Nick and I have spent the last few days filling in my disability benefit form (over 25 pages) - he has to write it for me as I can't write small, or neatly, enough. The level of detail they require is crazy and I have no confidence that those reading all we write will know or understand...
ATOS, the private contractors the Government hired, do not have a good track record - some newspapers putting the number as low as 63% success rate, meaning 37% of eligible claimants were denied benefits, until they appealed, and then they were reinstated. This has cost taxpayers needless millions of ££££s, and untold stress and worry for those concerned!
*deep breath*
In the pic, is my Blue Badge application for disabled parking (only 15 pages!), as it expires next month - where did 3 years go from the last time we did this??
Mind you, where did 6 years go?
Tomorrow will be the 6th anniversary of the stroke striking... not that it's one to celebrate...
But, I am here, at home, with my family, having re-learnt a number of important skills like washing and dressing and speaking... and, of course, using the computer, so I can blog with lovely peeps from all around the globe, which is cause to celebrate :)
And now, I'm going to visit all the fun desks listed over at The Stamping Ground - bound to be loads more interesting than form-filling!!!
Till next week xxx
27 comments:
Yikes.... we do live in a world where bureaucracy has gone mad. I do hope your application is successful. Your previous pics of fowers are stunning.
Sandra @12
Yes I do think it is worth celebrating how far you have come in 6 years! #30
Don't let them grind you down...that's why they make these forms so long and complicated. They hope you'll give up trying to fill them in! Happy WOYWW. Pam#23
I can empathize with you over the stupid government and how they hire some of the stupidest people to decide what to do with you and I. It is a little easier in the states cause I filed both my disability and the request for reconsideration (when I got turned down the first time) on line. It is about 25 pages too but at least I could type it out. The parking is a little easier with only one sheet signed by a doctor. I read in the US about 65% of people who file get denied benefits unless you are dying! Sad state of affairs for sure. Hope you get it straightened out soon and Hope you have a great week. Vickie #36
Think it's good to celebrate being here six years later after a stroke as it gives hope to others who may have more recently had a stroke ..... Hope things improve more with time
Jackie 6
What a nightmare! I have another friend that has to go through all this too, for her husband. It's so stupid and they seem to make it such a hassle that people will just give up. Hugs!!
Jeannie #15
Hi Claire
I wish you lots of luck with your application. I am on DLA and know the nightmare that comes with filling in those forms.
Thanks for sharing your desk today, Happy WOYWW hope you have a great week
Ria #42
Good luck with all the forms and the bureaucracy! 6 years survival, albeit with what you probably feel is slow recovery, IS worth celebrating though, surely? You seem to have re-learnt lots of skills, and it is lovely to have you on here.
Take care and have a lovely day. Helen, 5 xxx
Looks complicated - thank goodness for family - take care - hope to see you next WOYWW - Mxx #56
What an inspirational post this is! Not only did you survive, but obviously your spirits have not even been dented, I hope you get the forms filled out in no time and you get the right person reading it, that actually knows and cares about their job.
Happy WOYWW!
Tertia #3
Celebrating all you have achieved over the past 6 years is certainly something that should be done. Personally I think they make those forms that long winded in the hope it puts people off applying.
Hope you have a great week
Candace #64
Officialdom is a nightmare, they don't think that they are affecting real peoples lives when they follow their checklists. Hope all goes well. Don't give up! Happy WOYWW! Karen 68 x
That's a lot of forms. And sheesh! Six years ago you had a stroke. My goddess, Claire, you are an inspiration.
The world has gone mad. Sorry you're having a grim time but so pleased that your recovery continues. MMx
Hello Claire, form filling is my own personal nightmare too - ever since my daughter was born disabled I've been filling in forms and, since she married a fellow who is disabled too, I often find myself doing it twice over. Things have only got worse since she had two strokes over the last couple of years - you would think the powers would be could take the details just once, accept nothing was going to improve and just let folk get on with the daily struggle without all the needless extra stress and anxiety !?!? ... get off your soapbox, Elizabeth. Hope your applications go through smoothly and you can get back to crafting :) Elizabeth x #55
Keep your chin up.
It is a shame you have to fill so many sheets in for a bit of recognition but be determined and do it.
Thinking of you
Hugs, Neet 18 xx
I am very familiar with both the forms and the stress they cause. I hope your application all goes as smoothly as possible. This site may be too late for you this time but is worht having bookmarked for future reference : http://thefullfacts.com/esa/forum/
lots of useful stuff including details of how the assessment is carried out, and the points scoring system which is used to decide whether you qualify and at what level. Good luck!
And meanwhile six years recovery and improvement is definitely something to celebrate!
Claire, sending you big hugs. I hope your disability goes through the first time around. Make copies of everything in case you have to refile! lol! Warm hugs, SueC#120
I so sympathise with you about all this. We have been having this problem with my son who has been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder. It's been a nightmare. Hope life soon gets creative again for you. Take care. Julie Ann xx.
I remember those forms - I did what the gov wanted and gave up..... life is still a struggle so I wish you success in your application.
Bishopsmate no number (on hols)
I hear you re the forms! I had to fill them in for my son. Luckily, I spent 16 years in banking in the days where everything was done by hand so form filling is second nature.
Hope it works out well for you
Jaki #104
My goodness, 15 pages just for one form! Maybe someday such things can be done on the computer and then printed out for a signature. I'm glad your husband can assist. Happy WOYWW from Laura #106
Ah, red tape! Well, don't let them push you around! You've done amazing things, my dear. Talk about creative! :)
Have a great WOYWW!
Lisa #113
Oh dear form filling, and on that scale too = nightmare!! My brother had a life changing accident in 87 and his life has been continuous form filling ever since, as if things aren't bad enough for people. Love your pics of the close up flowers on your last post, gorgeous.
Happy art making
Hugs Lottie #131
Hi Claire - whenever I have to post in aimportant letter or form/s I pop-it in he box with a blessing that it arrives on time & reaches the most appropriate person to deal with it for the highest good! M
Hi Claire, I sympathise with the form filling - I helped my sister with one for her husband who lost both legs. It's a nail - biting time :-(
And I think you should celebrate 6 years - not having the stroke but continued recovery and bring st home with your family - cause enough for cebrating :-)
Hugs
Debs #134
Happy really really late woyww sorry it's taken so long, hardly any computer time.
I hope you managed to get the forms filled in ok, I have friends filling out the same forms and dealling with the same numpty's
hope you can clear the desk and get back to some crafting. mark x
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