Today, in the post. My partner received a letter From the DWP "Jobcentre Plus". This followed a telephone call and supporting followup letter.
The initial problem was a change in his payment frequency. A letter was received, a few weeks ago. Stating that, as he had requested a change to the payment frequency, it was now changed. Of course, no change was ever requested.
So we telephoned them. There was some excuse given about his surname (it is hyphenated). We should point out that for the last seven years they have had his correct information. The excuse was suggesting he had just notified them of a "change of name".
Based on previous experience with the DWP. I decided to write a letter. I would advise you to always follow up a call to them with a letter. If only so an "audit" trail is created on your file, but I digress.
The response this morning blames "human" and "computer" errors.
The key bit of information and the reason for this post is :
"The initial problem arose following information downloaded to the Income Support (IS) Computer System from the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Computer system. The DLA system currently holds your name correctly as a hyphenated surname, the IS system will not allow the name to be hyphenated. This resulted in your Income Support claim being suspended, incorrectly.
When Income Support was put back into the payment the computer system faulted and initially payments had to be made weekly."
This explaination completely different & much fuller than the initial phone call. We didn't know until this his benefit had been suspended.
I post this to show how the computer systems work. The potential problems that might arise. If you have a hyphenated surname "forewarned is forearmed".
On the DLA front. Further to previous posts. We are both still waiting to hear back from the DWP.
Saturday 15 March 2008
Friday 14 March 2008
Updates.
Well, Budget Day this week has started the debate on the Employment & Support Allowance. It has allowed us to get some idea of what, the powers that be, plan for those on Incapacity Benefit.
We have some more support from some well known faces. The last to sign was June Brown and the number of signatures continues to grow on the RPP petition.
Two weeks ago I emailed -MP’s & members of the W&P select committee. Vince Cable, Diane Abbott, David Cameron Ming Campbell, Jeremy Corbyn, Frank Dobson, Alan Duncan, Angela Eagle, George Galloway, Greg Hands, Glenda Jackson, Stephen Timms, Keith Vaz, Anne McGuire, Terry Rooney, Anne Begg, Harry Cohen, Michael Foster, Oliver Heald, Joan Humble, Tom Levitt, Greg Mulholland, John Penrose, Mark Pritchard, Jenny Willott.
I have had no response. I note that this week our issues have been picked up by the wider Budget debate, by some of the above. Am a great believer in "nothing ventured nothing gained" and doing something is better than not even trying.
I wrote to THR's Princes William & Harry. Prince Harry is very involved with HIV/Aids in Lesotho. I have received a response and will upload it to documents on the main web page.
The team, Tcell, is getting more organised. Working in the background to raise the profile of our issues. Thanks. More soon.
My partner is working on a new website to include this blog & forums. If there is anything you would like to see. Please email me. This is as much your resource as ours.
The GL 24 form from the DWP on how to appeal a benefit decision was added to Documents. Please read it it covers the route of appeals for all benefits and may prove useful elsewhere.
Note the responses to the polls, to gauge the picture of how this is affecting people. Thank you to all who have taken the time to vote & help with this data collection.
I note that of the 11 "votes" cast on the poll "I have had a decision on my DLA and.." - 5 people say it has stayed the same with 4 reporting a change.
Thank you to all who read this. I hope it helps. Thanks to all those who email & comment, sharing there experiences with us all.
We have some more support from some well known faces. The last to sign was June Brown and the number of signatures continues to grow on the RPP petition.
Two weeks ago I emailed -MP’s & members of the W&P select committee. Vince Cable, Diane Abbott, David Cameron Ming Campbell, Jeremy Corbyn, Frank Dobson, Alan Duncan, Angela Eagle, George Galloway, Greg Hands, Glenda Jackson, Stephen Timms, Keith Vaz, Anne McGuire, Terry Rooney, Anne Begg, Harry Cohen, Michael Foster, Oliver Heald, Joan Humble, Tom Levitt, Greg Mulholland, John Penrose, Mark Pritchard, Jenny Willott.
I have had no response. I note that this week our issues have been picked up by the wider Budget debate, by some of the above. Am a great believer in "nothing ventured nothing gained" and doing something is better than not even trying.
I wrote to THR's Princes William & Harry. Prince Harry is very involved with HIV/Aids in Lesotho. I have received a response and will upload it to documents on the main web page.
The team, Tcell, is getting more organised. Working in the background to raise the profile of our issues. Thanks. More soon.
My partner is working on a new website to include this blog & forums. If there is anything you would like to see. Please email me. This is as much your resource as ours.
The GL 24 form from the DWP on how to appeal a benefit decision was added to Documents. Please read it it covers the route of appeals for all benefits and may prove useful elsewhere.
Note the responses to the polls, to gauge the picture of how this is affecting people. Thank you to all who have taken the time to vote & help with this data collection.
I note that of the 11 "votes" cast on the poll "I have had a decision on my DLA and.." - 5 people say it has stayed the same with 4 reporting a change.
Thank you to all who read this. I hope it helps. Thanks to all those who email & comment, sharing there experiences with us all.
Thursday 13 March 2008
Terry Rooney MP mentioned today
Mr. Terry Rooney MP is the Chairman of the Work & Pensions Select Committee. You can find out some more information on him by clicking here. You will be aware I have written to him in the past.
I caught this by way of an interview on BBC News 24 with Aidan Hargitt of The Royal Association for Disability & Rehabilitation.
Though he spoke in the context of Incapacity Benefit & the incoming Employment & Support Allowance.
Mr Hargitt mentioned that Terry Rooney MP spoke in the House of Commons today. He mentioned that a recent survey showed that 70% of employers would not shortlist a candidate with a history of mental health problems.
{added 14th March 2008. you can read this debate by clicking here - you need to scroll down to this point.}
He did point out that those with "invisible impariments are liable to be most affected by any political drives to get people off Incapacity Benefits. Then this is very worrying. Because a 70% figure would suggest that there are many people out there who want to work but cannot" because of this barrier.
He went on to say that mental health problems are on the increase. That employers had undertaken some actions to deal with the issues raised but there was more work to be done.
As many people in DLA also claim Incapacity Benefit I thought this was worth posting for general information purposes.
We should be encouraged by organisations within the Disabled Community. Taking every oppourtunity to raise the common issues we all face.
You might also be interested in this story from the Times Online "Whitehall cannot afford to pay for incapacity benefit tests, say Tories"
This entry is not an endorsement of any political party. I merely mention it as some may not have caught the story. If you are aware of positions taken by others please add a comment with details or email me.
I caught this by way of an interview on BBC News 24 with Aidan Hargitt of The Royal Association for Disability & Rehabilitation.
Though he spoke in the context of Incapacity Benefit & the incoming Employment & Support Allowance.
Mr Hargitt mentioned that Terry Rooney MP spoke in the House of Commons today. He mentioned that a recent survey showed that 70% of employers would not shortlist a candidate with a history of mental health problems.
{added 14th March 2008. you can read this debate by clicking here - you need to scroll down to this point.}
He did point out that those with "invisible impariments are liable to be most affected by any political drives to get people off Incapacity Benefits. Then this is very worrying. Because a 70% figure would suggest that there are many people out there who want to work but cannot" because of this barrier.
He went on to say that mental health problems are on the increase. That employers had undertaken some actions to deal with the issues raised but there was more work to be done.
As many people in DLA also claim Incapacity Benefit I thought this was worth posting for general information purposes.
We should be encouraged by organisations within the Disabled Community. Taking every oppourtunity to raise the common issues we all face.
You might also be interested in this story from the Times Online "Whitehall cannot afford to pay for incapacity benefit tests, say Tories"
This entry is not an endorsement of any political party. I merely mention it as some may not have caught the story. If you are aware of positions taken by others please add a comment with details or email me.
Vince Cable, Treasury, Liberal Party - BBC News 24 today
From an interview with Vince Cable, Treasury, Liberal Party. On BBC News 24, concerning Incapacity Benefit.
You may also be interested in this story on the BBC News website - click here.
"He is calling for Support, and a flexible approach to those on Incapacity Benefit & "invalidity benefit". He mentions a "flexible" approach, needed to help people get back to part time work so that they are not penalised.
He picked up on the Mental Health issues.
He raised the issue of the medical tests. Over riding the judgements of GP's. People working to quota's as they already do for some of the disability benefits. Trying to get people off the lists but not actually solving the problem.
He was asked if it was his "gut instinct" or "worry" that this was just a ways of saving money.
He replied that it was. Though he acknowledged that some money could be saved. But that you have to "invest" to "save". That the money had to go in to help people that are disabled especially those with mental health issues.
He also said there were no short cuts here. That this wasn't going to happen quickly or easily."
I did email Mr. Cable as part of a cross party email I sent out about our issues. I have had no response. However his response above clearly indicates he is very aware of the problems we as part of the disabled community are facing.
This entry is not an endorsement of any political party. I merely mention it as some may not have caught the story. If you are aware of positions taken by others please add a comment with details or email me.
You may also be interested in this story on the BBC News website - click here.
"He is calling for Support, and a flexible approach to those on Incapacity Benefit & "invalidity benefit". He mentions a "flexible" approach, needed to help people get back to part time work so that they are not penalised.
He picked up on the Mental Health issues.
He raised the issue of the medical tests. Over riding the judgements of GP's. People working to quota's as they already do for some of the disability benefits. Trying to get people off the lists but not actually solving the problem.
He was asked if it was his "gut instinct" or "worry" that this was just a ways of saving money.
He replied that it was. Though he acknowledged that some money could be saved. But that you have to "invest" to "save". That the money had to go in to help people that are disabled especially those with mental health issues.
He also said there were no short cuts here. That this wasn't going to happen quickly or easily."
I did email Mr. Cable as part of a cross party email I sent out about our issues. I have had no response. However his response above clearly indicates he is very aware of the problems we as part of the disabled community are facing.
This entry is not an endorsement of any political party. I merely mention it as some may not have caught the story. If you are aware of positions taken by others please add a comment with details or email me.
Wednesday 12 March 2008
Budget Day.
Today is Budget Day. It's very much the lead story on all UK based news channels.
You can get a copy of the full Budget Report (222 pages as a .pdf) from the BBC website by clicking here.
This will open a new page or attempt to download the document to your computer.
There is some information within this document relating to the introduction of the Employment & Support Allowance (EAS) that is replacing Incapacity Benefit, Income Support & Jobseekers Allowance in October 2008.
Most notable from section 4.5 page 59,
"To ensure this increased work focus benefits current as well as future claimants,
from April 2010 all incapacity benefits claimants who started their claim before October
2008 will be required to take the Work Capability Assessment."
At the moment if you are subject to an " exemption due to "that he/she is in receipt of the highest rate care component of disability living allowance"..". With regard to an Incapacity Benefit Claim. Click here for a previous post on IB. It is not clear if this will continue when the EAS is introduced.
If you receive the "personal care component" at a lower rate, by April 2010. It is not clear How DLA interacts with this. I will try and get an answer. If however you are able to shed more light on this please email me or comment to this post.
Doing a search, not exhaustive, I found the following interesting:
Search using the key word "Disabled"
Page 57 - Section 4 (4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, Table 4.1 ,4.13, 4.14, 4.36 : Page 97 section 6.31 : Page 115 table A.22)
Search using the key word "Disability Living Allowance"
Page 136 Table A 3.1.
By all means look through it for yourself. If I have missed something please add a comment.
"Forewarned is forearmed"
You can get a copy of the full Budget Report (222 pages as a .pdf) from the BBC website by clicking here.
This will open a new page or attempt to download the document to your computer.
There is some information within this document relating to the introduction of the Employment & Support Allowance (EAS) that is replacing Incapacity Benefit, Income Support & Jobseekers Allowance in October 2008.
Most notable from section 4.5 page 59,
"To ensure this increased work focus benefits current as well as future claimants,
from April 2010 all incapacity benefits claimants who started their claim before October
2008 will be required to take the Work Capability Assessment."
At the moment if you are subject to an " exemption due to "that he/she is in receipt of the highest rate care component of disability living allowance"..". With regard to an Incapacity Benefit Claim. Click here for a previous post on IB. It is not clear if this will continue when the EAS is introduced.
If you receive the "personal care component" at a lower rate, by April 2010. It is not clear How DLA interacts with this. I will try and get an answer. If however you are able to shed more light on this please email me or comment to this post.
Doing a search, not exhaustive, I found the following interesting:
Search using the key word "Disabled"
Page 57 - Section 4 (4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, Table 4.1 ,4.13, 4.14, 4.36 : Page 97 section 6.31 : Page 115 table A.22)
Search using the key word "Disability Living Allowance"
Page 136 Table A 3.1.
By all means look through it for yourself. If I have missed something please add a comment.
"Forewarned is forearmed"
DWP "If you think our decision is wrong" Form GL24 DWP
If you are looking to understand what avenue's are open to you. Should you wish to appeal a decision for any benefit.
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) have a information leaflet & form (GL24 DWP) that is available from the Jobcentre website.
For ease of access. You will also find this doument. In .pdf format. In the Documents section of the main website.
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) have a information leaflet & form (GL24 DWP) that is available from the Jobcentre website.
For ease of access. You will also find this doument. In .pdf format. In the Documents section of the main website.
Tuesday 11 March 2008
BBC News website "HIV 'hides from drugs for years'"
FYI : you maybe interested in this story from the BBC news website today.
" BBC NEWS
HIV 'hides from drugs for years'
HIV can survive the apparently effective onslaught of antiviral drugs for years by hiding away in the body's cells, research shows.
The US National Cancer Institute found low levels of dormant HIV in patients seven years after they started - and responded well to - standard therapy.
The finding confirms patients must take drugs indefinitely, and that any break runs the risk of rekindling infection.
The study features in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
People with HIV need to take treatment indefinitely because current drugs cannot reach this pool of dormant virus
Keith Alcorn
NAM
The researchers followed 40 patients infected with HIV for seven years.
Doctors do not usually record infection levels once the number of HIV particles falls below 50 per ml of blood.
However, the NCI team used highly sensitive equipment to measure infection levels below this threshold.
They found that the virus was still present at low levels in 77% of the patients.
The research suggests that although potent antiretroviral therapy can suppress HIV infection to almost undetectable levels, it cannot eradicate the virus.
Renewed risk
The researchers said that even though levels of the virus that remain are low, they are high enough to rekindle infection if treatment is interrupted.
The risk of infecting others is low, but cannot be ruled out.
They believe HIV may be harboured by CD4+ cells, which play a role in the immune system.
These cells are most likely infected before therapy was initiated and the amount of virus they produce is small.
Researcher Dr Sarah Palmer said: "It is extremely important that new drugs are developed to eradicate HIV infection as the side effects associated with long-term HIV treatment can be severe."
She also warned that failing to take prescribed medication raised the risk that HIV could begin to develop resistance, rendering future treatment less effective.
Keith Alcorn, of the HIV information service NAM, said scientists were looking at approaches to treatment that could flush out HIV from cells.
He said: "This research shows that, for the time being, people with HIV need to take treatment indefinitely because current drugs cannot reach this pool of dormant virus.
"If treatment stops, this pool of virus provides the basis for a rapid rebound in virus levels."
Mary Lima, a treatment advisor at the HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "This study only highlights the complexity of HIV and why it's so difficult for us to find a cure.
"It's important we find out as much as possible about how HIV acts over long periods of time, so we can continue to develop new treatment strategies to tackle it.
In order to keep people with HIV well for longer, we need to attack the virus at all stages."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/7287792.stm
Published: 2008/03/11 08:03:14 GMT
© BBC MMVIII"
" BBC NEWS
HIV 'hides from drugs for years'
HIV can survive the apparently effective onslaught of antiviral drugs for years by hiding away in the body's cells, research shows.
The US National Cancer Institute found low levels of dormant HIV in patients seven years after they started - and responded well to - standard therapy.
The finding confirms patients must take drugs indefinitely, and that any break runs the risk of rekindling infection.
The study features in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
People with HIV need to take treatment indefinitely because current drugs cannot reach this pool of dormant virus
Keith Alcorn
NAM
The researchers followed 40 patients infected with HIV for seven years.
Doctors do not usually record infection levels once the number of HIV particles falls below 50 per ml of blood.
However, the NCI team used highly sensitive equipment to measure infection levels below this threshold.
They found that the virus was still present at low levels in 77% of the patients.
The research suggests that although potent antiretroviral therapy can suppress HIV infection to almost undetectable levels, it cannot eradicate the virus.
Renewed risk
The researchers said that even though levels of the virus that remain are low, they are high enough to rekindle infection if treatment is interrupted.
The risk of infecting others is low, but cannot be ruled out.
They believe HIV may be harboured by CD4+ cells, which play a role in the immune system.
These cells are most likely infected before therapy was initiated and the amount of virus they produce is small.
Researcher Dr Sarah Palmer said: "It is extremely important that new drugs are developed to eradicate HIV infection as the side effects associated with long-term HIV treatment can be severe."
She also warned that failing to take prescribed medication raised the risk that HIV could begin to develop resistance, rendering future treatment less effective.
Keith Alcorn, of the HIV information service NAM, said scientists were looking at approaches to treatment that could flush out HIV from cells.
He said: "This research shows that, for the time being, people with HIV need to take treatment indefinitely because current drugs cannot reach this pool of dormant virus.
"If treatment stops, this pool of virus provides the basis for a rapid rebound in virus levels."
Mary Lima, a treatment advisor at the HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "This study only highlights the complexity of HIV and why it's so difficult for us to find a cure.
"It's important we find out as much as possible about how HIV acts over long periods of time, so we can continue to develop new treatment strategies to tackle it.
In order to keep people with HIV well for longer, we need to attack the virus at all stages."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/7287792.stm
Published: 2008/03/11 08:03:14 GMT
© BBC MMVIII"
Freedom Passes.
Just to raise this as many are facing a renewal.
Whereas the first source of information should be your local council.
You may be interested in the Freedom Pass website run on behalf of all local councils
There are some "dead links" on this site and I have emailed them. Also I found myself being cut off before I could get to talk to someone. Just be aware if you call them.
It is worth noting that
"Q. I have a disability, can I apply for a freedom pass?
A. Disabled freedom passes are issued through your local borough council - contact them to apply. The councils follow the criteria set out by the Transport Act 2000 which outlines the 7 catagories of disability used to assess eligibility for a freedom pass.
Local councils may at their discretion issue passes to disabled people that do not meet these criteria. For further details see the Department for Transport website."
this found on this website by clicking here.
Whereas the first source of information should be your local council.
You may be interested in the Freedom Pass website run on behalf of all local councils
There are some "dead links" on this site and I have emailed them. Also I found myself being cut off before I could get to talk to someone. Just be aware if you call them.
It is worth noting that
"Q. I have a disability, can I apply for a freedom pass?
A. Disabled freedom passes are issued through your local borough council - contact them to apply. The councils follow the criteria set out by the Transport Act 2000 which outlines the 7 catagories of disability used to assess eligibility for a freedom pass.
Local councils may at their discretion issue passes to disabled people that do not meet these criteria. For further details see the Department for Transport website."
this found on this website by clicking here.
Are you a member of a Trade Union
Thanks to Nigel, one of my Tcell colleagues for this. (the power of team work)
You may be a retired member of a Trade Union. Only you will know your membership status. Call them. They may still be able to help you. As a member albeit (retired) you still have access to the services of your Union. They may also have a "hardship fund" that you may be able to access.
Also if you consider work. Worthwhile joining a Trade Union to get the protections is affords. Trade Unions will only deal with issues you face after you have joined them by the way. There may also be a qualifying period before support is given. Check with the union directly.
You may be a retired member of a Trade Union. Only you will know your membership status. Call them. They may still be able to help you. As a member albeit (retired) you still have access to the services of your Union. They may also have a "hardship fund" that you may be able to access.
Also if you consider work. Worthwhile joining a Trade Union to get the protections is affords. Trade Unions will only deal with issues you face after you have joined them by the way. There may also be a qualifying period before support is given. Check with the union directly.
Monday 10 March 2008
Education ....
Some have mentioned. That whilst they have been unable to work or secure a job because of the discrimination & stigmatism they have faced.
That they have undertaken various forms of study that they have been able to fit in around the day-to-day problems they face with their HIV.
Some have at least one, if not, more degree's.
Yet when they try an apply for any job. The fact they have this wealth of educational achievement. Once HIV is mentioned. This seems to fall by the wayside.
They also face the issue of being "over qualified" for certain jobs.
Just thought I would mention this as an issue as I haven't picked up on it so far. I is just another problem we might have to face.
Clearly this indicates that people are willing to improve themselves by undertaking such activities. Well done if you have managed to do this.
Trying to get access to education is slightly easier than trying to get a job. But can also raises some common issues.
Most educational establishments will understand you have "bad days". That this can mean long periods where you cannot study. Will be compassionate to your lack of attendance. As they will usually put in place processes to ensure you do not suffer adversely.
That they have undertaken various forms of study that they have been able to fit in around the day-to-day problems they face with their HIV.
Some have at least one, if not, more degree's.
Yet when they try an apply for any job. The fact they have this wealth of educational achievement. Once HIV is mentioned. This seems to fall by the wayside.
They also face the issue of being "over qualified" for certain jobs.
Just thought I would mention this as an issue as I haven't picked up on it so far. I is just another problem we might have to face.
Clearly this indicates that people are willing to improve themselves by undertaking such activities. Well done if you have managed to do this.
Trying to get access to education is slightly easier than trying to get a job. But can also raises some common issues.
Most educational establishments will understand you have "bad days". That this can mean long periods where you cannot study. Will be compassionate to your lack of attendance. As they will usually put in place processes to ensure you do not suffer adversely.
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