Erik W

I am currently going through one of the biggest changes in my life for many years, which I don’t believe will end in a satisfactory way. It is also having a severe impact on my mental and physical health.

My daughter has just finished her A levels and is searching hard to find an apprenticeship, she had very positive feedback from a couple of interviews but not yet been offered anything.

As for myself I received a migration notice from DWP, stating I had to claim for universal credit, which is turning out to be a complete nightmare. I made my application on 12th August and so far have heard nothing apart from emails to attend the jobcentre to speak with a work coach, who has informed me that I must look for work until I can provide a fit note from my doctor, despite the fact that I am moving from long term contribution based ESA who have an up to date work capability assessment on record. They informed me that if this is not provided within 14 days I would be sanctioned and lose money. I contacted my doctor who can’t give me an appointment for 4 weeks. I have read several government web pages and contacted the Citizens advice, it clearly states “MEDICAL EVIDENCE IS NOT REQUIRED IF YOU HAVE MOVED FROM ESA TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT, AND ESA ADVISED THAT YOU NO LONGER NEED TO SUPPLY FIT NOTES”, which I have not had to do for over 18 years. When I informed the work coach of this, He said Universal Credit worked differently and that fit notes will be required.

As of now all benefits have stopped, ESA, Child benefit, housing and council benefit, therefore myself and my daughter are struggling to survive or meet our basic needs, but with bills such as rent, food, utility bills, internet etc. Still coming in. I was informed that I can apply for a repayable advance, but this I refused as I am not prepared to lose money out of what benefits they will give me at some point, which it seems could be a lot less than I was receiving on Legacy benefits.

This is all having a major impact on my mental health and stress levels, leading me to engage in unhelpful routines. I have not told my daughter about the change to universal credit, but she is becoming worried about my health and the future that we both face.

The new government stated that those with the broadest shoulders should take more responsibility in helping out, my fear is that people on Legacy benefits like I previously was are seen to be receiving far too much which is devastating our lives.

For now I will have to wait until I hear what and when I will receive, having to give in as a proud parent and have to find a local food bank in order to feed my daughter.

How much lower in society can the government make us sink ?