the most problem with being able to work)) - it seems that GP's simply don't understand the way the benefits system works - for example they don't understand that whilst you're in the 'assesment phase' of the ESA claim process you have to send sick notes tot he DWP, or they stop your benefit payements. I guess this is understandable - they have enough to learn keeping up with all the advances in medical treatments, all the time, without the need to also learn all the changes in the whims and ways of the DWP!

I still have no report. Someone managed to lose it.

I'm on ESA now and still despite being in the early stages, I am still being harrassed by the work programme. They sent me a text on Monday morning telling me I have an appointment on Tuesday morning. They've told me they're going to carry on contacting me until the job centre tell them I'm on ESA. They have a cope of my fit note. What more do they want?

It's because of them I'm on ESA in the first place.

GP wasn't too happy about signing me off - claiming I'm not actually sick. I never said I was. I have numerous disabilities which affect my ability to work. This isn't helped by other peoples ignorance.

stranger said:

They want a copy of my report. Do I have to show them that?

Diagnostic report, I assume?

The short answer is "No". The longer answer is "No, but if you don't want to have to go through a lot of hassle to get the right help, then yes, it's best to provide them with whatever they ask for".

It's like at some point you'll be asked to sign a form that essentially says "I allow the DWP to contact whomever they wish to obtain information about me" - you don't have to sign it, but by not signing it you make getting the help you want that much harder.

They've agreed that phone calls are acceptable. They made me wait 2 and a half hours later than the agreed time. Another complaint coming their way then.

They want a copy of my report. Do I have to show them that?

stranger said:

I got more help when I was just with the job centre. I'm at the doctors next week; so see what he has to say regarding whether I stay on JSA or not.

Part of me wants to go on to ESA. That way, I'm not under pressure to apply for unsuitable jobs and can find jobs in my own time.

This is exactly why I'm suggesting it.

When you're on JSA all the system cares about is forcing you into any job, it doesn't care whether that job is suitable or not.

In one way, I actually preferred it when I was put under no pressure from the job centre to actually find work. It meant that on days (like the last few) where I've had sensory overload, I could do stuff in my own time.

Yeah, I remember when I first applied for JSA I could apply for whatever I wanted, and however many jobs I wanted, then they started on the "you need to broaden your criteria", then it was "you need to apply for X number of jobs per week", then it was "you need to provide us with proof that you're applying for X numbers of jobs per week", then it was "you have to do this course", and "you have to do that course", and all the time these demands were followed by "or we'll stop your benefits!"

It got to the point where the stress was making me ill (I have an inflamatory bowel condition that's exacerbated by stress), and so I decalred myself sick and applied for ESA - and despite the difficulties I had in getting it (largely, I believe, because I didn't have the Asperger's diagnosis at the time), it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Mum wants me to work; I do too. But there's no way I can stay on JSA when they can't understand Autism. I wonder at times if anyone, apart from parents / carers and people on the spectrum understand Autism at all.

Some do. But not many.

I got more help when I was just with the job centre. I'm at the doctors next week; so see what he has to say regarding whether I stay on JSA or not.

Part of me wants to go on to ESA. That way, I'm not under pressure to apply for unsuitable jobs and can find jobs in my own time.

In one way, I actually preferred it when I was put under no pressure from the job centre to actually find work. It meant that on days (like the last few) where I've had sensory overload, I could do stuff in my own time.

Mum wants me to work; I do too. But there's no way I can stay on JSA when they can't understand Autism. I wonder at times if anyone, apart from parents / carers and people on the spectrum understand Autism at all.

stranger said:

I don't want to be on ESA. I want to work.

So do I!

Being on ESA does not mean one doesn't want to work!

I just means one needs additional support, above and beyond what the JobCenter will provide, to get into work!

(not that I've found that additional support very forthcoming, but at least I don't have the stress, that the JobCenter used to put me under, any more)

I don't want to be on ESA. I want to work.

They claim it's sorted now. I'll believe that when they actually do listen and do carry out my requests.

I have been told I can be referred to Remploy - they're just as bad.

@Stranger:

As long as you're on JSA it will remain like that - it's the way the system works!

You need to be on ESA.

And, yes, I know, you can't afford to go on to ESA.

But, you have to ask yourself, can you afford (stress-wise) not to?

If you decide the answer to that question is 'Yes', then you have to accept that the treatment you get from the JobCenter staff is the price you pay for getting the extra money.

It's not right, and it's not fair, but that's just the way it is.

It's getting worse and worse. They now claim that there has only ever been one issue - I can count at least 4 times where no adjustment was put in place.

My adviser's line manager has now got involved. They're still refusing to make reasonable adjustments and can't seem to justify it. (it's not discrimination if you can justify it - health and safety, etc)

And they want people back to work? How?

This is getting worse and worse:

Received the email requesting a doctor's note on Tuesday evening. My appointment with my adviser was Wednesday. Because I'd said nothing before, she accused me of lying.

I am going to make a complaint yet again. So far, she's refused to make reasonable adjustments and has called me a liar.

She has told me not to get my MP involved, again. Well, what else am I meant to do? She's refusing to make reasonable adjustments and is moaning at me for not doing anything.

go to your gp they will pause you onto someone that will help you.

stranger said:

I told my adviser that I have a communication disorder (this is my main problem; along with hypo / hypersensitivity) and have now been told to bring in a doctors note. *confused* I am not sick; so why would I need a doctor's note? I've not seen my GP for Autism related stuff since I asked for a referral.

It's the way the system works, or rather doesn't work!

You may well find that your GP won't issue you with a doctors note anyway! Because, as you say yourself, you're not sick!

I went through this when I was applying for ESA - for the entire time I was applying for ESA (and there's a enforced 'assessment' period before you actually get 'assessed') I had to provide the DWP with doctors notes, but my doctor kept on refusing to do them because I wasn't 'ill'!!!

The right hand (the DWP) doesn't talk to the left hand (the GPs) to tell them that that is how the system works, and that if the left hand (the GPs) don't write doctors notes when people request them, then the right hand (the DWP) will withold benefits!

I told my adviser that I have a communication disorder (this is my main problem; along with hypo / hypersensitivity) and have now been told to bring in a doctors note. *confused* I am not sick; so why would I need a doctor's note? I've not seen my GP for Autism related stuff since I asked for a referral.

they just let me do what i want they think i can't work and that that.

No problem, Sharon.

I hope things start moving forwards for your son, however, expect to have to fight for ESA (hopefully you won't have to but it can be hard to get on to it) - he'll have to go for an assessment at some point, if he 'fails' that, appeal - something like (and this is an old stat, so it might have changed) 90% of all ESA applications fail at the assessment but 90% of those that fail pass at the appeal!

Thank you @scorpion0x17 I spoke to a lovely lady on the JC helpline and she's sending the forms for ESA. She said he doesn't have to go to the JC to sign and he won't be sent on any networking events etc... I will apply for DLA when he gets ELA. Fingers crossed. That's one ball rolling. I have also spoken to someone at stop gap stevenage to see if we can get a start for him there in Sept. They are an organisation for people with aspergers and severe social difficulties. They will help him gain life skills and social awareness etc... also help with interviews and job seeking when he's ready.

I now have my diagnosis; but I have a feeling this will make no difference at all to them, given my experience previously regarding other disabilities.

If you ask me,  the work program is punitive and infantilising.  We need support to help us get work, but it should be at a pace that suits us and should not be compulsory.  Remember, most people want meaningful employment, but disability and other factors can create obstacles. Currently, we have a divide and rule situation: you either can or can't work. But this is too black and white and does not take account of invisible disabilites which affect us differently on different days.  Under law, reasonable adjustments should be made. For example, the Job Centre should be flexible and take account of our needs and not force us to undertake tasks that would cause us mental distress. Sadly, what happens on the ground often falls short of what is supposed to happen.

I have a very strong 'work-ethic' (to use a word that I do not like, but which obviously applies to me). I am very motivated and love to be busy. I am conscientious and want to contribute.  However, if I have to do something because I am forced to, I tend to become defiant and non-cooperative.  My parents have long ago found this out. I only enjoy things that I have chosen to do, which is why I enjoy my voluntary activities. I want paid work too, and receive support with looking for work. This is not compulsory, and I am in control.  Forcing people to do something or else lose benefits is basically slave-labour and should be outlawed