Thursday 4 October 2012

up a gum tree

I finally got a reply from DWP (Dept for Work and Pensions)regarding my application for DLA (Disability Living Allowance). As expected, they have turned me down. Apparently they always turn down the fist application, and I am now supposed to jump through hoops and appeal this. The reasons they gave me, well, I can't really contest. The DLA is, apparently, not for helping with shopping, cooking for others(!), or doing housework. I am able to walk 100 yards, and apparently any care I need is for comfort rather than personal safety. So that's it really, I ain't gonna lie to get it, and clearly their narrowly defined idea of disability does not include me. I don't think I'll get a blue parking badge either. I'm gutted that the fact that my fatigue and cognitive impairment, as well as numbness, and pain on my bad days, doesn't seem to count for anything. I really don't know what to do for the best...I can't afford to live as I am now, but there's no way I'd hold down most jobs. So if I sign on, they will assume I'm fully fit to work, as I am not even eligible for the lowest rate of DLA, so consequently I will be pushed into a job that is likely to drive me into the ground. I am feeling pretty desperate right now. A burden on my family... I don't know where next to turn. Things are set to get worse for anyone with disabilities in this country soon, lots of austerity cuts aimed to make it harder for disabled folk to get any help. I don't have much faith in my future right now...if I get worse and I can't work at all, I don't really think the state or anyone else will pick me up and help me and my family if I fall. ....I feel a duvet day coming on! x