Jump to content
The MS PEOPLE UK Forum
Support, help, advice and information for Multiple Sclerosis. Ask questions and share experiences with people affected by MS.
Akorah

Penalised for fighting the monster

67 posts in this topic Last Reply

Recommended Posts

Akorah

Hi Everyone so i have spent most of the day today crying! I am having a bad day as i have a cold so i was having a duvet day!! When i was rudely awoken by a letter being delivered from the DWP. When i opened it i was upset to see they are investigating me for fraud!!! So as you can imagine i was shocked and got straight on the phone. The man on the other end told me that as i get high mobility it means i am unable to walk i told him yes on some days thats correct but on a better day i can walk ok he told me yes i know as we have videoed you walking your rather large dogs!! I told him yes i walk the dogs on my better days as the Nuero told me its the best thing to do to keep my muscle tone i also told him but after did you video me retiring to my bed for the rest of the day because i was out of energy? He has told me i have to attend an interveiw next week where he will tell me all the evidence against me! i have been in touch with my MS nurse who thinks this is ridiculous! At the end of the day i am being penalised because i choose to fight this shitty illness and keep going! And if i chose to give in and let it take me i would be rewarded! I am not going to give in to MS ever and if that means im a bad person then tuff! When i feel ok i do walk my dogs and go out of the house as when i feel bad i stay home and the dogs understand that mummy cant walk them that day and they are quite happy to run around the gardens. He even had the cheek to say that when he delivered the letter the dogs didnt bark i told him yes because they were in the dinning room with the blinds closed so they wouldnt wake me! i think he was trying to say i was out walking them. I know quite a few people who are fudging the system when they are fit and well and if i had a chance to be fit and well id rather be that than have to claim government money because somedays im so debillitated by this shit illness that i cant even get out of bed!! Rant over lol I just feel so sad just now!


chelly xxx

Share this post


Link to post
happyandy

I don't normally get angry, but after reading your post ...

 

Its bad enough having to live life with the Sword of Damocles over our heads. Refused DLA or ESA, because for a limited time we may be in remission. What do they not understand by the phrase incurable-degenerative ? What are we meant to do when we wake up feeling OK, phone the DWP to say today we are feeling OK so stop my DLA, I'll just fill out the multi page document when Im feeling shitty again ?

 

Does the DWP think that MS is like a dose of the sniffles ?

 

Is it natural justice that we have laws that penalises someone with an incurable disease yet as we see from yesterday's incredulous judgement, now have to pay for the protection of proven terrorists that we cant extradite.

 

My DLA is


If I knew I was going to live so long I would have taken better care of my body

Share this post


Link to post
lisalisa

Hi Hun,

 

No wonder your having a rant, i would be too. You know the the truth as does your MS nurse and Doctor. Would they be prepared to write letters for you to take to this interview.

 

Also have a think is there anyone who has a gripe with you, who would have reported you out of spite?

 

You want to give em hell. Tell them they should do some investigation into MS and get the bloody facts straight before they accuse honest people of benefit fraud. It makes my arse laugh because the ones who are faking or claiming and working are the ones who get away with it. They are investigating you cos they think your an easy target.

 

Wishing you lots of luck for next week, let us know how you get on.

 

Lisa xx

Share this post


Link to post
Akorah

hi andy and lisa thanx for your support! i have called my MS nurse and shes furious!! shes going to call me tomorrow with a plan of action. But shes also scared the stress will send me into relapse. I think its hard enough hauling myself out of bed everyday and fighting to keep myself mobile without this!! im just so tired now.


chelly xxx

Share this post


Link to post
Bernadette

How appalling. I'm glad you've got your MS nurse to back you up. Hope justice is done!

Share this post


Link to post
Gemma81

:lol4: Thats awful, I think you've every right to be upset and angry!

 

This person from DWP obviously knows nothing about MS and really should do before he starts accusing you of fraud.

 

I'm pleased you've got the support of your MS nurse and hope your not letting it stress you out too much, although i bet its hard not to :cheerleader: , hope you get a big apology quickly.

 

Gemma

Share this post


Link to post
Lilacwine

This is just :cheerleader: and i so feel for you.

Sending you lots of hugs and will be thinking of you.

 

Lilac :lol4:

Share this post


Link to post
Akorah

Thanx all :lol4:


chelly xxx

Share this post


Link to post
Christina

My goodness Akorah - I don't believe it!! I'm really angry now!! I also wondered whether someone has anonymously reported you, otherwise I don't understand how they decide who to video? Is it just random that they chose someone with high rate mobility to investigate? I think you should get them to come see you at home with your MS nurse present. You should definitely have someone there with you to witness what's said and tell them you'd like to tape the interview. They probably won't agree but there may be no law that says you can't. They clearly have no idea how MS fluctuates. I really hope you can tell this lot where to shove their investigation but you must be feeling so upset and worried.

 

Big hugs

Chris x :lol4:


Not waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain ....

Share this post


Link to post
moomin

Ooooh things like this make me really angry! :cheerleader:

 

The genuine people always seem to be punished because of the lazy ass people who dont want to work!

 

I really hope you win your case and get some bloody compensation for the stress this is putting you through :lol4:

Share this post


Link to post
kooky

Oh Dear God !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.............you poor poor love......I am truly flummoxed for words but will have a go to try and give you some strength.

I am pretty sure that in order for the DLA to investigate someone, then they need a 'tip off'.......this will probably make you feel a little frightened and worried as to be who could be soooo awful, but it's worth thinking about.

Being 'unable' to walk or 'vitually unable to walk' ...doesn't just means that.........it also means the amount of pain you are in, the type of gait you walk with and the distance you are able to walk whilst being in pain ...taking into account any stops you require. So the fact that you have been 'seen' walking your dogs is neither here nor there...........if you had been running or speed walking then yes they may have had something, but the fact that you were doing what is essentially a 'normal' thing to do is utter nonesense.

What do they expect?...you to walk your dog whilst wheeling yourself in a wheelchair?....I was awarded HRM originally ( went to tribunal) even though i was able to push a pushbike for support and get on the bike to gently cycle from a-b when walking became unbearable.

 

I am so bloody gobsmacked for you and shows that they obviously have sod all better to do.......now at least you have support from your nurse. Try your GP too and how about your local MP ( they need to be seen to help their constituents at the moment)....so fire off an email and try them. As for the interview, I wonder if it could be done at your home? depending if you are well enough to have to go to their office?...ask

 

Try and keep calm honey and keep your strength for what is important ( namely you)......and gather paperwork for next week....ask your nurse if she could attend with you. Check out the NICE guidelines on MS .....I think there is tons in there depicting what MS is like and how it affects people etc.......Government and the medical proffession use this as God !

 

Thinking of you.xxxxx

 

 

Andys comment is so right

My DLA is


Sick & tired of being sick & tired !!!!

Share this post


Link to post
magsy12

Hi

Please don't feel sad !!!

These people really don't understand how we feel. We are not faking it, like you say you would rather be o.k, but don't they realise you are never going to be o.k . We wish. !!!!!

Just today I was remembering how I used to be, and wishing I was like that again. These people make me so angry, if for just one day they could be in our shoes yeh !!!!!

Fight them girl Don't let them win,

You take care

Maggie x We are all behind YOU

Share this post


Link to post
Akorah

thankyou all for your support you are all great! i know stress is bad for me but im finding it hard not to lol. I also think someones reported me but hey if they got nothing better to do with their time in their sad little life then let them. In the end i am an honest person trying to fight my way through haveing a terrible illnessbut if they dont understand that theres not much i can do but i will fight them to the bitter end!! :hearts_circle:


chelly xxx

Share this post


Link to post
brainless

sorry, excuse the French, but that is un- effing - believable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

JEEZ!!! As if you don't have enought to contend with.

 

SOD 'EM AKORAH, dismss them from you're head; not worthy of a second of your precious life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

keep the faith, x, Lottie :hearts_circle:


Lottie, x

 

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Share this post


Link to post
Sluggish
Marina

This is totally outrageous.

 

Given that the new government (or rather, the Lib Dem side of it) claims to be against too much invasion of privacy etc and want to do away with what they consider to be an excess of CCTV cameras, I wonder if it might be an idea to write to your MP (if not Labour, that is), or even to the new minister of Health and complain. Maybe it might bring a faint possibility of their stopping this sort of thing (or videos at any rate!) for the sake of anybody else who's genuinely in need of DLA. I can understand their wanting to check on possible fraud, but when someone's received DLA with evidence from their GP, neuro, MS nurse etc (assuming you either provided documentation from or they approached your doctors) then it's way out of line if they have proof that you have MS.

 

Kooky's right when she says that being "unable to walk" when it comes to DLA doesn't mean one can't even stand up. It means not being able to walk more than 50 metres without discomfort:

The decision maker has to look at whether, taking into account a range of issues, including:

the distance you can walk without pain or severe discomfort the time it takes you to cover this distance whether and how long you need to halt for the speed at which you walk the manner in which you walk it could be said that you are 'virtually unable to walk'. Of all these factors, the issue that decision makers and tribunals pay may most attention to is how far you can walk without pain or severe discomfort. The distance most commonly used as the dividing line is 50 metres (or yards). People who can walk more than 50 metres are less likely to be awarded higher rate mobility.

 

It must be stressed, however, that the statute itself doesn't give any distance at all and that just looking at how far someone can walk is a much too simplistic approach to a complex test


Marina

(belated DX in June '05, SPMS)

Share this post


Link to post
Dianni

Oh Hunni ...... I'm lost for words! How absolutely bloody disgusting!

 

A few years ago an annonymous person reported me for claiming DLA for my son. They said I had been to Spain for 2 weeks and left him on his own (I've never been to Spain in my life and hadn't been abroad for 5 years prior to the interview and then we took the kids!) I apparently had a motability car but refused to take him anywhere and made him catch a bus. I explained that I did not have a motability car because he did not get high rate mobility. I had never claimed for it but he did have low rate mobility because he has epilepsy and learning difficulties) The next thing they brought up was that I claimed carers allowance for him and did absolutely nothing to look after him. I have never claimed carers allowance for Gareth. He's my son and I'd care for him regardless.

 

I didn't get an apology but I did get a carers allowance application form a week later which I didn't ask for or fill in. I was not allowed to know who had reported me. All they would have needed to do was ask for my NI number and date of birth. They could have checked what benefits we were getting and saved all me a hell of a lot of stress and the government a lot of money.

 

All I can say hunni, is don't give in. Fight with every ounce of your being. People can not be allowed to get away with this! It might be worth, when you've spoken to your MS nurse, looking at whether there's a solicitor in your area who might be able to go with you to the interview.

 

Jesus H Christ! As if we don't have enough to put up with!

 

All I can do is send you loads of love n hugs.

 

Hugs

Di

xxx

Share this post


Link to post
Christina

What I don't quite get is, when someone reports a person to the DWP, can they do that without knowing for sure if they receive any disability benefits? Many disabled people don't claim or have been turned down. I am very cautious who knows that I get DLA - I don't mention it to friends or neighbours at all. Only my close family know and I ask them not to tell others. You never know who is nasty enough to report you. So would a person reporting need to be pretty sure the person was actually claiming?

 

Chris x :cheerleader:


Not waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain ....

Share this post


Link to post
kooky

Chris, I am the same as you. There are only a few people who know that I get DLA...because the grief that would come with it would make me relapse......and I'm talking about family too!!!.....Unfortunately, when you look at me, I actually look ok ( bit tired under the eyes though!!!)........so it's very difficult explaining the new car we get every 3 years from Motability!!!! Everyone knows I have ME ( and get a bit tired !!!! :cheerleader: ) and walk badly because of my spine probs......but apart from that....hey I'm fine ( NOT)............basically I believe it's their ignorance and leave them to it !!!!!

 

Going back to the original post though....I'm guessing that the DWP should do their homework first ..i.e making sure that the person they are investigating actually does claim a specific benefit......imagine the amount of man hours and money spent on falsely accusing ( Dianni can't believe you went through that fiasco!!....unbelievable.).


Sick & tired of being sick & tired !!!!

Share this post


Link to post
happyandy

I agree with Chris, it is someone who knows that you are on a benefit that probably has some mobility component. Hence, the video. Most people don't know about DLA, I certainly didn't, its usually invalidity benefit that springs to mind.

 

Its debatable whether this person knows about your MS. Most people when they hear MS think "creeping paralysis" or wheelchairs. It is only when you go on forums like this that you realise its a wide spectrum disease.

 

They know that you walk your dogs, so its likely that they see that you walk them, so again would limit who it could be.

 

Andy


If I knew I was going to live so long I would have taken better care of my body

Share this post


Link to post
Akorah

Im the same as chris really not many people know im on DLA and when i filled the forms out my MS nurse filled the part from the person who knows you and so they have reports from my doctors too. I know someones reported me it seems pretty clear about that but im not going to be paranoid lol its their concience not mine. I walk my dogs about 3 times a week legs willing i have 3 dogs 2 akitas and a jack russel i never walk the jack russel because hes not good on the leash and he makes me fall. My dog is very well behaved and seems to know if im feeling ok or not and i trust him. My ms nurse called me today and told me shes bringing me a letter from her and some leaflets on ms for me to take with me as shes got clinic but shes going to support me all the way. Ive been feeling a bit weak today i suppose its the stress so ive been laying in the garden enjoying the sun bet they didnt video that!! I want to thank you all for your support i dont know what i would do without you all :cheerleader:


chelly xxx

Share this post


Link to post
Michelle

Chelly,

I have only just read this post as I have been offline for a few days. The post made my tummy turn for you. I'm not a violent person,but it made me want to come with you, and slap them in the face with their paperwork ,asking them if they knew the facts about MS. It states somewhere on their forms, that you don't need to inform them, noy unless you become well for a long period of time. That's not going to happen to you,so what the hell are you supposed to do? It beats me! How dare they call you a fraud.

 

 

Chris,

 

My sister is reg disabled from birth. She loves buying things from the tv shopping channels,as she can't get out and about. Someone, actually reported her to the DWP for being on benefits, and running a business from home,loosely based on her deliveries from the shopping channels. This has happened to her twice,and to see the stress that it caused her was unbearable. Unfortunately, these people who report genuine people, need only a jealous streak running through them, to report people that they truly know nothing about.

 

Chelly,

 

I really hope that they have to eat some humble pie,and admit that they have been wrong in identifying you as a fraud.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with you sweetie.

 

Don't let them make you ill. You are worth many more than them.

 

 

Love M xxx

Share this post


Link to post
madderbat

I'm so sorry that I haven't been around much over the last few days to offer you support in this nightmare, it really makes my blood boil that this sort of thing can happen.

 

Which part of Degenerative Incurable Disease do they not understand?

 

As others have said it seems that the Investigating Oficers have to acton absolutely all and any phone call reports they get. Wouldn't someone with half a brain look at the person's claim details before taking stupid steps like surveillance?

Obviously if you claim to have a bad back and go break dancing on tv (like one man did) it's fairly obvious that you are scamming it, but to have a diagnosis from a specialist of an degenerative disease which can be variable surely cannot be questioned.

 

I would sugggest that you get some support from CAB/Benefits Advisor and make sure that you take someone who can make notes of what exactly is said with you to the 'interview'.

 

I sincerely hope that it turns out they admit their mistake (some hope) and that is the end of the matter.

 

Very best wishes

Jane xx


Never make the same mistake twice. There are so many new ones you can try a new one every day ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Akorah

Thanks Michelle and Jane im hoping that the interveiw on wednesday will be the end of it but you can never know i spoke to the man on the phone and by the way he spoke to me i could tell hes already got me down as guilty! Sods law that the day they decided to video me i was having a really good day after being poorly for quite a few days i wonder how many days they followed me before they got any useful footage? it was the first day in over a week that i had walked the dogs and unfortunately it was time for their monthly weigh in so i walked them with my daughter to the vets which is about 1/4 of a mile away it took me 2 hours there and back and i had a few stops in between when i got home my daughter made me lunch and i went to bed as to be honest i was exhausted and my legs were killing but i was proud i had made the effort! I wish now i hadnt bothered but its ok. I wish they had videoed me today when i couldnt walk without holding onto my hubbys arm and i fell 3 times in the garden! Thank you all again for your support during my stressful time i will keep you all informed of how it all goes but im thinking in my head that they already see me as a guilty party because of having 1 good day in a month pff.


chelly xxx

Share this post


Link to post
Lindyloo

OMG Chelly not been round much just saw your post.... I cant BELEIVE it!!!! The BAS**RDS!!!!

 

Im not bloody violent either like Mish says... but this has made me feel really Angry for you..... I cannot believe you have been videoed full stop!!! DO they not know how stress can trigger relapse in MS'ers... I know of people near meon every benefit going and they drive big flash cars wear loads of bling and are well known filthy drug dealers...bet they arent getting investigated for fraud etc.. they make me sick...when innocent people like us fighting a bollox of an illness... I think the effin world has gone mad..

 

Chelly i know how MS effects you as i be like that also... Yesterday i could walk about no prob now today my legs are hurting and i am layed up... Its a day at a time isnt it??? im soooooo angry... i wish i was there to go with you....they should be ashamed of themselves and as for the scumbag that reported you it seems they hve sour graphes and very jealous of you...

 

thinking of you Chelly xxx

Lindyxxxx


LindyLoo xx

" This moment will pass " (Bono U2)

Share this post


Link to post
ptlike

Hi Chelly

 

Hope you asked if you looked good :wchair: Joking aside I hope comon sense prevails.

 

Best wishes

 

Peter

Share this post


Link to post

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Similar Topics

    • The MonSter

      Bad night, weird dreams. Woke up completely locked-up in one position and for a few seconds couldn't feel my legs below my knees... that's a new one, never had that before! Cog-fog - can't think of words, know what I want to say but struggling to find the right names for things. Thinking I've done things only to find I haven't and doing things I later don't remember. Lost balance when getting dressed. Someone please just put me out of my misery now.

      in General Discussion about MS

    • Monster?

      Have i turned into somekind of monster..or what??   I am more than aware of the past few months, and yes i have been in a mess, but avoiding me,being embarrassed to talk to me, not making conversation will do nothing to help!   Or am i being selfish?   I am still me, warts and all, i won't break down or hurt you if you speak to me.     What is this "british" thing of ....if we don't mention it, it's not real!!   Do any of you find this in life or am i being over-sensitive?   Cazza x

      in General Discussion about MS

    • whose fighting for the flu jab

      just managed to get a appointment for my husband to have the flue jab. his over 65 but only when i explained he was a carer did he get it. if you want it phone quick so they can look for stock. i myself feel too poorly to have it but as i dont venture out in this weather we felt it was important that he did not bring it home.

      in General Discussion about MS

    • im so tierd feels like im fighting for help

      i went to my doctors the other day basicly hes upped my gaberpentin and told to go away he thinks im a hypochondriact sory i cant spell .. ive now struggled with my hands my walkings not getting better the dizzyness is constant im so tierd of this whole battle to get any help .. i never saw my doctor in years untill last year when all this started .. he always reffers to well the brain mri was fine so i asked well im pretty sure its the spine or kneck that should of been mri scanned . i wont go back now im basicly made too feel like a crazy woman .. he made me feel so small i didnt know weather to laugh cry or get angry .. so i think maybe i should just suffer at home and get on with it and dont see the doc when its at my worst . ive lost my job due to this ...

      in General Discussion about MS

    • Is this what it feels like when the monster pays a visit

      Hi everyone,   Wanted some advice, I woke up this morning with what feels like a numb neck and chest. I can still feel it, but it feels really strange. I also seem to have this really bizarre stabbing pain (like I have pulled a muscle) at the top of my left thigh when I walk.   Earlier this week my mouth felt numb and I had burning pains in my head. Do you think this is an escalation of that.   I am seeing the Neuro a week on Monday, as my MRI and blood tests have come through, so can have a word with him. Just wanted some advice, as this feels just horrible.   Thanks.   Kazzy

      in General Discussion about MS

About Us

Founded in 2004, MS People UK is a community website and discussion forum by and for people with Multiple Sclerosis as well as for friends, families, supporters and those interested in this disabling condition.

If you’re newly diagnosed or want to ask about possible first symptoms, or if you’ve had Relapse Remit, Secondary or Primary Progressive MS for some time, a welcoming group of fellow MS sufferers is here to chat with you about MS symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

The atmosphere is friendly whilst being compassionate, supportive and caring. Members also post about a variety of subjects not related to MS, as well as share jokes, talk about their hobbies, have fun, and more.


The MS People Forum is not responsible for advice or information supplied by members. We suggest you seek medical advice before trying anything.
×