Claimants to lose DLA even if FALSELY accused of fraud (to think this is HIGHLY unreasonable.)

[Darkesteyes]

How can this even be legal. To stop a claimants income just because some bastard has falsely accused them.
In every other instance in this country someone is presumed innocent until proven guilty
Except when it comes to benefits when you are guilty until proven innocent.
But NOW it seems that the innocent are STILL going to be treated like they are guilty.


benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/2416-claimants-to-lose-dla-permanently-if-falsely-accused-of-fraud-dwp-decides

[Meerkatwhiskers]

my stepdad has just been moved from higher rate dsa to higher rate pip.

he has also been moved from incapacity benefit to esa. he has to go for regular interviews at the job centre with a view to getting him back to work. his interviewer agrees he won't be able to work (severe arthritis, had a stroke, chronic kidney disease - almost in failure, heart failure, AF, high blood pressure and he's dyslexic so can't read or write very well) yet he is only getting was for a year then it stops and he just gets pip which they use for a car.

they suck!!

[3littlefrogs]

It took me 9 months to get a blue badge for a relative who is blind.

The consultant had written "blind" on the required form, but the person processing the application decided that my relative was "only visually impaired" and the consultant was wrong.

When you are up against that kind of behaviour it is very difficult.

How on earth do people who have no-one to help with applications and form filling cope?

Another relative was seriously ill and waiting for a transplant.

Every time he was admitted to hospital his DLA was stopped and had to be applied for all over again. Madness.

[bluejasmine]

I got turned down at appeal for DLA about eight years ago, which was a humiliating experience. I'd been getting it at higher rate for care but on renewal they claimed they didn't have enough evidence from my GP as the one I had was very unsympathetic at the time. I managed to re-apply successfully a couple of years later and I've been quite obsessive about pushing for referrals and continuous contact with consultants, as their word is taken more seriously than a GP's. I'm very nervous about the switch to PIP and every time I see my consultant I'm careful to re-state how my various symptoms are continuing, because I know he makes notes about all of this and I'll use my medical records to send in as evidence for PIP. Going for consultations aren't just about getting medical help any more, it's about gathering evidence so I don't lose my benefits. I keep all my paperwork, letters for appointments etc, so that it's clear I'm in need of on-going support.

And I've never told anyone that I get DLA, not even family, because I'm terrified that my (invisible) disability won't be understood and someone might falsely accuse me of fraud.

[BeyondPissedOffAtTheWorld]

Yep, and all this is why I didnt send the form off, I need it but decided it wasnt worth the effect in my mental health, and i HAVE support. Luckily I have rcently found out my local council will give blue badges without pip, although I'm sure they didnt without Dla, so am just going to apply directly for that anyway, and if i get my pip through too i'll just count myself lucky.

[Darkesteyes]

The way disabled people are being treated in this country is appalling. If it was happening in another country the stress illness and deaths that this has caused would be all over the news constantly.

[DoubleLifeIsForAnyFUCKER]

I mentioned this to a legal bod friend of mine and although it's not her area she rather thought it would be illegal and someone needs to take this before a judge.

I hope that's true.

[FortyDoorsToNowhere]

I really don't know how anyone could fraudulently claim DLA.

I needed a shed load of information to get DS.

[IneedAsockamnesty]

That's why the fraud rate for it is so low

[Sinful1]

I dunno we stick a guys face and name in the papers if someone falsely accuses him of rape....

[BeyondPissedOffAtTheWorld]

[GatoradeMeBitch]

Sinful if you want to start a conversation about rape, start your own thread instead of trying to derail this one.

[diaimchlo]

Meerkat

It sounds like your Dad has been put in the WRAG appeal this and try to get him into the support group, he won't have to go to the JCP for irrelevant interviews.

Double There is Samuel Miller, a Canadian guy, who is appalled at the way Ian Duncan Smith and his cronies are acting towards those who are most vulnerable in UK society, he has drawn up papers and has taken it to the International Criminal Court at the Hague. Read more here.......
?
?blacktrianglecampaign.org/2012/09/23/united-kingdom-government-denounced-for-crimes-against-disabled-people-to-international-criminal-court-in-the-hague/

Darkest It should be widely reported by the media but most seem to have allegiance to the Tories

[tolittletoolate]

I have been put in the support group for esa but tbh I wouldn't have minded being put in the wrag at all . It sounds like they do a lot to re train you to get a job.
I would love to be able to work but I'm not trained to do anything other than physical work and now I'm in a wheelchair that's impossible. I think I am in a minority though.

[Misspixietrix]

Double yes I believe it should go to a Judicial Review and hopefully will.

[Misspixietrix]

diaimlchlo don't they just? I've even fallen out with Channel 4!

[ParsingFright]

tolittle, you can ask to do the activities of the WRAG, if you find any that are any use for you. They're supposed to be available to everyone on ESA - just that for the WRAG, "being helped" is mandatory and enforced.

You can find out what your JobCentre disability clerks are offering locally.

I wouldn't get your hopes up too far - I looked into this back when it was a genuine service taken up only by people who found it useful (rather than a form of "hassle", as Lord Freud so charmingly put it). And even then their activities were mostly basic literacy, "CV-writing" and "being encouraging".

I used them to get a guaranteed interview for a job I'd seen in the paper. I didn't get the job - which may or may not have been because I disclosed my health problems and likely absence rate. Just as well all round, given my health then deteriorated, but there you go.

Anyway, you can but ask, and there might be something useful for you. But I would treat the DWP with caution and get everything in writing. You don't want to find you're now being treated as a mandatory participant and sanctioned if you decide it's not working for you (as happened to people re "voluntary work experience" aka workfare.)

Also, try your local college or library. Some may have courses cheap or free for people on certain benefits.

[tolittletoolate]

I'm in shock, have been awarded high rate mobility and middle rate care.
Looking at motability cars next week and a driving assessment so I can get an adapted car with hand controls as my legs are too weak to drive a normal car.
So relieved that I will actually have some independence and be able to go out

[BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability]

Woohoo, congratulations! (Seems weird to congratulate you, but i'm sure you know what i mean)

[tolittletoolate]

thank you, I feel happy that I've got it but sad that I am now officially 'disabled'

[ParsingFancy]

Hope life gets a lot better for you once you're out and about again.

[DoubleLifeIsALifeOfSorts]

Oh it's horribly poignant isnt it - you have to fight to become labelled as the thing you're fighting not to become :(

[Darkesteyes]

toolittle Hope getting out and about and getting independence again helps to make you a bit happier

[BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability]

I have my assessment today.

[ParsingFancy]

Thinking of you, Beyond.

You're allowed to have someone with you, and you're allowed to take notes.

Best of luck.

[BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability]

Its at home (in wales, capita do mainly home visits) so DH and the kids will be here. Which should be interesting...