Autism Not going to be Protected

Yeah its horrible, i had a panic attack in the coffee shop i go in on monday and still fighting off the affects of that, i feel it will only get worse..

I will try and keep talking but i am a very reserved person and struggle with sites like these..

Good idea.  From what I understand though, PIP isn't about what you are diagnosed with - it is about how your abilities are impacted.  If you can't do things - and require aids, assistance and so forth.  Or that the timescale to do certain things is much changed due to any issues you have, for example.

Apologies my mistake. Agreed with below!

I am considering applying for PIP i am starting a diary first for a few weeks to see how i am affected by my autism.. I just dont see where i will get the required points from to get it.. I shall see

I've never liked Liz Kendal, like Thatcher she seem to know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

Yeah as far as i can tell i will lost somewhere in the region of £3-400 per month if the health element is scrapped..

I will have a look around my area for Protests but my area is quite sedate

Kvothe said:

I am not on PIP i was able to live just about on ESA and now the Health Element of UC so Never bothered with PIP because i could just about make it, i have been told many times to apply for pip..

I can read that you are worried - but things might not turn out as badly as you think.  

In the meantime, why not apply for PIP now (before the new rules kick in) to give yourself a chance of getting an award.  Whatever they may award you cannot be taken away for the lifetime of the award - even if the cuts are passed.  

Horrible isnt it.. Forget the blinding panic and shutdows/Meltdowns people experience, as long as you can dress bam you are well.

I am surprised that more people are not comparinf Liz Kendall And Reeves to Margaret Thatcher.. 

I am not on PIP i was able to live just about on ESA and now the Health Element of UC so Never bothered with PIP because i could just about make it, i have been told many times to apply for pip..

Hence why i am annoyed and scared as to what happens to those on the health element of UC as they are going to use the PIP assessment as a WCA assessment which many people like me will fail

I get how tough it is right now. I’ve been following the changes too, and it’s frustrating to see that some groups aren’t getting the support they need, especially when you're already in a vulnerable position. The worry about losing the health element of UC is real, and I can understand why it feels like everything's stacking up against you.

You’re not alone in feeling this way. A lot of people are in similar situations, where the stress of the cuts and the uncertainty is hitting hard. Sometimes it helps to talk about it, even if it’s just venting. Hang in there as best you can, and don't hesitate to reach out to people who understand, whether online or in real life.

I was denied PIP too because I can walk, dress myself and cook a simple meal, I don't think I scored any points at all.

I agree with you about the focus on PIP in the media but I have read articles on the health element. I too, will lose so much if I am denied PIP and the HE gets cut as well. This is why I am taking part in DPAC protests. Maybe there will be one in your area? I know they have protested near to Labour MP's offices. I did let my local labour party know what I think on these cuts.   

Dear Kvothe,  

Thank you for posting and telling the community what you are going through. We are sorry to hear that you have been currently struggling over the last 6 weeks. It is good that you’ve let us know how you feel. Many people have similar thoughts when coping with so much and we hope you’re okay.     

 If you are unable to cope with the distress or despair, it’s very important to tell someone about your feelings or thoughts of suicide. Call your GP and make an urgent appointment. Your GP can make sure you get appropriate help and support . 

The National Autistic Society does not currently operate a crisis or emergency service. We advise you to contact 999 or any of the mental health crisis lines listed on our Urgent Help Page if you are at risk of immediate harm: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/urgent-help  

If you are not at immediate risk of harm, we would encourage you to speak to your GP or another health professional about this if you haven’t done so already. If it’s outside your GP hours call 111 to reach the NHS 111 service. In England, Wales and Scotland there is now an option to speak with mental health professionals by selecting ‘option 2’ when calling NHS 111: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/  

You may also find the following useful:  

• NAS information on benefits: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/benefits-and-money/benefits 

• Citizen’s Advice information on benefits: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/ 

Help for anyone struggling to cope  

• Mind Infoline: 0300 1233393 for information and signposting (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)   

• SANEline: 0300 304 7000 for anyone experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else (4.30pm to 10.30pm, every day)  

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): for men 0800 58 58 58, (5pm to midnight every day).    

• Shout 85258: a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope.  

We hope this is helpful to you.  

Kind regards 

Rosie Mod  

I get it, it is concerning. I'm currently not claiming PIP- i tried around 5 years ago and I was told I'm fine because I have a job and can walk. 

One thing to check is if you were given a time frame for when your next PIP review is. They can't stop your PIP before then, as they would need to reassess you anyway. 

As long as you can show the impact your disabilities and long term health conditions have meets the threshold for PIP, and you can always appeal wrongful decisions through tribunal with backpay being awarded.

If you're worried, you can speak to citizens advice or local benefits services. They will be able to tell you your rights and help you with reassessment etc.. I've found that sometimes having the knowledge and understanding of what to expect can help calm my anxieties to some degree. 

Hey

Yeah i understand they have to debate it but I dont trust the Labour dissenters will help us Disabled people and also even if they did the Conservatives will vote for the cuts so it wont matter.. Pessimistic i know..

I have contacted my MP yes and he just sent a generic I am worried about the cuts email back.. I reckon he will not vote either for or against.. 

It annoys me everyone is talking about PIP and not the loss of the Health Element of UC, It seems people are so focused on PIP that they forget there are people like me that are on LCWRA who cant work who will lose a lot. It seems like we are not as important as the PIP people.. I have been told to apply for PIP but am now too terrified 

Hello,

sorry to read you are struggling over the planned cuts but remember these have yet to be debated in parliament. I too, worry but took part in the March the 26th Downing St protest and booed the Chancellor as she was driven out. Of course, this is not for everyone but protest in your own way. Have you contacted your MP to say how these cuts will affect you? DPAC are holding more protests so we are not simply standing by and letting this happen without a fight.