Left Leanings
25th April 2012, 22:29
The harsh changes to the UK benefits system, introduced by Cameron et al, is already beginning to have a significant impact.
Two of my associates work for the Community Mental Health Team, one is an Approved Social Worker and Deputy Team Manager, the other a Qualified Social Worker.
People who have been subject to hospitalization are being found 'fit for work', and placed straight on Job Seekers Allowance. Others in the same category, are being placed in the work-focused interview element of the Employment Support Allowance. Those who are deemed incapable of work, are routinely being granted 12 months on the sick before review, as opposed to the usual 3 years.
People with addiction and dependecy issues still, at least in theory, are entitled to the Disability Living Allowance. I have happened upon a case, where despite fitting the qualifying criteria, a claim was rejected instantly. Claims for DLA are acknowledged within two weeks, then processing takes up to six months, but usually a decision is made within two to three months. The claimant got a letter after only TWO weeks, rejecting the claim, without even an initial acknowledgement letter. So it appears claims for addiction/dependency are being rejected automatically.
The early indications also, are that people with 'dual diagnosis' (having both addiction/dependecy issues AND a separate mental health diagnosis), are having their claims rejected also. This was related to me by an LGBT awareness substance misuse worker.
I have come across another case, where a person who has been on the Highest Rate Personal Care of the DLA, who has both physical and severe mental health problems, and had an indefinite award, and has the case reassessed, and the DLA completely withdrawn.
These tests are being conducted by a private company on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions. In some cases, the people who conduct the assessments are not even qualified doctors, but Occupational Therapists or Nurses.
Many cases go to Appeal, and the benefits in 80 per cent of cases are reinstated. But many people with mental health problems are in distress over the issue, and are simply accepting the benefit cut, cos they can't deal with the stress of appealing.
Two of my associates work for the Community Mental Health Team, one is an Approved Social Worker and Deputy Team Manager, the other a Qualified Social Worker.
People who have been subject to hospitalization are being found 'fit for work', and placed straight on Job Seekers Allowance. Others in the same category, are being placed in the work-focused interview element of the Employment Support Allowance. Those who are deemed incapable of work, are routinely being granted 12 months on the sick before review, as opposed to the usual 3 years.
People with addiction and dependecy issues still, at least in theory, are entitled to the Disability Living Allowance. I have happened upon a case, where despite fitting the qualifying criteria, a claim was rejected instantly. Claims for DLA are acknowledged within two weeks, then processing takes up to six months, but usually a decision is made within two to three months. The claimant got a letter after only TWO weeks, rejecting the claim, without even an initial acknowledgement letter. So it appears claims for addiction/dependency are being rejected automatically.
The early indications also, are that people with 'dual diagnosis' (having both addiction/dependecy issues AND a separate mental health diagnosis), are having their claims rejected also. This was related to me by an LGBT awareness substance misuse worker.
I have come across another case, where a person who has been on the Highest Rate Personal Care of the DLA, who has both physical and severe mental health problems, and had an indefinite award, and has the case reassessed, and the DLA completely withdrawn.
These tests are being conducted by a private company on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions. In some cases, the people who conduct the assessments are not even qualified doctors, but Occupational Therapists or Nurses.
Many cases go to Appeal, and the benefits in 80 per cent of cases are reinstated. But many people with mental health problems are in distress over the issue, and are simply accepting the benefit cut, cos they can't deal with the stress of appealing.