I've just had a benefits shock... ESA contributions based (you can get this for up to a year) self employed, fully up to date with NI, signed off by GP for major orthopaedic troubles involving multiple surgeries, crutches, severe constant pain.
Had my work capability assessment 8 months in to the year and they have decided I am fully fit to work and stopped the benefit completely and immediately. They now use a points system, like PIP, and the hoops to jump through are insanely specific.
Mandatory reconsideration has failed to change the decision, even though I'm going in this week for a big inpatient treatment, have had two other surgeries during the time of the claim, and their decisions on my mobility levels are patently ridiculous and wrong.
So now I've got to appeal through the tribunal process, with a hearing and whatever evidence I can get to change the decision. GP is writing a letter - why the fit notes they have been giving me aren't enough I have no idea.
In the meantime I have to start a fresh claim to cover the surgery and recovery period.
This is all a massive use of time and effort for both me, the GP and consultant, and the DWP. For a contributions based sickness benefit that I've used in the past for similar but less severe patches with no trouble at all to cover gaps in my self employment.
The system is broken, make no mistake. Things that used to help workers when times were tough are now made unavailable unless you happen by soem miracle to fit their restrictive profile of acceptable conditions.
Gawd help us all.