Feeling a bit annoyed. Was told in April that, because I'm a full time student, with no dependents, I'm not entitled to Universal Credit unless I'm claiming PIP. I wasn't entitled to ESA due to my wages having been so low the last 2-3 years that I wasn't paying NI. For the same reason, I've not been getting sick pay.
As my health isn't looking at getting any better, I'm in 2 minds about finishing my degree as 2nd year was difficult and, with resits coming up, I might manage to scrape a 2:1 for the year. I can't have the level of absence I had last year in my final year. I decided to phone the Universal Credit helpline to find out where I would stand if I took time out from university to get on top of my health.
All of a sudden, I'm told I am entitled to Universal Credit because I'm a disabled student. Just put the claim in and you can apply for an advance. Great, because the cupboards are bare, there's no petrol in the car and I have bills due. So I put a claim in, phoned to make my first appointment.
Turns out that you can't apply for an advance until after your first appointment. My first appointment is next Thursday. Phoned the help line again this morning to see what they could do.
"Oh, it's nothing to do with your appointment. It's because we're assessing your education status." But I was told that wouldn't be a problem because I'm disabled.
Asked to go to the local job centre this afternoon as an impromptu appointment. Then was phoned back: "You're in education. You do know that because you're a student, we might well turn you down, even though you're disabled, struggle to walk, and have no money. But come anyway."
I'm trying desperately to find a job that accommodates my need to sit down regularly or use a walking aid, but every single one requires me to have experience which I don't have or are too far away. I'm still off sick from my current job and, unless the management change their minds about how reasonable it is to provide a chair (currently completely unreasonable) I won't be able to return, though my manager still believes in the discovery of a miracle cure in the next few weeks.
Can they not just make their minds up and stick to one thing instead of messing vulnerable people about?