Poverty, benefits and lies! [CC]

[@tetsubo57]

If you're offending bigots you're doing something right.

[@70ssmooth9]

She must be.

[@ryanawilson8549]

Sarcasm is a beautiful thing

[@crapstirrer]

Beauty is a sarcasm thing too.

[@Ilovetherush94]

Especially beautiful when it's coming from Jessica

[@wynn6240]

The amount of sarcasm radiating from this video completely represents our entire country

[@MrRedstardude]

Thank you so much for fighting the good fight for disabled people. There is so much hatred in the UK against people with disabilities that we need to challenge those voices.

[@cleonibbles7930]

I know a huge number of people fraudulently claiming benefits. Most of them are people who are barely scraping by with an unofficial lodger helping pay bills and food costs but if they disclose that they have somebody else in the house who is earning money will have their benefits slashed even more. People who have part time jobs under the table to afford things like disposable toothbrushes and wet wipes and excessive amounts of laundry detergent they need in order to care for their disabled relative in a clean and dignified manner because the disability allowance doesn't cover it. Or the high energy bills because the cold will send them to hospital. Or the marked up price of groceries because their overactive immune system means they are allergic to basically everything and also will go into meltdown if exposed to processed foods. When you actually get to know communities of people who are living on benefits and see what is considered "fraudulent" it is usually just people who are lying because if they're honest they will not be able to afford to live.

[@ecologist_to_be]

Least in jail they'll get food, roof over head etc

[@TheAnabargagli]

@Cleo Nibbles This is also very true. I've been faced with that kind of choice, it isn't easy. How could I possibly blame someone who would fraudulently claim benefits because literally their only choices are between that or not being able to survive? Because let's be clear, people: noone's living a life of luxury on benefits. Even with benefits AND a part time job. Benefits will at most allow you to scrape by and maybe not be homeless.

[@navi6981]

Sarah Camley Come be a prisoner in America and see how safe it actually is. So many people try to kill themselves in there. So many people are abused, kept ill and left in dangerous situations. Food and roof doesn’t matter if you are neglected and treated like disposable, insufferable cattle.

[@kittling5427]

She was talking specifically about *disability* benefits not benefits in general.

[@RevolutionaryLiger]

@@ecologist_to_be In America you are charged per night for being in jail, so you aren't doing much better then... it's called pay to stay.

[@emilyk7410]

Forgetting everything else for a moment, when just being seen as a person seems to much to ask, we've really got a problem on our hands.

[@tanyatigermarshall7878]

Agreed

[@poppyfield4463]

I've experienced hate crimes such as being screamed at that I'm a 'benefit scrounger' etc in the street when I'm visibily disabled. I really appreciate this video, thank you Jessica.

[@maxximumb]

After working and paying taxes for 30 years I got sick with an incurable and mostly untreatable condition that makes it impossible to work. I tried to manage on the money we had coming in at first, but eventually I had to claim PIP. After 2 years on PIP the DWP decided I was better and decided I no longer needed the benefit. So that's me buggered until they get around to reviewing their decision. What is also hard to cope with is being made to feel guilty for developing this illness, by the government and a pretty big part of society for claiming from a scheme that I willingly paid into for 30 years.

[@jamietate3526]

Stats: it costs £570 a month to be disabled Me: *doesnt even get £570 income a month* Me: no wonder my existence sucks

[@JuMixBoox]

The fact with the over fifty deaths a day really shocked me. How wasn't this a huge international scandal?

[@ChrisPage68]

Because our largely conservative-owned media do what the government tells them to do.

[@Dontstaylonely]

Because people vote for the Tories and are blinded by right wing media.

[@subclasshero6391]

They've been told repeatedly by the UN that they're grossly violating human rights but they don't care.

[@spankeyfish]

It is, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities produced a report that got Amber Rudd's back up.

[@widowkeeper4739]

Because here in America we are dying by the tens of thousands yearly for exactly the same reasons. The UK Tories and the American Reich-wing Conservatives are reading from the same playbook, just adjusting it as necessary to work the system in place. It IS an international scandal, but...take a number and try not to die before it's called.

[@jenblack98]

Thank you for speaking the truth. I am a social policy and politics student and the fact that the government has been basically killing people is something everyone needs to know. Thank you. I hope that everybody who watches this will finally understand the true impact of austerity.

[@70ssmooth9]

Okay?

[@notyouramelie4789]

Let's remember that that 50p of so called fraudulent claims actually includes the cost of administrative error too.

[@paulgascoigne5343]

*whispers* don't mention the estimated £16b of tax evasion every year by corporation's and tax cheats!

[@KatieM786]

Paul Gascoigne No, taxing the most vulnerable people in our society makes so much more sense...😢

[@brit9662]

Well thank you for that information!

[@ecologist_to_be]

Hardest thing for me, when DWP lied and I lost my benefits for a short while, was proving my disability. Even though I had carers and a powerchair, everyone still kept saying, you aren't disabled unless you qualify for PIP/DLA. 🤦🏻‍♀️ They just don't care about the deaths, as it means less money to pay out more money for them!

[@paulgascoigne5343]

They fall back on the statistics in order to depersonalise you. When you say x, y or z happened then they turn around and say.. but 15% are better off now than they were before..

[@MorikoEffy]

Ah the DWP are such lovely people :D According to them I can carry heavy full boxes, downstairs, while using my crutches, because and I quote "there are adaptations you can use in place like using your crutches in one hand and carrying the boxes in the other, supporting it with your head". Oh and the added part of "Your doctor may say you're unfit for work but our health assessor decided otherwise" 😂

[@subclasshero6391]

The latest one from them lists a bunch of physical tests I've supposedly done (nope, I did not) followed by the entire document having somehow switched my injured side with my less injured side. Like not one typo. It's the same the whole way though. Also I've now seen four 'reports' that are basically the same. Walks 200m without issues, touched their face, etc. They're just phoning it in at this point and hoping people just give up or even better die so they stop claiming entirely.

[@MorikoEffy]

@@subclasshero6391 They're absolutely ridiculous. They some how managed to use the fact I'm "very knowledgeable about my condition" against me! I was born with no hip socket & my knees been dislocating since I was 5, I'm 24 now so I'd be worried if I didn't know why I was having a bunch of operations! Did you ever have to go through the appeal process? I tried for my ESA but they bullied me out of it. They have a magical way of making you feel like nothing

[@subclasshero6391]

@@MorikoEffy Oh that one. I had to go through my MP in the end. I appealed but it never got to tribunal because (and I shit ye not) someone literally googled my condition and realised shit had gone down. Going through it with PIP now and they're a bloody joke. First assessment was a lady who had been a nurse on a relevant ward and knew all about it so no problems. Reassessment and it was some child who didn't have a clue so now I have to fight it. I nearly broke with them. Don't think people understand until they deal with it. I'm naturally combative and had support and they almost destroyed me. How anyone who isn't in that situation does it is beyond me.

[@MorikoEffy]

@@subclasshero6391 I hope you're successful with PIP. I got kinda lucky, 1st lady denied me so I applied again and got an assessor who understood alot more (thankfully seem to see her everytime now) . She told me the 1st lady got fired because she was denying everyone she got. How do you go about going through your MP? Sorry for asking you these questions, I don't have much support myself and I've been meaning to go to citizens advice but I get scared.

[@subclasshero6391]

@@MorikoEffy I hope so too. I desperately need a power pack thing to convert my wheelchair so I can have some kind of minimal independence. I found her email through Google and sent her an explanation of my case and that I had lodged an appeal but I wasn't fit to sign on for JSA to keep me going until they decided. Got a very posh letter back and a few weeks later a letter from the dwp saying yeah, we cocked up. I didn't go to CAB that time because I thought naively well I'm genuinely sick, I have reams of letters and scans of my insides and stuff to prove it, they can't deny it. Ooh boy was I daft. It depends who your MP is, obviously which party but also if they're any good at their job, but it's only an email so it's worth a try.

[@krystalmudgett8205]

As someone from the US it's easy to forget that people are marginalized in other countries too. I love getting peeks at the UK through your channel and having some hope for humanity via you. It's crazy in the US that the health care system isn't set up to actually help those who need it. The recent appointee in the Trump administration to head up Medicare/Medicaid ransacked the program in Maine, leaving 70,000+ people without access to health insurance. I hope living under the NHS was helpful to you through your journey and diagnosis.

[@New_Wave_Nancy]

While the UK sounds like a comparable shitshow for disabled people to the US, I wish that we in the US could at least have healthcare. After a brain abscess I have fatigue, headaches, migraines and frontal lobe syndrome and will likely never be able to work full time again. I'm probably not getting disability, and therefore won't be on medicaid. If I were to find part time work that could work around my disabilities, I wouldn't have health insurance from my employer and would probably make too much to be able to get affordable healthcare now that the Affordable Care Act has been gutted.

[@JoMidnight]

I have insurance through the market place. In the state I live in, it is the same company that does Medicaid! We only have that one choice. I had no idea how bad of healthcare people on Medicaid receive until the insurance I pay out of pocket for is through the same company. It has been horrible!

[@KKuurus]

Medicaid in Colorado isn't bad compared to Medicare via the National Gov. one of the problems in the U.S. is we don't allow medical insurers to cross state lines to offer a product.

[@JoMidnight]

@@KKuurus I wonder if that has to do with not all states legalizing marijuana so far? (The crossing state lines part). I am not sure what the Medicare program is like in my state, but I know my grandfather has had a really hard time getting proper care for his medical conditions in North Carolina.

[@KKuurus]

No the cross state lines is about power hungry politicians wanting to control the industry. Probably he is on medicare they can be a pain in the butt about paying. Medicaid differs some from state to state.

[@ambercloud]

This video touches on such a sensitive subject for me. I have been too disabled to work since 2013 and since then I have been homeless twice. At one point the DWP expected me to live on £50 every two weeks. Right now I'm lucky enough to have a council flat but I rarely have enough to make ends meet for the whole month. When I try to get more help I'm told I'm somehow not disabled enough. For instance the power wheelchair I rely on to get out of the house was second hand 3 years ago and bought by friends who clubbed together. It badly need replacing as it's slowly breaking, causing me pain and the break aren't fully working. But I'm being told I'm not disabled enough to be entitled to help through the NHS so I'll just be stuck at home unable to do anything then. Worst, my family by and large believe the propaganda about benefits and seem to think I secretly have money and that I choose to have no carpets and a barely furnished home rather than I have no money for luxuries like furniture....or sometimes bills...and sometime food....

[@joshuacarrillo2111]

I'm so sorry to read this. Is indeed a cruel world. But there's light, and people like the one's you can find in this channel. Maybe we cannot do much, but tell you that we understand you, and that somehow we are all in this together. I admire you c:

[@kittling5427]

I don't know what area you live in but unite community is v helpful in some areas, also on fb there are condition specific benefit help groups - some of which are excellent. Good luck xxx

[@ambercloud]

@@kittling5427 just saw this, will def look into unite as I've not heard of them. Thanks!

[@brit9662]

I am well aware of how ablist one's own family can be, but I can't believe your own family think you have *secret money* 😒😒😒😒😒

[@aspenh5347]

I live in the states and I've had the same problem with the government saying I'm not disabled enough for benefits by people who obviously have little experience in understanding how disability affects people, even so called "experts". I can barely work 4-5 and a half hours a shift without being mentally and physically exhausted by the end of the day. I only break like 200-300 a pay check. I live with my mom, there's no way I could afford an apartment, and food on what I make living alone. I also, have a cat to take care of.

[@sophiewalker3459]

This sort of thing fills me with so much anxiety. I’m 23 and I have ME. I have an undergrad degree in Counselling (my dyslexic self managed to somehow swing a 2:1) but this was before I got really ill and found out that I have ME (and probably fibro too but I’m waiting on my appointment with the rheumatologist). I started a Masters degree in 2016 but this was when I got really ill and I haven’t managed to finish it yet. I took a suspension of studies and while your on suspension of studies (which is voluntary leave not like being suspended) you can’t claim any benefits. So I’m stuck in no mans land, I can’t work, I can’t finish uni and I can’t claim anything to... you know, live. Luckily my parents have been supporting me, my mum especially, she cooks and cleans for me, she takes me to appointments and generally does the things I can’t (including pushing my wheelchair). It just frustrates me when there’s this perception that disabled people are somehow in the wrong for all of this? Or that we’re all just scrounges? Idk how to articulate myself on this properly but I wish I could work. I didn’t put so much effort into getting through college with undiagnosed dyslexia (didn’t get diagnosed until first year of uni and didn’t start getting any support until second year) and then putting hours and hours of work into my undergrad and masters to not have a job at the end of it. I went to uni so that I could provide a better life for myself than what my parents were able to provide for themselves. I wanted to be something, I was willing to work so hard to make that happen. Do people seriously think I’d just choose to sit at home all day with no money, no social life and no hope for the future instead? I didn’t choose to get ill, I didn’t choose to be beyond exhausted everyday or be in pain everyday. I can’t enjoy any of the things I used to love anymore. Basically all I can manage to do is watch KZbin and that’s what keeps me sane, that’s my only connection to the outside world. But I want to actually be in the outside world, hustling hard and living life. But I can’t. I want to so badly but I can’t. I feel stuck, like someone hit pause on my life and now I can’t go anywhere or do anything. So for people like that guy to make such horrid comments breaks my heart and fills me with dread for what my future can be. Ok, that’s my rant done. As you were.

[@emmaRBC]

I understand. You wrote this so well

[@sophiewalker3459]

Emma Cooper haha, thank you. Between dyslexia and brain fog I never quite know if I’m putting my point across clearly or just talking in nonsensical circles 😂

[@bellisperennis42]

@Sophie Walker : Sending you a big virtual hug! ♡ Even though my disability is quite different from yours, I can relate to a lot of what you said! Very eloquently, by the way! :-)

[@emmaRBC]

@@sophiewalker3459 brain fog is a nightmare! Especially when you're trying to explain something complex. Thankfully my husband can interpret my brain fog nonsense and figure out what I mean most of the time 😝

[@sophiewalker3459]

bellisperennis42 thank you 😊 writing is something I love, my Masters is actually in creative writing... not that I’ve finished it yet, or get the chance to do much writing these days

[@susieenglish302]

I just loved the fact my health assessor had no medical qualifications whatsoever but still decided I was fit to work as opposed to 3 hospital consultants - including one who was so enraged he accompanied me to my assessment and made 72 corrections to the assessors report yet still I'm ok to work

[@TrendyyWendyy]

The system is broken and has been since its inception. As a disabled person who does get on benefit, I cannot tell you how much more difficult it is to be disabled, but be able to work as well. I only do 4 days a week because that's all I can do for now, and I work so hard just to have enough money to survive and save for my own property. Being in this middle ground means that we often end up earning even less because we can't work 40 hours a week, but the DWP think we're not disabled enough to get benefits. I have been battling with them for a year now with no result yet and I will continue to do so until these people understand that yes, I'm really disabled, no I'm not doing it for fun and no, I'm not fraudulently taking money off the system. I pay taxes, so I literally pay my own benefits...

[@cutelittledevil88]

+ 1 I do not get anything, because I am (barely) above the minimum income level (of €900 a month) However my Boss gets 40% of my wage payed back. They have money and would pay an employee anyway.

[@clareevans4229]

Agreed! I work 30 hours a week but because of that the DWP ignore all my medical evidence and say I’m not entitled to PIP. The sad truth is I would be better off financially if I gave up work and was able to claim PIP, ESA and housing benefit but despite the powers that be knowing this I am somehow penalised for wanting to continue working. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@rosebudjess96]

I also live in the UK, before I was classed as disabled by the government and received disability allowance but I was one of the people who had it taken away (and I have even more problems now than I did when I was receiving disability allowance) And in my experience employees are hiring people with disabilities but they have absolutely no idea how to care for their employees with disabilities. They seem to think that just because they've hired someone with a disability then they've done their part.

[@purpleghost106]

Canadian Disabled person here, and I really relate to a lot of this. We haven't had a spate of sudden deaths like that though. That part is really scary and fucked up. No, instead our disabled people are just dying more slowly, mostly from preventable poverty related repercussions of course. :(

[@kittling5427]

we have that too, the sudden spike in deaths is since governmental changes to the benefits system.

[@purpleghost106]

@@kittling5427 - Oh heck! D: Where at? I'm in BC, and since disability benefits are done by provinces not federally I wouldn't be as familiar with anything outside of BC (though I do have disabled friends in NB, PEI, and Ont), and unfortunately the news doesn't like reporting on our suffering in humanizing ways so I could have missed hearing of it. :(

[@1015SaturdayNight]

Your benefits system sounds just as inefficient as ours, with crappy politicians reinforcing the stigma around using them, but in the US we also don't have Healthcare, so getting approved if you're disabled is more crucial because medical debt becomes astoundingly huge very quickly and if you can get approved you can at least get Medicaid - and then 2 years later, Medicare. By then you can be thousands and thousands in debt, bankrupt, or homeless

[@bluedeva]

Yes Jess!!! Go on! Nicely and very politely said! 🙌🏻🙌🏻Also DWP actively befriend people with disabilities on social media to see if you’re being too active to use as evidence to then suspend or stop their benefits. The DWP ask manager’s, of Leisure Centres,National Trust Parks, Airports and major public places etc to report any disabled people that look ‘too active’. This breaks so many human rights laws but yet they get away with it. Activity Alliance has released a report to confirm what underhand tactics the dwp are doing to disabled people. Suicide rates have risen to 60% since the benefit reforms were introduced and so has the rate of disabled people made homeless due to benefit sanctions. Because of these underhand tactics disabled people now fear and avoid taking part in sports and activities incase they loose their benefits which is then going to put even more stress on the NHS, as disabled people become more sedentary (leading to diabetes, weight gain, vascular problems, heart problems etc) The NHS want us to be more active so that we can manage our illnesses and disabilities better whilst improving our well being and independence. Yet this is all being undone by the DWP, the government and certain government biased media companies.... its beyond sick Thank you so much Jess 🙌🏻👌🏻🙌🏻🤗😍

[@paulgascoigne5343]

Many of us with chronic health issues and disabilities rely on pacing in order to stay 'healthy'. Sometimes this gives the illusion of being active or well. It is in fact a method of managing health and is a very useful tool which saves the NHS and the welfare state in the long run. However. When the DWP investigate someone they are not bothered about that, the objective is to remove you from benefits all together whatever the cost. I have known private investigators (friends with actually) who were paid to get evidence to support cases against people claiming disability benefits. They would go so far as to orchestrate scenarios where one of them would fall or drop something heavy and ask the claimant to help them. Another would video them from a distance and capture evidence of this person helping, bending down and picking things up etc. It leads to a situation whereby you are afraid to go out. Even on days you may be more able than others.

[@KatieM786]

bluedeva It seems the government have also not heard that some disabilities are invisible and not all conditions restrict physical activities. I have a good friend who was born profoundly deaf and she leads a very active and social life, whilst still being as deaf as she has ever been. It's sick how "they" think that if you embrace life as a disabled person that somehow minimises the challenges you face.

[@bluedeva]

Paul Gascoigne it’s beyond evil what they are doing. I agree with every word you’ve said I’ve seen this happening to too many people, I’m so happy Jess has brought this to light in such a polite and non aggressive way. I hope that this post is seen by as many people as possible and someone in power can have a conscience and help change legislation 🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻🤗😍

[@bluedeva]

Katie M i completely agree, it’s so frustrating and frightening what they are doing. A lot of people with disabilities both visible, invisible and mental are becoming withdrawn from society in fear of being reported to the DWP. They are undoing all of the hard work of the NHS and those that have fought for changes in disability rights and human rights laws for years. 🤗😍🤗

[@livliv4169]

BEAURIFUL DEAR ONE, The blue lace dress is so beautiful on you! Thank you, for speaking out for disabled people with classly beauty, creativity, great intelligence and very good humor!!! THANK YOU!♡ LOVE to YOU ALWAYS!!!♡ Namaste ♡

[@emilythompson3756]

I was born in 1981 with Spina Bifida, have had lifelong physical and learning disabilities, but for several years was told, "You're not disabled enough," because from age 18-30 I could and did work at least part time. Then my kidneys quit in 2014, and suddenly I qualified for disability benefits! It's less than $1000 a month but it's a huge help to my husband that I can contribute financially.

[@emilythompson3756]

We went on Section 8 for assistance paying our rent, and we're still getting said help, but it's pretty much the one thing keeping us in housing!

[@wonderingalbatross2400]

The lovely typical Jessica sarcasm : ) Conversation could be such an art that I should aspire to master. Even if a criticism is being delivered, I feel Jessica could hardly make any recipient angry.

[@celestialskye1]

Even as an American, I totally agree! I to have disabilities and am struggling. So tired of hearing "those lazy people ~ just get a job!" I would if I could ~ cause I'm not looking forward to losing my home and having to put my babies down, they saved my life only for me to let them go. Would rather take my own.

[@farrahaliceblack7453]

This is SO interesting! I'm completely deaf in one ear, and it isn't such a financial burden since any equipment I need I can usually get through the NHS which is super lucky. However, I have needed to work part-time alongside my studies since I was 16 because I'm from a low income home, and the only jobs available to a teenage student are usually in shops or cafes etc- where I have to communicate with customers in rooms full of people talking and usually absurdly loud background music. So I have tried in the past to see if I'm entitled to disability benefits, and was told then that I don't because (I quote) I can still hear in the other ear. Then when I was applying for uni last year, turns out I qualify for disabled student benefit... but not regular disabled benefit once I graduate I guess?? Because I'm only disabled enough when I'm a student I assume? Long story short being forced to be a waitress for years has REALLY strengthend my lip reading skills 😂😂😂

[@kaylajohnson8478]

the fear of people misusing benefits is also a big thing in America and we don't even benefits to the level that I think the UK does.... it's depressing

[@camillastacey4674]

I don't even think I can comment on this as its way too close to home. I had my DLA stopped last year and had to go through the PIP process. I came so close to suicide on more than one occasion, and I think I'm only here thanks to friends.

[@KatieM786]

Sending you big hugs, I'm so sorry that happened xxx

[@poppyfield4463]

I'm so glad you're still here, sending love x

[@brit9662]

Thank goodness for your friends!

[@Lilyboxes]

The jobcentre is making me look for work even though my doctors and myself know I can't, so thanks for this video!! I'm going to focus on things I can do from home so I still get my benefits :) It all needs scrapping, as you say it violates human rights laws. Hope others going through it are OK!

[@missytyrrell1]

I loved this. I have spinabifida, hydrocephalus and inflammatory arthritis. I work four days a week because a) I want to and b) I need to. Those four days mean I have nothing in the tank for weekends. Or evenings. I come home, take pills and lay down. The idea that there will soon come a time when I am unable to work terrifies me as I never want to be reliant on people like IDS. Thanks for doing this and spreading such a positive, common sense message.

[@Ohnogoblin]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been unable to work due to mental health problems and the government decided I was fit to work despite copious medical evidence to the contrary. Fighting the decision has been so hard and has lead to suicidal thoughts. When I told one of my friends about it she said “yeah, it’s because there are so many benefit cheats they have to be harsh”. Using that as a justification for the inhumane treatment I’ve received is messed up. I feel like there is a huge amount of stigma around being on benefits - I’m queer and have mental health problems and I feel able to talk openly about both those things but only a few close friends know I’m on benefits.

[@becca413b]

On a difficult day this is awesome. Yes I can complain along with you about the injustice but leave feeling empowered and hopeful that one day I might be considered equal or as worthy as most people seem to be.

[@dont_harsh_my_mellow]

It’s nice to learn info about disability discrimination, bc non disabled people should be helping the disabled get more fair treatment.

[@jenna6149]

I think it is a great message to get out. I often say that the amount of effort to be on disability is often harder than holding a job. They expect the most from those the least capable. The fighting with doctors and insurance companies and who will pay for what and if it is not covered why... I now professionally navigate the American healthcare system and I am drowning. S.O.S

[@brit9662]

@@jenna6149 🚨🚤 That is very true, and I do not envy you having to negotiate who pays for what. Well done you!

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

yes, it should concern us enough to act. Love in action seems like a trite saying, but it really a profound one, my thought.

[@elijahtrafford6937]

I have many physical and mental health disabilities and am lucky enough to receive money from the UK government however trying to live off that amount with many bills to pay and food costs getting ever higher. Im thankful to have found your channel as it helps educate the able bodied population and helps the voices of disabled people be heard. Thank you for all you have been doing to advocate for the community.

[@RadioCyber]

Love your videos, Jessica! The irony here is I'm watching this after coming home early after my supervisor threatening to write me up for having PTSD. Don't have a physical disability but I can relate sort of

[@dearlife3070]

Your hair is killing it .that my way of saying is amazing

[@thedragonsunicorn]

Ian Duncan Smith sounds like a wonderful down to earth guy!!! would love to have tea with him someday, maybe have a friendly discussion on how much we all *hate* ppl who discriminate against disabilities. 🙄

[@bluedeva]

HBCxDelta just like his minion Esther McVey 😡

[@alexandertimsater4911]

Perhaps you can do me the favor too throw that cup in his face😜

[@thedragonsunicorn]

@@alexandertimsater4911 would be my pleasure 😅😏

[@llamalluvv]

Yeah, "tea"....

[@brit9662]

Fucking spill it.

[@OceanicMarauder]

This is such a well-done video!

[@tomcollinsishere]

I live in Australia and we have a similar system... I'm marked by centrelink as being "not disabled" because I don't have enough points on the checklist... So even though I can't get any job in my age group because I can't stand for more than an hour and the minimum working time is 3 hours, I can't get a job. So, I'm currently in Uni working my butt off to get a degree to get a desk job that I can actually do, but that would be freelance work anyway so it may not even count as work and aaaa. It's all so scary being a disabled 20 year old in Australia while also not being disabled- according to the government

[@Spacebuny]

In the US it’s quite hard to get disability help. It’s usually a two year wait to get a disability hearing. Some in the US do get disability benefits right off, but that is the minority. Bigotry unfortunately isn’t just a British or American thing....it’s a people thing. So thanks for helping spread the word about it on this topic. :)

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

as an American, I totally agree. People die or suffer during that long wait.

[@222yeahyeahyeah]

I am so glad IDS is getting a dragging through the mud for which he is QUITE overdue. Thank you Jessica.

[@raelonewolf]

Yeah, this is all too familiar to those of us with disabilities/health conditions here in the U.S.A. I've had to make the choice between buying groceries or paying for the medications that literally keep me alive before (spoiler: I've gone through periods of time where I ate nothing but cereal and ramen). Open enrollment for the healthcare exchange is coming up, and my premium will be increasing by 25%, and I can already barely afford what I'm paying now. I honestly don't know how I'm going to pay for it. Also, we've had politicians here (Michelle Bachman) who suggested that we do away with minimum wage completely. When asked how companies could expect to stay afloat because most workers wouldn't accept a job that only paid one dollar an hour, her response was that those companies should have no problem finding people who are "mentally slow" to accept those low wages. Like, just because you have a disability, you somehow don't have the same expenses for rent and food that abled people have? And what an abusive way to treat disabled people if you don't want to allow them "government handouts", yet at the same time you think they deserve to be paid less simply because they're disabled. These politicians are literally calling for legislation that will kill (or already has) thousands of people every year. It's mind-boggling to think any person would support them. I guess they must have the privilege of not having a disability. Their tune sure does change though once they get a disabled child. Funny how that works.

[@moordt]

Thank you again! I’m already trying to make people see life is not all about making money. I actually think nobody’s worth is based on that. That is just what our system is trying to make us believe. But I personally struggle with this being on welfare because I have chronic pain with no known cause. The things people say to you sometimes... And also the changing system in The Netherlands. Here there is also a growing idea people have to do something to earn their welfare. Not sure where it is going. And I also fear not getting better and having to live of this not so very large budget (which I don’t want to complain about too much. At least I’m not in a box on the street). xxx Marieke

[@anarchyvixyn]

The system in America is just as crazy. Now we dont have a guy saying work or death but here's a bit: there is a list of 27 illnesses that are deemed immediate approval. But even with multiple Doctors diagnosing a person it takes 4 years to just get your paperwork into a judge for a hearing, who reads it and accepts or denies the claim. If denied you can fight it, but that's another 2 years of waiting. And theres no assistance while waiting, so you just wait...

[@spacemonkey340]

I've heard many times that the US (where I live) system "denies everyone the first time" and to get approved you really have to appeal it. I'm sure that isn't exactly true, but more a testimony to just how hard it is to get. And in the mean time people are starving. It's ridiculous that in 2018 we can't even take care of disabled people.

[@RWorley3sl]

Where I live has a high acceptance rate of about 50%. The first round 97% are denied and and the second about 80%, so most give up at that point. This coming from my disability law firm with the highest rate of success. It took me 3.5 years to see a judge and I got the ruling in three weeks; it normally takes 6 months for a ruling. All the hoops I have to jump through are not cool: I don't need a steady income or insurance that works right?

[@1015SaturdayNight]

Vanessa McCoy It took me 3, but you are exactly right

[@veryberry39]

This system is what made my mother and I homeless, because she wasn't able to work, the Social Security people didn't think she was really disabled, and I couldn't support us both. In the end, it did wind up leading to her death. And I'm still really infuriated by that.

[@LovefortheZeppelin]

@@veryberry39 I'm so sorry for your loss. Social security can be a bitch. I'm just so sorry, I hope you find some peace soon.

[@rinmolton3660]

God I think I really needed this video, I'm autistic and I've been thinking about the low employment rates of autistics a lot lately, it's feels horrid to think that I have a way smaller chance of a good future than my abled peers.

[@LecheVitrineUK]

Yes yes yes! Thank you for making this video! I was told by the dwp in 2016 that I was no longer disabled and all support was taken away, I applied again for the benefits that say I am officially disabled this year this time they decided I was disabled again. In the 2 years where I tried to fight to get my support back I nearly lost my sanity and was completely traumatised becoming more ill than I was before, needing more time with doctors etc. Am I crazy or are they crazy? Are they just there as a sick experiment to make sick and disabled people lose their minds. I know I nearly lost mine and I'm still recovering xx

[@lawrnc]

Great vid! Usually this topic is very polarised and ideological. But your perspective as someone with experience of disability really shows the issue of terrible policies that dehumanise people

[@gundulfthegruy782]

the last few videos have helped me so much in ignoring my internalised ableism! i have been diagnosed with depression right when i graduated high school and i barely made it thru that difficult time. and now i'm in my first term of university and scared of the future: what if i cannot finish my studies, what if i can't work? i hate how my worth is dependant on that. For my mom, as long as i can keep a fulltime occupation, everything's fine, but what if i can't?

[@amyphillips2001]

thank you for doing this video. i have so much anxiety towards the future because of things like this but with wonderful people like yourself fighting for us it gives me hope!

[@TatumBorealis]

You are so inspirational, Jessica.

[@cateelizabeth4449]

I'm British & disabled but I live in Copenhagen after feeling abandoned to poverty by the government. I'm starting a business here that part of its manifesto will be helping and supporting other business owners and entrepreneurs with disabilities, and showing others that you can, and more importantly, how. I just wanted to share my grand plan, even though it's not ready for launch yet. 2019 will be my year. Also, incase you see my comment, thanks for being so bloody awesome Jessica. Love to the wifey and pooches.

[@meeveling]

Yeah, here in Canada the government is equally bad about disabilities. My mum couldn't get a tax exempt for my brother's disability despite the fact that he is wholly dependant on her and unable to live on his own and has trouble getting a job at the moment, just because the form to fill out for it asked irrelevant questions that made it sound like he was completely fine without any disability that might significantly affect his life.

[@mariealainawalukas3048]

Jess.....YOU ROCK!!!!!!

[@sophieg5171]

I find these videos so interesting and informative, thank you for making them and spreading useful knowledge! Much appreciated!💖 (and you look so lovely!)

[@Swimdeep]

Nicely done ✅Thanks for the deft handling of a difficult topic. -A disabled American who gratefully has a Military Service connected disability and a pension for it.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

thank you for your service Sir !

[@Swimdeep]

@@KindCountsDeb3773 It’s “Ma’am.” Thanks for the acknowledgment.

[@sidoniewittman9987]

Thank you for teaching me about what’s going on in the UK

[@jadeauburn9220]

I've had to fight for so long to get therapy that I absolutely need in order to ever being able to have a job. For some reason our government thinks it's better to pay me just enough to let me rot inside my home rather than helping me become a tax payer! I am finally getting help but am again fighting to continue my treatment, which is veru exhausting. My illness is mental btw.

[@LindaUrsin]

We have those kinds of politicians here in Norway too. I should probably have gone on disability 10 years earlier than I did...

[@jinxd2545]

I live in the US so I can tell you right now that yeah everything you said does sound familiar but we ARE DEFINITELY UPSET lol and we totally get why you're upset because we can empathize hardcore. It's so hard not to get discouraged when I'm living in a country that's still fighting for universal healthcare let alone aid to those dealing with disabilities :(

[@sandy7m]

Fantastic work covering the stats and theories of this subject. My story - My wife has been "ill" since 2004. Being unable to cure the condition they tagged her as having Fibromyalgia. In 2013 she was assesed by ATOS as being fit for work. The walking stick is just an affectation and her pain and swollen digits could be down to alcoholism. Has stick - yes. Drink - no. The doctors prescribe addictive pain killers to get through the bad days. Someone is talking carp. Now I, in the period of covid, have aquired an ailment that makes me unemployable - over sixty. Waiting to be kicked off Universal Credit for having lived too long. Got to love this austerity governance. Keep the videos coming. Really usefull and funny.

[@moonlight-ps3di]

I'm currently awaiting a tribunal date for pip (it's been six months and still no date). In that time me and my mum has had to move in with her boyfriend because we couldnt afford rent/food/life. The house is not suitable for me since it has steps down into the house. My disability is Club Foot (talipes equinovarus). Even though I described my disability, all the meds I take and the amount of pain and depression that comes with it. Even though I explained I can't go outside without my wheelchair or can barely walk without crutches. EVEN THOUGH i am awaiting double amputation of both feet because of the pain. Apparently because i can touch my toes in my wheelchair it means i can cook for myself clean for myself and live without aids!

[@becca413b]

Its rediculous isnt it? Apparently because my friend walked in with some papers in her hand she had no problems with grip. Holding papers is quite different to holding a glass of water or turning a tap. Thats the trouble you get when you pay people who don't have a clue to pass judgement on others. Its amazing how many cases I've come across where doctors statements have been completely ignored in reports. Its beyond a joke. One good thing though is that (once you get to it) the chance of getting your appeal upheld is really high. Its just a terrible shame they have to put us through all this stress. Especially for me, with a mental health condition as well as physical health stuff, the stress just makes recovery and returning to any kind of normality or work even further away. Last time I had to go through the process it put me back in the position I was recovery wise of over a year. The stress of the assessment basically wiped out a year of care and hard work. Its bloody hard but with people speaking up there's hope for a better future x

[@claudiel4660]

PIP is ridiculous. Hold out if you can, my mum did and they said she was entitled to almost a full whack so she's not struggling as much anymore. She had to wait 10 months.

[@kittling5427]

@moonlitbluerose - I'm so glad you're appealing, dr's evidence becomes much more effective at this stage & the odds really are in your favour now. I know its a long wait, hang on on there & good luck xxx

[@moonlight-ps3di]

Thankyou all for replying, Alicia I wish you best of luck, I would use that recording so they can charge the interviewer who lied on the assessment. Hope everything goes relatively smoothly! ❤

[@ashleyhale8976]

I love your humor so much!

[@ashleyhale8976]

Also, as an American, this all sounds super familiar! 😭

[@hisspopfizz]

This is literally me when ever I'm trying to educate people ,who call me lazy

[@emilymisty798]

Thank you for doing this as the UK is not heading down a good path. Cutting benefits only creates problems :(, cutting money for the poor to give to the rich is not right. Like people don't deserve to starve and be homeless because they don't have a job. Even people with jobs are struggling because of greedy corporations exploiting them. VOTE LABOUR OR GREEN IN THE NEXT ELECTION AND GET THOSE RATS OUTTA THE KITCHEN.

[@70ssmooth9]

Nah

[@idanna4330]

These videos are so informative and interesting! I've learnt a lot from your videos! Thank you Jessica! 💟😊

[@Andresfin]

Me listening to this video while I'm at work....in pain....no break till 4:30....and really needing to sleep because Chronic fatigue....send help 🙃🙃

[@marrus1372]

Coffee: ☕ Home made baked goods:🍰 🍪 Luxury transport home: 🚁 Several million dollars(/currency of choice:💵💵,💷💷 💰💰💰

[@dominantpersona3326]

@Hellena Rose II heroin

[@mariapooley4679]

I really loved this video - thanks for putting it together

[@crazybee1234]

It's already legal to pay disabled people less than the minimum wage in the US. :'(

[@lutheranninja1819]

Anna Seraphim no it’s not It literally is illegal to discriminate based on disability People still do it, but you can’t get away with paying less

[@crazybee1234]

@@lutheranninja1819 look it up.

[@seanfortine2707]

Some companies can apply for a permit to pay less than minimum wage to disabled people. The idea is that it helps people whose work is worth less than market value to find some sort of employment, but it rarely does anything financially beneficial to those paid less.

[@crisnemitz1606]

@@seanfortine2707 Right! Plus, every dollar my son earns is subtracted from his monthly benefits. That just invites fraud as there is less motivation to work as you can't get ahead! Also, if you have over $2000 in an account at the end of the year, they reduce the benefit amount because if you were able to save you are obviously being overpaid! SMH!! 😤

[@cmmc3400]

Jessica Kellgren-Fozard for Prime Minster ~~~~ AND President of the United States!! Wait for it...........AND Prime Minster of Canada as well as Universal Ruler of all who have had anyone disabled in their lives and have experienced a a minimum of being laid up. HUZZAH!! BTW, disabled sign glowing over my head.

[@70ssmooth9]

What?

[@psycobasschick]

I live in the US. I am technically disabled and qualify for benefits, but I don't have them, nor do I want them. I have worked in a care position with disabled adults. I remember when the state (not national) talked about closing all the centers like the one I worked at. The idea was to send the clients like mine (profound levels of intellectual disability with severe physical disabilities) to nursing homes, where their lifespan is greatly cut because of lack of care. Basically a client at the state center where I worked could live there for 20+yrs and have social interactions and be in "home like" environment (as home like as an institution can be). In a nursing home, they would all die within 5yrs because they don't have access to all of that. I loved my clients. I had real relationships with them and met many of their families. One even claimed me as her sister and my mom as hers (she was 67 at the time, now over 70. My mom turned 57 this year). These people still spend money (clothes and entertainment are a big deal). My ladies are like any other middle aged women. We watched a lot of soap operas, talk and game shows.

[@gedders]

I honestly think since I've started watching your videos it has given me an outlook on life that has made me a much more positive person. Amazing channel Jessica keep it up, you play a big role in making this world a happier place.

[@marshalla.7956]

The video was amazing and informative...but I can't help, but say you look beautiful and amazing Jessica.

[@LoudlyListening]

Loved this as a disabled person fighting for pip

[@stephanieparrish9059]

Excellent, this is so important!!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Brilliant!

[@halley6903]

Oh my gosh its the fashion icon from the “things not to say to a deaf person” video!

[@o0Avalon0o]

Yup. My disability wasn't covered in the U.S. & has worsened over 10 years of having to work multiple jobs; now I'm Jessica's age, no longer able to work & in the worst condition I've ever been.

[@steveplummer5779]

I'm just hear to say that I could listen to her talk, or watch her talk, or both, all day long (she could read off the ingredients of a cereal box and it would sound regal). Such a pleasant and pretty person. And most importantly, such respect for her choice to use her online presence to educate create, and help.

[@frankiemia]

Jessica , this video made me love you even more. Please more videos on your views of everything.

[@desertdogscalifornia]

Thanks for shedding light on this. I'm in the States, so doesn't really apply to me but I do live under the officially recognized poverty level and it sure does feel sometimes like people treat me less than human.

[@joshuacuddy5044]

As a "great" man once famously said to over 6 million people "work shall set you free". Our government is so disgusting

[@Surrinaus]

Love you Jessica. That’s just all there is to it! Great video.

[@seaglass8084]

LOVED this. As an American I still loved and agreed despite our shit healthcare system because the ideas of productivity-based evaluation of human life are so pervasive. As a semi-disabled person (low functioning with major depression and challenges being traditionally employed), I so appreciated you voicing these facts. This is so overlooked. Merci!

[@onceuponamelody]

😂 I love the sense of humor you bring to this even though it’s a horrible situation and not much better in the US.

[@Lighting_Desk]

The DWP as a whole right now is pretty grim. After a year of winning a tribunal with a section three of ESA, I was forced to go back for an assessment. Love and behold, I scored zero points, inspite symptoms that had gotten worse and a diagnosis that had not vanished. Previously I scored 17 points, but this time, everything including the autism was put down to a 'Mental health issue'. I'm currently awaiting a tribunal date after a year of the previous.

[@elizabethmunday5451]

Thank you for this video

[@brittanyouldcott2912]

Can we put you in charge of the DWP? Intelligent, compasionate, well put together and with a connection and interest to the issues. Seems like you qualify more than any of the current canidates.....

[@BeverleyButterfly]

This video shall forever be used to show one of the many reasons why I love you xx

[@kayew5492]

My daughter lives with me, she works full time and is also my main carer. When her boyfriend moved in so that they could save for their own place, the council decided he was my partner (?) and stopped my housing benefit. Then because that had happened, my ESA and PIP were first stopped for reassessment, and then withdrawn. After appealing, it was reinstated but at a lower rate than before. It took 11 months to sort out. Meanwhile, my sight and hearing loss are getting progressively worse, my balance - still not sure what is causing that - is actually dangerous and I can no longer manage with a stick and need a walker outside and a zimmer frame indoors, I can only stand for a few minutes and I still fall regularly. The tremor in my hands, and back injury, sciatica, pain and fatigue, also worsening but I'm afraid to poke the bear in case I lose it all again. Oh, and that's just the physical stuff. My mental health (CPTSD) is what actually limits me most, but I did finally get specialist help with that last year, after only about 20 years of being misdiagnosed, and basically told to get over it. So now I have better coping skills, but of course I still have to live with it. I'm nearly 60. Who would employ me? And for that matter, what sort of work am I actually able to do? No idea, but until I am eligible for old age pension I am afraid that this is as good as it gets.

[@amberhelms9352]

You are just amazing!!

[@confusedandamused]

Thank you!!!

[@katiemoss7578]

I hadn't realised quite how bad the situation is thank you for informing me Jessica

[@selen6215]

You look gorgeous!

[@TheFireAngel13]

God this was almost cathartic to watch. I’m in the US, but this is so relatable

[@richtreehugger]

You are incredible!

[@xBloodGarnetx]

Love your work.

[@rdodgegibsonable]

Would be be very amusing my dear, if it wasn’t so accurate. Native Americans had an old saying, “if it hasn’t happened to you, it’s not the truth.” The odds of becoming disabled at some point in one’s life is much higher that one thinks. I’m old, and I have discovered one factor that changes one’s compassion, it’s when it happens to them. My own brother railed and strongly believed there should be no services for disabled people. However, he had a major heart attack at 40 that almost killed him. He’s been on what Britts call the public dole for 25 years. What goes around, comes around. Love your blog! Are you stuck in the 1940’s, my dear? Just joking! I really am stuck in the 1960’s! You would not believe how much fun the 1960’s were in the US. The best time to be alive. This current time may be the worst time. Much love, Ron

[@SixtySecondYoga]

I’m in a situation where I’m too ill to work, but not ill enough to qualify for any form of incapacity benefits. It sucks because JSA really isn’t enough.