About to be made homeless

[stuffed]

I really didn't want to make this my first post:- but I'm at my witts end trying to get things sorted.

 

My problems started when ATOS didn't bother to read both hospital consultants letters or carers letters that explained I had been made house bound with servere health problems. ATOS booked an assessment and I knew that the WCA is specifically designed to deprive people of their Benefits.

 

For my own protection I covertly recorded call and quite simply stated that they had recieved the requested information and I was housebound due to ill health. The extremely unpleasent lady stated she would record it as a refusal.

I stated it wasn't a refusal as too ill to attend and I had been recording for my own safety.

Lady went mental and that was end of call.

 

Appointment arrives and also a cancellation letter that states further information recieved you no longer need to attend.

 

Fast forward 3 months and 25 feb without any notice I receive call from land lord that my rent has not been paid and why had I not told them my benefits had been stopped.

 

Contacted my Keyworker and social worker and 2 days and 5 hours later we have been told that DWP count too ill to attend as refusal ( why 3 months later? and no letters). Further to this although by law you can request a home visit recorded- they won't do it and my account remains locked without job centre being allowed any access.

 

My keyworker tried to get a crisis loan and it got nowhere.

 

It appears that because I dared to record a call that was specifically designed to make false claims of refusal I have been targeted in the hope months later I would not still have letter and audio recording.

 

So I find myself liable to be homeless as the land lords goodwill will not last for ever when they too have financial commitments.

 

The National Autistic Society are a waste of space and I'm at a loss what to do- going to try to contact MP and Shelter and Keyworker will try again this week.

 

any ideas?

[trekster]

You have a right to an appeal, if a wheelchair user can get a home visit then surely you should be able to get 1. Agree NAS are quite hit and miss, they have no experience in housing.

[matzoball]

You also need to go to citizens advice as well who could help you with your appeal. Your key worker should also be able to request a home visit for you. I would also look into legal action.

[Special_talent123]

U could try shelter

[phantom sneeze]

Worst-case scenario in the event of homelessness social services have a duty of care especially if your vulnerable to find you appropriate accommodation.

 

What team does your social worker work for, Vulnerable adults or learning disability? Do you have a appointee or can you appoint your social worker to deal with DWP on your behalf as he'll have more more clout so to speak. Was you on the assessment rate of ESA and has that been stopped along with your housing benefit?

[stuffed]

Hi everything has been disallowed 25th feb without any letters, specialist autism social worker and key worker spent 8 plus hours trying to get any answers and it sorted.

 

Keyworker contacting MP for me.

 

No letters to myself or keyworker to explain what is going on-told 9months to get tribunal appeal.

Told not eligible for crisis loan when key worker tried due to whatever dwp have done

[Sally44]

I thought that whilst the appeal process was going on that you are supposed to keep receiving benefits?

 

I had an assessment, received Incapacity Benefit prior to that. They decided I was fit for work. I appealed and my ESA continued whilst the appeal process was under way. I am now in part time work, so ESA stopped as soon as I began work. But these 'changes' to my circumstances affected all my other benefits and it took months, and involving my MP to finally get things sorted.

 

But I would ask your KeyWorker to speak to DWP, because, as said, once you lodge an appeal you are supposed to continue receiving your benefits until the Decision after the actual Appeal.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Sally44

[stuffed]

I thought that whilst the appeal process was going on that you are supposed to keep receiving benefits?

 

I had an assessment, received Incapacity Benefit prior to that. They decided I was fit for work. I appealed and my ESA continued whilst the appeal process was under way. I am now in part time work, so ESA stopped as soon as I began work. But these 'changes' to my circumstances affected all my other benefits and it took months, and involving my MP to finally get things sorted.

 

But I would ask your KeyWorker to speak to DWP, because, as said, once you lodge an appeal you are supposed to continue receiving your benefits until the Decision after the actual Appeal.

 

That is what is supposed to normally happen, but dwp have spun atos housebound call I recorded as a "refusal" even though atos sent an appointment cancelled letter stating no need to attend-further information received.

 

 

I used to get lower rate mobility and middle rate care and incapacity benefit with enhancements. For age and disability.

 

I have made it quite clear that provided as is a recognised right- any assessment must be recorded.

 

It appears that recording atos trying to stitch me up has gained extra special victimization.

 

That and the only examples I can find of zero letters and disallowed and account locked were benefit fraud cases.

 

I can't see how being recently hospitalised,18 years of nhs notes from child to adult.

And a direct payments carer who also works for National Autistic Society why they could think anything other than legitimate.

 

We have tried to get reinstated on appeal-no go and 4 months delay after alleged refusal is most odd. I believe atos provisionally okayed claim and dwp reviewed call recording and vindictive individual disallowed claim without any notice

 

It appears the mp holds a surgery locally this week- so key worker going to make an appointment

Edited March 13, 2013 by stuffed

[stuffed]

Keyworker didn't turn up- parent took me to see MP who can't believe just how bad things are.

Oh and National Autistic Society have made my account message pre approved as I complained they didn't wanr to know I am stuck with with no money and rent arrears.

 

Nominal Autistic Society

[Lyndalou]

What is your MP saying they can do for you? Are they confident they can help and are you?

[stuffed]

What is your MP saying they can do for you? Are they confident they can help and are you?

MP very helpful and we had an hour there with copies of paperwork and said they would try first thing Monday.

 

I have a dwp letter that says we have reconsidered and still won't change our mind.

 

Doctor has written a letter a that in a nutshell says that I'm unemployable due to diagnosis and ill health verified by hospital consultant.

 

So there you have it waiting back on MP and I will post more when I have any idea what is happening.

 

Thanks

[JeanneA]

I do hope things get resolved for you, what an awful position to be in. Look forward to hearing how you get on.

[stuffed]

I do hope things get resolved for you, what an awful position to be in. Look forward to hearing how you get on.

It appears my money was stopped on 13th February and letters appeared at key workers office this week.

MP has requested further information and still trying to get it sorted.

 

Direct Payments Carer met with key worker and drafted a complaints letter-along with GP letter that states my diagnosis, ill health making me unemployable.

 

:-( kind words do not help with practicalities such as rent/bills and food and Key worker said they couldn't assist in bills and food.

 

I have found other cases of disallowed without explanation and it appears those who expect atos and dwp to play by their own guidlines are singled out.

Edited March 23, 2013 by stuffed

[Lyndalou]

Really glad to hear that the MP is working so proactively on your behalf and hope resolution can be reached very soon. It is appalling that you have been treated in the way you have been and if there are people out there (including you) out there who are being penalised for speaking up and questioning decisions made about their benefits I hope that this MP can use his influence to get to the bottom of it all and close whatever loopholes allow this to happen.

 

Are you still unable to get a crisis loan? Is there anyone to help you with food and bills meantime? Would there be any of those food co-ops local to you (for people who find themselves in crisis) where you could get food from?

[stuffed]

Really glad to hear that the MP is working so proactively on your behalf and hope resolution can be reached very soon. It is appalling that you have been treated in the way you have been and if there are people out there (including you) out there who are being penalised for speaking up and questioning decisions made about their benefits I hope that this MP can use his influence to get to the bottom of it all and close whatever loopholes allow this to happen.

 

Are you still unable to get a crisis loan? Is there anyone to help you with food and bills meantime? Would there be any of those food co-ops local to you (for people who find themselves in crisis) where you could get food from?

 

The bottom line is DWP totally ignore 18 years of nhs documentation / Carers letters / Hospital consultants letters /keyworker from recognised NHS organisation.

 

It appears that they will not read or realise that documentation going back to 10 years old shows proven Aspergers and Hospital Consultants letters stating current ill health ignored.

 

The job centre can't help as my account remotely locked by DWP.

 

Crisis Loan I am not eligable due to whatever DWP have done to block my account and same with community care grants.

 

Spoken to the NAS who simply do not want to know as no revenue attached to me.

 

Shelter and several other charities regurgitate the same contact the job centre and citizens advice- until homeless they can't do much.

 

Salvation Army have listened and may be able to supply food and a hot meal several times a week if I get notice to quit.

 

I find it frightening that commons debate states 43% drop off the system and they don't know what happens to people.

 

I have checked and with doctors letter and medical notes, even if the job centre could get me on job seekers for six months- not eligible as medically ill.

 

So unless I turn into a modern day robin hood-it would seem my treatment by DWP is a direct retaliation for simply asking for a fair assessment and it recorded so it could be proven that what was said accurately reflected in any report.

(which both FOI show recording is a legally recognised right and on request should be done)

 

If I had not recorded atos then their abuse of power would have allowed them to lie, because I did I have DWP retaliate in a way designed to cause maximum dificulty.

 

The Autism act,Equalities act and Disabled Persons act all mean nothing IMHO when it comes to DWP and much as most people hate the job centre staff- the have actually been okay and explained their hands are tied by DWP

 

So if anyone knows or has any ideas I would consider almost anything at the moment as falling through gaps in a system allegedly supportive of those genuinely in need.

Edited March 23, 2013 by stuffed

[Lyndalou]

I don't know what else to suggest other than what you've already tried apart from contacting a Disability Rights organisation? Also, there is an MP local to me who often brings up disability rights issues in the Commons who is disabled herself - Anne Begg - is there anyone else like this your MP could liaise with?

[stuffed]

I don't know what else to suggest other than what you've already tried apart from contacting a Disability Rights organisation? Also, there is an MP local to me who often brings up disability rights issues in the Commons who is disabled herself - Anne Begg - is there anyone else like this your MP could liaise with?

Hi I have tried google and the Disability Law Service have advised in the past, it seems that the system is imoral,defective and untouchable- leaving me with little more options.

I did try a charity called Turn2us and the core problem appears to be that the organisations are only set up to point people to Job Centre and Citizens Advice.

 

I will try Citizens Advice again, but it all seems to come back to DWP, I'm keen to try anything at the moment as a week on the MP doesn't seem to have managed to progress my cause as yet.

 

This cascade of what can only be described as vindictive abuse continues, it appears assistance is only available AFTER your made homeless.

 

Knowing that the situation is a slowly building disaster I have tried various charities, I have a Key Worker, GP, Hospital Consultant and MP who would verify that this is genuine situation, but I find that unless the charity can charge against Direct Payments or similar they won't help.

 

I'm also finding increasing stress within my family as they are unable to help and fustrated.

Edited March 23, 2013 by stuffed

[smileyK]

What about local food banks??? Tins packets? Xxx KL X

[phantom sneeze]

You could have your needs assessed by social services and if you meet the criteria you might be offered a place in supported living, I know plenty of people with Aspergers in supported living settings. You need to show they you find it difficult to live independently.

[stuffed]

What about local food banks??? Tins packets? Xxx KL X

 

I asked the salvation army, but not sure how I would access food bank locally? I will have to investigate after the weekend.

[stuffed]

You could have your needs assessed by social services and if you meet the criteria you might be offered a place in supported living, I know plenty of people with Aspergers in supported living settings. You need to show they you find it difficult to live independently.

 

I get a direct payments carer that the NHS hold a devolved council budget-I have told direct payments department I have no income and this triggers a new assessment at some point.

 

I'm NOT suicidal, but really angry at how it appears 1 person in DWP can launch a cascade of what is basically abuse and be seeming untouchable.

 

I generally worry my situation isn't a one off and while I will explore every possibility- what happens to those less able?

[smileyK]

Our food banks @ YCMA's and local churches etc your area might do it different but worth finding out!!! Xxx KL xxx

[stuffed]

Thanks I have found also

http://www.trusselltrust.org which I will call Monday.

 

I have also learnt about a 156 week sanction the dwp have (yes that is 3 years) and wonder if that's what has been done?

 

I still think any contact with dwp and atos should be recorded and if stitched put on youtube.

 

http://www.google.co...pOFcjBS0amCdj-Q

 

Page 20 ATOS beaten and DWP sanction, this is simply for being ill and stating I would record any assessment as FOI states you can do.

 

we condemned the nazi's for disabled genocide, yet the DWP have done exactly the same targeting expert recognised disabled.

 

Frankly I'm ashamed to be English as these are not the values that I was brought up to believe in.

 

It ashames me to say this but I'm seriously considering begging or stealing from multi national companies.:-(

 

I'm at the end of my rope:-

• MP hasn't managed to sort it so far
  
• Rent still not being paid
  
• No income so bills mounting up
  
• Angry Resentful and peed off, I phoned job centre and they still say no deal-I said to the person I am considering setting fire to myself in the local job centre-not the slightest concern.
  
• Numpty Keyworker phoned and expressed concern, but still nothing practical after various letters sent to DWP
  

Edited April 4, 2013 by trekster

[Canopus]

I know this sounds like inciting criminal behavior but if you are evicted then I strongly recommend destroying your house by totally smashing it to pieces. Leave the landlord with a ruin.

[Lyndalou]

I know this sounds like inciting criminal behavior but if you are evicted then I strongly recommend destroying your house by totally smashing it to pieces. Leave the landlord with a ruin.

 

In all honesty, I would think this would get Stuffed into all sorts of bother. I don't think he has inferred that the landlord has been in any way to blame for the current situation and in fact has been quite understanding?

 

Stuffed, I really hope everyone is continuing to support you to try to resolve this somehow. Really don't know what to suggest but it's completely understandable that you are feeling the way you are. Can you stay with anyone meantime? I know this is not technically classed as 'homeless' and doesn't help pay the rent you are still due but it could give you a chance to regroup with a roof over your head.

[stuffed]

I know this sounds like inciting criminal behavior but if you are evicted then I strongly recommend destroying your house by totally smashing it to pieces. Leave the landlord with a ruin.

 

 

In all honesty, I would think this would get Stuffed into all sorts of bother. I don't think he has inferred that the landlord has been in any way to blame for the current situation and in fact has been quite understanding?

 

Stuffed, I really hope everyone is continuing to support you to try to resolve this somehow. Really don't know what to suggest but it's completely understandable that you are feeling the way you are. Can you stay with anyone meantime? I know this is not technically classed as 'homeless' and doesn't help pay the rent you are still due but it could give you a chance to regroup with a roof over your head.

 

The Land Lord has been good in this situation so far and I believe they got tribunal booklet or similar to contest the stopping of rent, the landlord isn't the villain and causing them further losses would only serve to attack the wrong and blameless party.

 

I believe the neighbours who are in a council property are moving soon, If the opportunity arises I guess I could squat using the place as my main residence by gaining access without damage.

 

What I want to do is retaliate in a manner that does not hurt an individual so Government/Council and Multinationals are fair game.

 

I have thought about stealing, thing is I have no experience and running in my current condition is unlikely- I have considered a pre approved loan and a debt relief order to walk away from it.

 

I've been eating frozen and canned food and my freezer supply is running low now, I've had some meals with friends and family as well.

 

I want to be put in a position of equity from this social injustice.

[Kazzen161]

Are there any food banks locally? At least you would have some food then.

[Charlie C]

I've been on the breadline numerous times actually homeless on occasions so I know what its like. You survive. You need your emergency rations if the worst comes to worse and you find yourself homeless, most important thing you need is a tent and sleeping bag, they are often given out in homeless outreach centres, find a quite spot to pitch up best on the outskirts of town but within walking distance, you'll actually get alot of support finding accommodation from the outreach team so most likely you won't be on the street long but you'll be placed in a hostel and you'll still be classed as homeless on the council register and housed quicker.

 

How old are you? If your under 25 the youth service will help you with food parcels as well as adult homeless outreach they ofter the basics but nothing special. I don't condone shoplifting but I have done it I don't think its a very good idea if I give you tips on here because it basically a crime you if caught you'll get arrested.

 

You'll actually find very edible food thrown away in supermarkets dustbin often wrapped up quite well to protect them from contamination, tins of beans, bread, sweets thrown away in huge amonts, best to leave the large superstores and concentrate on small convenience stores like coop as they don't use compressors, you'll find all sorts to survive.

[stuffed]

Hi thanks, the MP assistant has been in contact, quite pricelessly the reason DWP give for stitching me up is I did not attend and they are definitely telling MP assistant that they have had zero contact with me.

 

There is one slight problem with their LIES, MP has seen cancellation letter and I have audio recording timed and dated of a conversation, The land Lord has left me alone and sympathise's that I'm both telling the truth and trying to get the nightmare to end.

 

I've in effect been punished for expecting honestly and fairness.

 

I have managed to sell some possessions and I have £110 that I have managed to buy some basics.

 

Having kept reasonably upbeat about things, I feel I have been victimized for being verifiably ill and verifiably diagnosed with Aspergers-who or where do they think a person who is regularly housebound is going to get a job¿

 

I would love one with more money-but both doctor and Keyworker say I'm unemployable due to ill health.

 

If I'm made homeless it then will mean I would lose everything, I'm wondering if I should start boxing stuff up?

Edited April 4, 2013 by stuffed

[rehcnurctuG]

Remember that from October, you won't get the assessment rate of ESA when waiting for the DWP to reassess your case and arrange a tribunal to appeal the decision.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/apr/02/disability-benefits-welfare-legal-aid

[trekster]

Thanks for sharing the document it does worry me http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/appeals-process-changes-q-and-a.pdf

[Sally44]

Have you contacted Social Services? You would surely be classed as a vulnerable adult. Also MIND or SHELTER might be able to give you help and advice on the homeless issue.

 

Also try the National Autistic Society to see if they can give advice on what you should do if you do become homeless, or provide an advocate.

 

Sorry, just read your OP and see you have a social worker. What are they doing about the situation?

 

You say your benefits were stopped due to them classing you as "refusal to attend". It maybe that in those circumstances they dont even look at the evidence? Can you find that out?

 

Do you know if you are entitled to legal help?

 

If not, have you considered contacting the journalist on the Guardian that has written an article specifically about the situation you are in? A link to her article is in one of the above posts.

 

Edited April 6, 2013 by trekster

[stuffed]

You say your benefits were stopped due to them classing you as "refusal to attend". It maybe that in those circumstances they dont even look at the evidence? Can you find that out?Do you know if you are entitled to legal help?If not, have you considered contacting the journalist on the Guardian that has written an article specifically about the situation you are in? A link to her article is in one of the above posts.

This is how it plays out

Atos had a wealth of information and the truth is they don't bother to read it as unum based welfare denial company- unless cornered and forced to act fairly as I had a recording of atos telling lies.

ATOS write and cancel the appointment stating no need to attend as they have enough information.

We

So after forcing atos to behave fairly, it is the DWP that are really pulling the strings and they have been given every chance to recieve a mountain of documentation.

 

It has never been about fraud figures running at less than 1 % or about helping and supporting people to employment- it is a hatchet cost cutting exercise and having last week explained I was at the end of my rope and considering burning the local job centre to the ground. They simpily do not care and expect charities to intervene.

 

While I worry for myself, I believe if I have ruthlessly pursued this and got nowhere- What happens to others less able

 

My experience is that in my area there simply isn't the charity infrastructure and then blatantly telling job centre I would go stealing- there was no lets see if we can find any solutions at all.

 

The MP is still in contact and has been sent proof DWP are lying and I do have a solicitor regarding something else who may be able to help.

 

But the choices in my situation are so far suicide or stealing it would seem so far as I have fallen through every trapdoor in the system in a cascade manner.

 

If someone wants to contact the journalist then be my guest as I feel both phycically ill and stressed out at what I see as torture and genocide of the disabled.

Edited April 6, 2013 by stuffed

[phantom sneeze]

I'll be careful about threatening to burn the job centre down, They'll flag you up as potentially dangerous on there system mofo so choose your words carefully.

[stuffed]

Well their doing nothing for me at the moment and I ment what I said.
The dwp do not care about people their plan B is a charity will step in and take up the strain-it isn't happening.
If made homeless and this is not resolved I intend to take direct action and if a job centre must burn like rome so be it.

Whats the worst they can do -warm room and 3 square meals, unless there is a gas chamber or lethal injection on the cards?

At least I wouldn't need to worry about food and utilities

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-21462731 20 months looks like the going rate for a gallon of petrol and a match-I'd go for unoccupied my gripe is with the system if I chose to pursue this if made homeless.

What angers me is I'm a human being, I don't live in squalid way and waste money on drugs, I'm not gambling away or drinking away any money and I don't have a sky subscription. But I'm treated like rubbish thrown in a bin.

Edited April 6, 2013 by trekster

[Sally44]

I know that's how you feel. But you don't want to be seen as insane.

I too had an ATOS assessment and lost my IB. I appealed and was put on ESA for a while and I lodged my appeal. I've not heard anything since about that. In the meantime my husband and I have started our own business. We've had to use Credit Cards [no bank would touch us], so we are fighting to keep our heads above water.

The journalist's name is Melissa Viney. She works freelance for the Guardian. If you can, phone the Guardian and ask for her contact details. She too was on IB and was bumped off after an ATOS assessment. She is writing specifically about the loopholes in the assessment/care/appeal/legal aid process that you are experiencing right now. This might be a powerful tool for you to use.

On the subject of charities and social workers. I have had a social worker involved with my son. My son was very ill for some time. He has OCD on top of an ASD and an Anxiety Disorder.

Anyway things were very difficult and I was near the point of asking for him to go into respite/care just to give me a break [he was self harming, attempted suicide etc and I was trapped in the house 24/7 for about a year.

The Social Worker said that they only treat things as an emergency when it happens. There is no organisation that is going to be proactive to try to 'prevent' things happening. It is all about chaos management when the xxxx hits the fan and you are made homeless etc.

I cannot imagine how stressful this is for you. But just ask SS what they will do if you do become homeless. The SW actually told me of a case where a woman with mental health issues [and other disabilities] was only taken into care when her family locked her out the house! This family had been asking for help and support for years and received nothing. SS only stepped in when the family literally threw her out.

That is totally unfair. This is not care in the community. Is not meeting needs etc.

Don't get caught trying to torch the job centre. Getting a criminal record on top of everything is not going to be a positive step. But I can totally understand how a prison cell, food, TV etc looks a better option than your current situation.

Edited April 6, 2013 by trekster

[stuffed]

I know that's how you feel. But you don't want to be seen as insane.I too had an ATOS assessment and lost my IB. I appealed and was put on ESA for a while and I lodged my appeal. I've not heard anything since about that. In the meantime my husband and I have started our own business. We've had to use Credit Cards [no bank would touch us], so we are fighting to keep our heads above water.The journalist's name is Melissa Viney. She works freelance for the Guardian. If you can, phone the Guardian and ask for her contact details. She too was on IB and was bumped off after an ATOS assessment. She is writing specifically about the loopholes in the assessment/care/appeal/legal aid process that you are experiencing right now. This might be a powerful tool for you to use.On the subject of charities and social workers. I have had a social worker involved with my son. My son was very ill for some time. He has OCD on top of an ASD and an Anxiety Disorder.Anyway things were very difficult and I was near the point of asking for him to go into respite/care just to give me a break [he was self harming, attempted suicide etc and I was trapped in the house 24/7 for about a year.The Social Worker said that they only treat things as an emergency when it happens. There is no organisation that is going to be proactive to try to 'prevent' things happening. It is all about chaos management when the xxxx hits the fan and you are made homeless etc.I cannot imagine how stressful this is for you. But just ask SS what they will do if you do become homeless. The SW actually told me of a case where a woman with mental health issues [and other disabilities] was only taken into care when her family locked her out the house! This family had been asking for help and support for years and received nothing. SS only stepped in when the family literally threw her out.That is totally unfair. This is not care in the community. Is not meeting needs etc.Don't get caught trying to torch the job centre. Getting a criminal record on top of everything is not going to be a positive step. But I can totally understand how a prison cell, food, TV etc looks a better option than your current situation.

SS and keyworker are worried, but not enough to do anything but write letters, if the mp can't sort it I will take direct action as there is no other choice. DWP have harassed and tortured by proxy and their behaviour is remarkably like genocide- they care not that I'm verifiably ill and couldn't give a monkeys about trying to make me homeless.

 

When all accepted avenues have been explored I will pursue with as much vindictive retaliation direct measures as my quality of life would be better than it is now.

 

Hitler had a policy of dealing with the disabled- it appears that history repeats.

 

If anyone can come up with a business I can run housebound regularly then the bank have pre approved a 25k loan knowing I have no income-responsible lending at it's finest.

Edited April 6, 2013 by stuffed

[phantom sneeze]

At least you've got social services support and are under their radar, more then some people have got so be thankful for that.

[stuffed]

Oh yes I should be grateful that they express concerns, they don't solve it though and a letter to the dwp has not worked.

As of the 13th of Feb my benefits and housing benefit stopped and the landlord is already suggesting they are reconsidering their position.

 

So I'm lucky and that is not to be homeless yet-sorry if I do not share your happiness with the system-I can't see it can get much worse.

[phantom sneeze]

Have you actually failed the work capacity assessment?