Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Why won't job centre listen to me!?

25 replies

purpleheart12 · 14/02/2022 16:55

Hi,
I can't understand the benifits system I've never claimed before always worked hard. I can't work anymore I've got various health issues on medication for life and still they say I have to look for work and be seen to apply for jobs that I am in no way fit to do to get universal credit? I just don't understand. Isn't that just a complete waste of time? I've tried working with my issues but I can't (full time/ part time/ flexible/from home and I just can't keep up) Not sure where this leaves me now. I was only 4 points off getting pip now I just don't know what to do. I'm so scared and lost. I had dreams of making and selling my own jewelry online but I get too tired and can't cope with running a business. I'm in a black hole and feel like I can't escape.

OP posts:
Macademiamum · 14/02/2022 16:58

Are you signed off?

CorrBlimeyGG · 14/02/2022 17:00

Are you eligible for ESA based on your NI Contributions?

Have you handed in a fit note from your GP? PIP is a separate benefit, they need to assess whether you are capable of work related activity. That process should begin within thirteen weeks of you handing in the fit note.

ifoundthebread · 14/02/2022 17:01

Yes they expect you to apply for jobs your not even qualified for. When I was jobless they expected me to apply for every job they advertised regardless of lack of experience or qualifications. It's crazy and wastes a lot of time, especially when you get people who only apply to keep the job centre happy and don't want the job at all (I understand your needs are different) get interviewed and then tell you at interview they don't want the job just keeping the job centre happy, because the job centre don't want feedback as to why they didn't get the job.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
TheYearOfSmallThings · 14/02/2022 17:03

What age are you, and are you signed off with any specific condition? The system is certainly ridiculous, but clearly they can't just accept someone telling them "I can't work anymore".

CorrBlimeyGG · 14/02/2022 17:04

Also, is this a joint claim with your partner? Are they in work? Do you have children and if so how old are they?

Namechangehereandnow · 14/02/2022 17:04

Have you had your work capability assessment?

cherrysthename · 14/02/2022 17:10

You can claim Universal Credit by presenting fit notes to satisfy the 'job seeking' element of it and be seen to be 'preparing for work' instead of actively looking, until you need to claim PIP.

Seasidevibes · 14/02/2022 20:47

Can you appeal your pip decision?

Theunamedcat · 14/02/2022 20:51

Appeal the pip

You will still need to be assessed by universal credit go to your doctors ask for a fitnote

Apply for jobs to satisfy your criteria but they will reject you this is acceptable because your trying

Make your jewellery as a sideline etsy? My dd buys jewellery from a shop that does one drop a fortnight basically she makes and creates for two weeks and sells out in 10 minutes

gamerchick · 14/02/2022 20:52

Sounds like you need to claim ESA

Tee20x · 14/02/2022 20:55

Appeal the pip. I have heard that the majority of people don't get it first time and have to go through the appeals process.

Veryverycalmnow · 14/02/2022 20:58

I'm sorry you're going through this. Flowers

Thistooshallpsss · 14/02/2022 21:02

Pip is separate from uc so definitely worth appealing your pip decision. You need a work capability assessment for your uc. It’s a different point based system. Get some help from an advice centre this is bread and butter work for them they will be able to guide you through the systems and help with appealing. I am sorry our country is so cruel to people with chronic health conditions but please don’t give up.

Original poster
purpleheart12 · 14/02/2022 21:22

Yes I'm signed off not worked for three years. Have a letter from GP stating due to my health conditions I'm not fit. I was still told by them I must look for work. I will appeal pip. Married and yes my husband works full time we have two children 2 year old and a baby. Thank you

OP posts:
ChoiceMummy · 14/02/2022 21:23

@purpleheart12

Yes I'm signed off not worked for three years. Have a letter from GP stating due to my health conditions I'm not fit. I was still told by them I must look for work. I will appeal pip. Married and yes my husband works full time we have two children 2 year old and a baby. Thank you
If you have a baby then you need to tell them that you do not need to look for work until the baby is a rising 3yo.
TheYearOfSmallThings · 14/02/2022 22:20

Yes, if you have a baby you don't need to be working or applying for jobs.

stevalnamechanger · 14/02/2022 22:34

There's a few good Facebook groups on navigating the system .

Changethetoner · 14/02/2022 22:35

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Ekekekeke · 14/02/2022 22:40

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ as it quotes a deleted post.

ByGrabtharsHammerWhatASavings · 14/02/2022 22:46

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ as it quotes a deleted post.

Babyroobs · 15/02/2022 00:46

@purpleheart12

Yes I'm signed off not worked for three years. Have a letter from GP stating due to my health conditions I'm not fit. I was still told by them I must look for work. I will appeal pip. Married and yes my husband works full time we have two children 2 year old and a baby. Thank you
If you have not worked for 3 years you wont qualify for new style ESA which is based on NI contributions. Eligibility for Universal credit will depend on your situation, husband's wages, rent , children etc. They can still ask you to do some work searching requirements until you have had your work capability assessment. You should hand in sick notes to Uc if you have made a Uc claim and wait to be assessed. As long as your husband earns above the threshold you would likely be put in the light touch group anyway and your work coach can use discretion if you have a sick note.
PenStation · 15/02/2022 01:04

@Tee20x

Appeal the pip. I have heard that the majority of people don't get it first time and have to go through the appeals process.
This…

Get yourself to Citizens Advice and they can help with the appeals process.

Kitkat151 · 15/02/2022 01:05

Have you had a work capability assessment for UC? They are doing many of them as paper based now......if you are put in the support group you will get a substantial increase in UC

cuno · 15/02/2022 01:11

They kept hassling me to look for jobs while on mat leave and also while on annual leave after mat leave! I told them again and again but they kept making appointments. I am contracted 40 hours a week! My partner on the other hand was out of work and they left him alone when he could have done with the help, then after he got a job off his own back they started hassling him about appointments etc. So sorry about your situation. It seems they don't know what they're doing half the time. Try and get on them about work capability assessment.

Stealhsquirrelnutkin · 15/02/2022 01:21

Appeal the PIP, be prepared to get the same negative response to the "mandatory reconsideration" which is pretty much just there to make you despair and give up. Appeal to tribunal, get legal help if you can afford it. When the appeal grants you PIP you will get back pay for all the months they've messed you around.
Don't take it personally, the system is designed to be very difficult and discouraging. It is incredibly cruel.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread