Fibromyalgia Support Group

A new welfare Benefit called Employment Support Allowance is forcing very sick people to face unjust interrogation with a lack of properly conducted independent medicals. Some people, of which I am one, will only get ESA for 12 months (I have had it for 6 months already). Then it is taken away and not replaced with anything else so if you don't find a job OR can't work you are left penniless.

Worse than this, the Welfare Benefit that is given to help with housing rental is linked to ESA. No ESA, then no housing help. For me, this means I will be on the streets with my 16 year old daughter by March next year before she even has the chance to finish and graduate from high school.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do and I'm scared. I've been looking at sending my daughter to her grandparents but it's not possible for me to stay there too. V long story and not nice. I can either live on the streets in a doorway begging or rip off my current bank for a good tent and survival equipment in the hope I can learn what is called BUSHCRAFT - living off natures plants and animals.

How is it that in a 21st Century, and supposed civilised society a head of government with a 6 figure salary can justify punishing disabled people and their children.

I know that you all cannot help me find a roof but I just wondered what you all thought of my situation....

The others faded away because they simply didn't understand that I couldn't leave the house anymore being so tired. None of them made any effort to come and see me either ... it's tragic but the people like you I chat to on the forum are the only adult conversation I ever have.

So.no.. I don't have anyone that can lend me a sofa for a while. Most days I too feel like I want to crawl under my duvet and just stop living. BUT I have to keep going for my daughter's sake. You are so kind to send me such feelings when you too are all feeling so unwell.

I might have had a miracle... I don't know. Out of the blue yesterday, a new ESA application form and medical request form turned up in the post. It seems as though I am going to be re processed from the beginning.

I didn't request this form so I don't know how it's come about. My original medical was cancelled because I was told there was enough evidence on my first form and ATOS never spoke to my doctors. This time, I will insist that I am assessed face to face and that my GP includes a report...and I will appeal all the way.

I just hope it all gets sorted out before March next year. Wish me luck. And big hugs to all of you

its so sad when we lose people due to an illness the story goes about true friends stick with you,but when you lose the not true friends it is still hard..

keep us in the loop..

Remster, thank goodness for the restart! At least you're going to be re-evaluated. It's better than a "no" and a slammed door!

We're almost as bad here in the states on disability. It takes, on average, 3 years to get disability. During that time, you cant' work at all, because if you work, you obviously aren't disabled, so you don't need disability. Yet, what are you spposed to live on for the 3 years it takes them to process you? Come on, three YEARS? Better hope you're either married and the spouse can work, or have family or friends to live with during those 3 years!

It sucks. Government is politics... and politics suck!

My favorite jelly bean is the blue speckled one

I'm making a list at the moment of some charities that might be able to help me ... best to have it in advance then I might be able to find something. But all the same ... I've also made a list of all the the things I need to have to 'live under canvas just in case too. Will keep you all posted...Might start a new diary.