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Finding a job

grahame22

I've recently had all my benefits stopped and have been told I have to find a job. I haven't had a job in over 10 years and even just thinking about it makes me feel sick and anxious. I can't even bring myself to look at a job search website, let alone go to the job centre, go to interviews or......go to work!! What am I supposed to do? I have no money coming in at all now. I could in theory apply for job seekers allowance but I know I'd be kicked off of it almost straight away because I wouldn't be able to apply for all the jobs they tell me too. I'm feeling abandoned by the system and completely without help. Almost feel like I'm being punished for having ASD :(

  • Hi graham22,

    From your opening post it appears to me that at the very least your levels of anxiety are a difficulty in finding suitable work. You need to get this recognised independently from your ASD. Do you know in your medical records there is mention of your problems with anxiety ?

    If not, I would recommend seeing your GP and explaining to them how your anxiety is affecting you. You ASD may not be recognised by DWP as a reason for not working, but other medical conditions you have in combination with ASD as a whole will at least strengthen your case.

    You are being failed by the system, personally I think the reason for this is widespread abuse of the benefits system which has been going on for decades but has become more widespread and got out of control. The government has made a stand against the abuse by tightening up the system, but has not protected or acted fairly for the genuine people who need help and clearly should receive help. I am just mentioning this because it resonates with your feelings you expressed in your opening post, your feeling are genuine.

    I think organisations like The Shaw Trust and Citizens Advice would be good to reach out to get some assistant or advice. Mind is another organisation to consider.

    Random

  • I used to be in the work related activity group a few years ago, but the people I had to meet every week did nothing to help and found nothing for me. Yes I'm still eligable to take my esa case to tribunal, although I'm not feeling positive about that. DWP has made it very clear to me that ASD is not considered a reason not to work. Also I've read that tribunals can take a very long time, and I'm not really able to wait months and months with no money. 

    PIP is something I'm going to check out tomorrow. Other than that I don't think there is any benefit I'd be entitled to

  • The essence of what I was told is that although I have ASD, because I am still physically fit and able to understand commands and act on them, I am in theory capable of some work. They seem to have completely ignored or underplayed the severity of my anxiety. I guess they are techincally right, but the problem is it's likelly to take a very long time for me to find a job that is suitable, and in the mean time I'm left with absolutely no money. 

    Yes I've been to citizens advice, who told me to go to the job centre and speak to a disability employment advisor. I did that and they said I should go to the St Loyes foundation. I went to them and they said they can try and help me but not until November. I went back to the job center and the only other suggestion they had was that I go on job seekers allowance, although I had it explained that this would not likelly work out well for me as I'd be kicked off of it if I didn't apply for every job they told me too. 

    In principle I like the idea of having a job. I just have to find one that's going to be work with me, not against me. I know that's going to take a long time to find

  • Yeah I was on ESA and failed the assessment. I was diagnosed with ASD at the end of last year. I've been on ESA for several years but it was only when I told them I had ASD that I was suddenly cut off. I've appealed the dwp decision already and failed. Tribunal is a option although it feels pretty pointless. Dwp seems pretty adament that my ASD doesn't qualify me for ESA. 

  • I am no expert, but are you claiming Personal Independance Payment ?

    If not, I would look in to applying for it now, if granted, they will back pay from start of your application.

    Random