please close, thanks!
Hi all. I did decide to withdraw my UC claim in the end and they made no attempt to try and stop me from doing so. Thanks for all your comments!
Admin, please close thread. Thank you.
I think it’s hearing all the stories in the press about people trying to claim PIP and the bad treatment they got scares me.
PIP is hard to get for most people but don’t be put off if you meet the criteria.
I agree. My youngest son is in college at the moment (well - he can’t attend at the moment due to mental health issues but he is on a course) and I know that if he was put under pressure by the benefits people like this it would really harm his mental health. It’s not right the way people are treated by the benefits system.
Yes, get some expert advice because you aren't unemployed, its probably going to be the lack of earnings that UC will keep pressure on you.
I mentioned self-employment as an option, and my work coach pounced on that - but if you don't earn enough through self-employment they pressure you do more, or get a job to go along side it.
I get the need to support and encourage people into work, or back to work, but pressuring doesn't guarantee work or more income, and will break people who can't perform miracles or take down barriers to employment.
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this - the benefits system is broken and cruel. My eldest son had a long time without a job bu5 didn’t claim anything because he knew how much the system pressures you. He’d saved a bit from his previous job and was incredibly frugal to try and get by without claiming. It shouldn’t be like this - the benefit system is meant to help people - but it doesn’t work that way, it’s all about control and pressure. I’m sorry - you’re obviously doing your best to find good work solutions for yourself - which is not easy when you’re autistic. Good luck
Hi there, if the work coach is not providing the help you need, I would ask the JC about what help they can provide. Legally they have to be providing access to their services for all, not simply some. They can no longer discriminate. The Citizens Advice would help inform you about the legal situation. As soon as you mention a legal aspect, they will sit up straight guaranteed! Know your rights, it is often your only bargaining chip sadly, especially with Gov institutions. Good luck.
The thing is, I do hold work. I have two jobs (one pending start date). I had advice from a charity careers service before and they had no issues with my CV. I felt so overwhelmed with it all that I didn’t want to say anything at JC at the time.
Because I already have two jobs which they are pressuring me to give up both to find just the one full time job instead. I live with family but my main support network is in trouble since their job may be cut in a few weeks time. I’m having to either use savings or borrow money from other family members.
My jobs should be starting up again soon so the money would come from them again. I really don’t spend much at all.
UC encompasses everything these days, so when you claim, be sure to add your diagnoses etc, so they are aware. I’m sure you’ve done this already….. Because you haven’t had any work, you would qualify for employment benefit, and yes, you need to commit to finding work. BUT they should not force you to do 35hrs.
Tell then what your capabilities are, and the hours of work you are willing to do each week. See what they say, and in the meantime, write a complaint. You can only do this online I think. It will get looked into pretty quickly.
Regarding your CV, you can get it done via the well-being service, as they do employment support. They do your CV for you, and while it isn’t a true representation of yourself, it is still factual, and will be written in a way that makes you stand out to employers.
At the moment I have a job, nine weeks, where I work one day in the office and four days at home through the Internet and Microsoft teams meetings with colleagues. It suits me because I could never cope with a five day week, 9 to 5 in an actual office.
I do however understand your problems with UC. When I was on UC, I was referred to a private company to 'help' me find work. They helped by changing my CV, they ordered me to lie and tell more lies. I was ordered to lie about my past, my health, my educational qualifications, experience. Anything to get me off benefits and into work.
At one time I was having weekly appointments at the job centre and once I had two job centre appointments only five days apart.
I was placed on:
Simultaneously. Each scheme claimed to be unique, but they all overlapped and rewrote my CV.
Total madness.
