Esa

Was it Max Bygraves that said?
“I wanna tell you a story “

I am a 58 year Grandmother had my grandson living with me for 13 years.

August 2009 I was advised to apply for ESA as I could not longer claim Income support as a lone parent.
Within a week I was being interviewed by Pathways
The Lady from the Leigion( computers says Yes ) she tells me I can do any job and loads of jobs out there for people of my age, she must live in a different country to me, medical conditions are not a problem ( her words ) and to be honest she did not care, well in fact she got right up my nose, I will not go into my medical problem and I will try to keep this light hearted or I will cry like I did when my rent was stopped being paid.
By the way there is no help for Grand Parents looking after grandkids, but foster carers get paid,

Had Atos Medical in Sept 2009
Failed only got 12 points
Appealing and had a letter from my doctor to Job Centre Plus stating my condition would make it impossible for me to work.
It’s now August not heard anything. So I rang them today ( a very nice man ) told me it will be a least 6 months before my appeal will be heard , I asked about had it gone before the decisions makers, yes he said they agreed with ATOS......what can I say..Some person in an office thinks they know more than doctor..
Note to that person..Get a job as a GP you would earn more money.
I really wish I was not a private person and could maybe phone the sun and tell them my story!
So it will be at least 18 months on ESA on assessment rate.
Rant Over thanks for reading.

Hi Susan

It sounds like the Lady from the Legion was reading the same script as the one who interviewed me.

I too was told that lots of firms would like to take on somebody with mental health problems and who hasn't worked since 1988. She also said that very few people are so disabled that they can't even work 16 hours a week and that health problems should not stop you from working.

The question 'You don't want to spend the rest of your life on benefit do you?', was not only offensive but sounded as though it was also part of the script.

I don't think they have been living in another country, they are from another planet!

Derek

maybe it was the same one !
its all about making money, the young lady I saw was previously in recruitment,even with pathways they have targets to meet. Have a look at the Legion website for a Job Discription, its a eye opener.