• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 80 subscribers
  • Views 1167 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Help with Disability Benefits - Negative Working Environment

Reflexions2

Hi all,

I am female and about to turn 56, have aspects of autism & dyspraxia (results from a psychoanalytic test which was male orientated). I have been working in a secondary school for 12 years and for most of that time felt a real sense of camaraderie and satisfaction due to my SENCo (head of special needs department). Unfortunately she retired about 5 years ago and my time at work has slowly deteriorated to the point where I no longer feel I can contribute anything of any value.

My work life has become increasingly difficult due to younger members of staff joining the team, rules changing (or new rules being added without this being passed on) and the school not supporting me or providing the flexibility I require, especially as they are aware of my conditions.

Recently, I have had some disagreements with other members of staff who feel it is acceptable to help themselves to my resources, such as coffee, milk, sugar, etc., which I consider to be theft. However, the head of the HR department deemed this behaviour to be entirely acceptable. When I disagreed with her about this matter, I was seen to be the aggressor and was required to apologise. Following this I was forced to sit through a character assassination, conducted by head of HR and the members of staff who stole my possessions. This entire meeting was formed of lies and insults and gave me no opportunity to fight my corner.

There are many more examples like the above, where I am left hurt and unsupported, this includes receiving no assistance from my current SENCo and Headmaster. This just happens to be the most recent situation and the straw that has broken the camel’s back.

I feel the current state of affairs has become intolerable, which has reduced my trust in all other people and stopped me from wanting to leave the house. I’m uncomfortable starting a new job as it takes me a long time to pick up the ropes and to understand new environments/structures of work. As a result I am looking into other alternatives to working, such as disability benefits.

From the research I have conducted, I see I can apply for PIPs and ESA but I was wondering if there is anything else out there or any further advice that can be offered.

Thanks so much!

Parents

  • My PIP appeal has been partially successful. It's taken 10 months but DWP have finally conceded that I did have good reason for not attending the assessment centre due to my Asperger's. They're quibble now is that due to me not being assessed, it couldn't be decided how much I would be entitled to. Because my home life is unknown. So DWP are trying to end my appeal, by making out they need to arrange another assessment. But they don't specify any allowance for a home assessment or qualified ASD professional. If they don't, I'll be back in the same situation of being unable to attend again. So I now wait to see the tribunals outcome.

    I don't see being on benefits as scrounging. If I did then I'd be calling all those like myself in the same situation a scrounger. I can't do that because I know they're deserving of it & do need it. And just as they do, so do I. Many NTs could never imagine the challenges & hardship we experience. And I feel it should be up to us to decide if we want to work.

    Contributing doesn't have to be a paid job, paying taxes. Unpaid volunteering for worthwhile causes is still a vital contribution. And that way you can decide directly who will get your contribution. I'm ashamed of many of the things UK taxes go on, including killing unborn Brits etc. In a way I feel unburdened, knowing that I'm not contributing taxes that would forcibly go on such dehumanizing mindless causes.

Reply

  • My PIP appeal has been partially successful. It's taken 10 months but DWP have finally conceded that I did have good reason for not attending the assessment centre due to my Asperger's. They're quibble now is that due to me not being assessed, it couldn't be decided how much I would be entitled to. Because my home life is unknown. So DWP are trying to end my appeal, by making out they need to arrange another assessment. But they don't specify any allowance for a home assessment or qualified ASD professional. If they don't, I'll be back in the same situation of being unable to attend again. So I now wait to see the tribunals outcome.

    I don't see being on benefits as scrounging. If I did then I'd be calling all those like myself in the same situation a scrounger. I can't do that because I know they're deserving of it & do need it. And just as they do, so do I. Many NTs could never imagine the challenges & hardship we experience. And I feel it should be up to us to decide if we want to work.

    Contributing doesn't have to be a paid job, paying taxes. Unpaid volunteering for worthwhile causes is still a vital contribution. And that way you can decide directly who will get your contribution. I'm ashamed of many of the things UK taxes go on, including killing unborn Brits etc. In a way I feel unburdened, knowing that I'm not contributing taxes that would forcibly go on such dehumanizing mindless causes.

Children
No Data