I
still don't have a clear answer from the DWP as to why my Working Tax
Credits were stopped. We've been around the same circle numerous
times, being told that my WTC claim was 'under review' and being told
to phone back in a few weeks' time, only to be told the claim must be
referred onto another department. So we've decided to complain. We've
once again been told that the system they use won't let the call
handler move forward with the claim, only this time we've found out
it's because a drop-down box on their screen has been greyed out.
The
referral should take another four weeks. Meanwhile, ATOS only gave me
one element of PIP, and I work part time, so without WTC I'm
basically running out of money.
Great.
In
fairness the last person from DWP I spoke to was helpful and
explained the complaints procedure, but many other people have just
not given us the help we need.
I
say we, because there isn't a chance I'd be able to manoeuvre my way
through the benefits system alone- I have little to no understanding
of formal and financial information. I do words, not numbers, and I'm
creative, not systematic. I'm getting huge amounts of help from my
parents, who are endlessly supportive. But this is a massive blow to
my confidence because I'm a THIRTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD GROWN MAN and I
shouldn't have to rely on support from them. But then, the only
reason I do need their support is that I have memory difficulties and
I don't understand the government's system. If the government could
provide me with some relevant support, like I've been asking them to
since I was 25, then this wouldn't be such a big issue.
Healthwatch
'gives people a powerful voice locally and nationally.
At a local level, Healthwatch Oldham will work to
help local people get the best out of their health and social care
services.'- (Healthwatch website)
On
yesterday's event, we manned a stall asking questions about the group
and encouraging people to pass on leaflets to anyone they think might
benefit from the group. AMC member Andy Hall
gave a great speech about the challenges he faced which led him to
the group, a talk full of pathos, honesty, insightfulness and good
humour. Another contributor, an elderly gent alongside his wife,
talked candidly about his battle with cancer. I don't think there was
a dry eye in the room after his speech ended.
A
very powerful day featuring some brave and honest speakers.
More
good news: the NHS graciously refunded the £150 dental fine I
received after ticking the wrong box. If you're reading this, NHS
fine department, I appreciate your understanding. I just hope the
prescription fine team are as understanding- I need them to be while
the WTC team continue to look into my case...
My
Headway card has arrived. I mentioned
last week
that brain injury charity Headway are issuing ID cards for people
with brain injuries, to formally explain to others what kind of
challenges they may face. Ideally the systems I have will prevent any
memory-induced mishaps in the first place, but systems fail. A card
like this will only help, should the need arise.
So.
A month later, how have I fared taking Sertraline at 12pm? It's not
made a huge amount of difference- it's still a challenge to sleep
some nights, I'm still struggling with weight gain and hair loss, the
former of which is definitely related to Sertraline, and I'm still
trying to build confidence. I'd say it hasn't done me any harm, and
surely something that gives you a boost must help you to sleep better
if it's taken earlier, and further away from the time that you'd
normally be trying to sleep?
I'll
be sticking with 12pm from now on.
I
have loads more psychology related posts to go up over the next few
weeks involving memory, depression, confidence building and some
psychological experimentation.
