Hi
:eek: I know I am not the first and no where near the last person but
I had the letter today from the JobCentre to tell me that the IB benefit I receive for the past so many years is changing. Like a ticking timer I was expecting it of course but didnt know when (could of waited until January to be honest as this adds extra pressure on top of the already additional stress over the festive weeks for me :o) now theres the hold ups and delays over the Chrismas period where offices will be closed and appointments will have to wait.
I know the letter explains what they intend to do their going to call me and ask me some questions then send me a form / questionaire to complete with the details of my illness or disability.
The form is called Limited Capability for Work. Can someone tell me what kind of questions they ask? Am I likely to get help from my Dr to fill it in etc?
My first fear is the phonecall, I hardly ever talk or call anyone on the phone as I am so shy. It takes me a while to get to the phone as well, I do have an answermachine but will they leave a message?
The whole thing is such a worry and has sent me into such a panic. Ive heared the stories of people having their benefit taken from them and left with nothing to live on and / or forced to work for their benefits in pain from their conditions etc and it all sounds so horrendous.
I admit I havent worked for many years, my last job was self employed with my husband (who still works for himself) but I even had to give that up sadly as it became too much. Could I look at returning to this or getting another work from home job for myself if needed?
I have a phobia of new situations, places, people. My husband or a trusted friend has to accompany me everywhere or I get panicky and disorientated. Part of my illness has made me have to stay in a lot as I dont drive im not housebound but I find it difficult to be out and about especialy in winter where there are more slip hazzards to fear.
I was turned down twice for DLA many years ago for Ankylosing Spondilitis, even though my Rhumatologist advised me to apply for it and although I should of reapplied by now I havent as not had the confidence after my last appeal was squashed . My condition now is so much worse and I have had increased problems this past year with several flare ups, pain I cant control properly (inadequate medication) and sleepless nights due to it. Its not just affecting my joints and spine by my whole life and mental health too. Im not saying I dont want to work I have a difnity and would like to try but more of a point I feel I just cant work and wouldnt be any use to anyone and am terrified of what is to happen now. Im not a scrounger and dont like living off benefits they are there to support what we cant afford, eg the weekly food shop (husbands Working Tax Credits pay the bills), but honestly if they took them off me I still would consider if I was fit enough to go back to work and would probably not be able to so just suffer in silence having to find another way to make ends meet. Its difficult enough now so how much more I can take I hope I dont need to find out.
Can someone please tell me what to expect, I am going out of my mind with fear and worry.
Sorry if this all seems a little OTT right now but thats the way I feel about it all :(
Thanks
:eek: I know I am not the first and no where near the last person but
I had the letter today from the JobCentre to tell me that the IB benefit I receive for the past so many years is changing. Like a ticking timer I was expecting it of course but didnt know when (could of waited until January to be honest as this adds extra pressure on top of the already additional stress over the festive weeks for me :o) now theres the hold ups and delays over the Chrismas period where offices will be closed and appointments will have to wait.
I know the letter explains what they intend to do their going to call me and ask me some questions then send me a form / questionaire to complete with the details of my illness or disability.
The form is called Limited Capability for Work. Can someone tell me what kind of questions they ask? Am I likely to get help from my Dr to fill it in etc?
My first fear is the phonecall, I hardly ever talk or call anyone on the phone as I am so shy. It takes me a while to get to the phone as well, I do have an answermachine but will they leave a message?
The whole thing is such a worry and has sent me into such a panic. Ive heared the stories of people having their benefit taken from them and left with nothing to live on and / or forced to work for their benefits in pain from their conditions etc and it all sounds so horrendous.
I admit I havent worked for many years, my last job was self employed with my husband (who still works for himself) but I even had to give that up sadly as it became too much. Could I look at returning to this or getting another work from home job for myself if needed?
I have a phobia of new situations, places, people. My husband or a trusted friend has to accompany me everywhere or I get panicky and disorientated. Part of my illness has made me have to stay in a lot as I dont drive im not housebound but I find it difficult to be out and about especialy in winter where there are more slip hazzards to fear.
I was turned down twice for DLA many years ago for Ankylosing Spondilitis, even though my Rhumatologist advised me to apply for it and although I should of reapplied by now I havent as not had the confidence after my last appeal was squashed . My condition now is so much worse and I have had increased problems this past year with several flare ups, pain I cant control properly (inadequate medication) and sleepless nights due to it. Its not just affecting my joints and spine by my whole life and mental health too. Im not saying I dont want to work I have a difnity and would like to try but more of a point I feel I just cant work and wouldnt be any use to anyone and am terrified of what is to happen now. Im not a scrounger and dont like living off benefits they are there to support what we cant afford, eg the weekly food shop (husbands Working Tax Credits pay the bills), but honestly if they took them off me I still would consider if I was fit enough to go back to work and would probably not be able to so just suffer in silence having to find another way to make ends meet. Its difficult enough now so how much more I can take I hope I dont need to find out.
Can someone please tell me what to expect, I am going out of my mind with fear and worry.
Sorry if this all seems a little OTT right now but thats the way I feel about it all :(
Thanks