Universal Credit - Personal Independence Payment - Employment Support Allowance - News August 2024

[@StuartMcGoo]

Some excellent views from lovely people as always

[@Gilly.T.9020]

Many valid points on PIP there. I wish you were in government Stu. You are the voice needed for the disabled, vulnerable and the elderly. As for Labour? This party lost sight of who they were many many years ago

[@StuartMcGoo]

I don't think they'd let me 😂

[@Gilly.T.9020]

Probably not because you'd do a proper job of it and not hash it up!

[@apollocreed5391]

​@@Gilly.T.9020 I hope the government change payment to vouchers. Pip has been abused far foi long

[@gok655]

​​​No they need to stop giving it to scammers people claiming & they have nothing wrong with them that would help alot. ​@@apollocreed5391

[@rhianevans7189]

⁠@@apollocreed5391for people who use taxis to get about with a disability it won’t pay them tobave vouchers as taxi fares are paid for in cash. Also regarding to payment of domiciliary help and someone taking that disabled person out is the question as it’s not feasible and out of the question

[@debbietodd5780]

We all know that the government will not be helping us disabled people out when they screwed the pensioners over so I don't hold out much hope that they'll do anything that actually makes it better

[@LonleyCopy]

@@debbietodd5780 thristy for own pockets never cared for anyone until general election and power taken away Little uk is doomed

[@OliviaApple-hf8ig]

Of course the voucher idea needs scrapping. I think labour will know better, but you are right that there will be some kind of change.

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

We didn't ask de have a disability, nor does disabilities pick its victims..... Why do they always make us feel like we have to walk on eggshells... ?

[@cathrynolley814]

Shame on Labour.This is making me feel very Anxious &for elderly and vulnerable like myself Disgusting.

[@heatherjoy479]

Not labour was torres party they are gone

[@neveo9428]

​@@heatherjoy479Labour are as bad as Tories now - they have already planned to stop winter fuel help £ for many elderly. Neither Tories nor Labour Party work for the people but work for their billionaire chums in the World Economic Forum where tge wirjds richest & most powerful discuss how they can get rid of billions of 'Useless Eaters' - 'king' Charles & William are part of the WEF depopulation gang. Elderly, disabled and other vulnerable are easiest to get rid of using poverty, run down on purpose to kill, privatised NHS, etc

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

But people voted for the WEF when they thought they voted for Labour. Starmer is a great fan and follower of the WEF He doesn't care about anyone except the WEF and their great reset. "You'll own nothing and be happy" that is their message. Democracy isn't even on their agenda, so we'll have to wait 5 years just to see if there will be another election or not!

[@robton007]

Imagine the money the Gov would save if they stopped MP's claiming the heating on there 2nd home....or maybe claiming costs for duck houses

[@paulchambers6537]

And swimming pools

[@LonleyCopy]

@@paulchambers6537 or forigan countries free for all 12bn quid of taxpayers money handed out like sweets whilst saying were in 22bn of debt

[@joledo2264]

Best wishes with your operation. My houghts are with you.

[@audreysimon696]

Stu why should the people suffer it’s the government fault we’re in this mess

[@jules6439]

What the actual "oh dear i can't really say it cos i will be so rude"..is this new government doing??????? Who would've thought they would have made things even worse for the poorest, sickest, disabled and elderly??? I can only say shame, shame, shame on them. Thank you Stu for all this information updates..I'm very ill, chronic long-term physical conditions, mental health issues..cognitive issues..dreading the migration to UC..and so much more going on - I'm absolutely dreading the future about all this, not just for myself but for my elderly parents, the part about Attendance Allowance has just shocked me as it's something we've been considering for a while due to what's happened to them both with health and care needs..etc..as if i couldn't be more shocked.. We've been let down real bad, and i will never understand those in power who seem to just really not care and make "decisions" that are questionable..is it because they've not got true meaningful experiences of what it's like to walk a mile in our shoes. Or have they?? And if they have, then why not show some true care and compassion towards the most vulnerable of society, instead of just reading off a script saying "tough decisions had to be made"..yes of course they did, we all know that.. but why does it seem they want to target and punish us for things that are sometimes out of our control??? Thanks again for your channel..take care Stu.

[@StuartMcGoo]

100% agree

[@gordanazakula5669]

Please reply to me.l have only hd PIP for a year. Do you think that the Labour gov will replace PIP with vouchers? Seems we will know in October!!!​@@StuartMcGoo

[@amberappleby3832]

Me too, regarding ESA to UC. Apparently, migration letters are starting to go out as of 2nd September. I read this today 😢. Like you dreading it as I imagine many of us will need help and support with this change over . Can't understand why they can t simply use the information they already have on us. Surely, this would save them time and money . I have been advised to apply for pip ,but I just can t cope with applying for that and the migration process coming up . Take care xx

[@neveo9428]

It's because many world governments in UK & other countries, work for billionaires eg World Economic Forum etc where workds richest & most powerful meet every year to discuss Depopulation ie killing billions of what they call 'Usekess Eaters' The poverty eg 'Austerity, benefit cuts, huge price rises in food & fuel,, 'Lockdowns' & much more are used to kill. None of it is an accident. Evil people are in charge of the planet.

[@neveo9428]

​@@amberappleby3832I know what you mean about the stress please get the Citizens Advice to help you or 'Disability Rights News' is a charity that might have information to help you. CAB is a place to start also Law Centres, & other advice centres, Law Centres etc

[@Mar11932]

I dont think Rachel Reeves or Starmer, listen to the people or care. This gov is Labour in name only.

[@Serpsss]

It's just the same old Labour that we suffered with pre-Tories when they brought in ESA along with bringing in the wonderful ATOS sadly.

[@PeaceAndLove303]

They clearly don't care unless your an illegal migrant or of the legal migration that they give everything to so we suffer. Rachel Reeves got her backing from muslims she met to get votes from pre Election as to why we also see 2 tier policing. Rember when you vote in the next General Election what your voting for and wish for. Hit back in the coming local Elections keeping Labour councillors out of our Towns and Cities this will send a clear message to them and something that will in return hurt them.

[@thedukeofnuke1517]

That's a lot of valuable information for me to mull over. I have to say a lot of the subject matter feeds my anxiety and bolsters my depression. Sometimes I feel I need to be rescued, but then other times I feel like I should be the rescuer. It's an emotional rollercoaster. Thankfully we have so many communities working together to highlight injustice and keep the country's moral compass in check. Keep up the good work I say! Thank you for your sacrifice. Hopefully the goodness will spread!

[@HayleyMorant]

p

[@sean5990]

I'm claiming ESA and I'm absolutely crapping myself. Not only with the lower income, but the amount of harassment I'm going to get from the DWP. It's just nerve wracking.

[@marshgirl]

Me too .

[@Annie-yv7rc]

You are right to be frightened you are treat like a second class citizen begging for crumbs it’s dehumanising.

[@neveo9428]

Record all conversations with benefit departments then you can prove how you are treated.

[@linda-nl8ib]

Me too

[@mystifiedmargot1970]

Thank you for your informative video. I'm so stressed about everything I ended up crying nearly all the way through a phone call and that was just about my 16 autistic son staying on at 6th form. I couldn't mentally cope with the form so left it too late. What a shambles this all is. I've to move to PIP and as I said to the lady, who was really lovely, that the government want to make our life even more difficult. Keep fighting everyone ❤

[@dallasknight4854]

Hi Stu my point is my Pip goes to all sorts of things white goods , a bed & due to my disability I have to change my mattress (osteoarthritis in both hips and right knee). Pillows, bed linen & pads due to bladder issues. Aids to help with dressing, bathing plus paying people to do jobs I can no longer do. Do disabled people and people with disabilities have the right to sit in a nice garden in the summer. Have a home that's reasonably decorated a clean oven. you know those little things that able-bodied people take for granted. All just stack is all in a high rise building little boxes staring at the walls not been able to get out and breathe fresh air. I am shocked because I don't really keep track of the news due to my personality disorder and medication I find it hard. But I didn't realise how far the Labour party had shifted down the imaginary line where all politics lives on. Sorry I forgot to mention using more gas and electricity because you take longer to shower or bathing yourself.heating especially if you suffer with any forms of arthritis. I always have to rely on citizens advice to do my application forms due to dyslexia the only way I can respond to KZbin videos is because of the mic has gotten so much better over the years

[@StuartMcGoo]

Yes! All of this. excellent points.

[@lindyhoney14]

As usual it’s those who are just over the threshold who get hammered. Friends who are on pension credits now have, with all their benefits, far more. As for PIP vouchers, everybody’s needs are complex and varied. One size doesn’t fit all!

[@sarahcarter9061]

They should stop winter fuel payments for everyone not just for those who have paid in all their lives. If you are on pension credit you haven't paid in all your life for it.

[@annlockey8552]

Hope your surgery goes well and recovery is fast.

[@joledo2264]

Thank you so very much for your insiteful help. I'm in the middle of moving from housing benifit to UC (I had the letter to move over) its not an easy ride. I claim PIP for my disabilities as I can only work part time due to them, but I'm having to report changes and re apply for PIP. Not only because my health has deteriorated since 1st receiving PIP ,but like you say ...I'm existing , because I am in receipt of my PIP payment and no more! The benefit money isn't used to help my health needs its used to pay the bills. If I didn't have it I wouldn't be able to manage or be entitled to any other benifit help. The whole system is so anxiety inducing, terrifying and difficult. Thank for being a bright spark in the darkness.

[@sharonramsey715]

Hi Stu thanks for this video, lots of information and information is is what we need here. I’m aware that you don’t know just what this government are doing with PIP and that has a lot of us worried as you know. Will tune in for your next one. Sorry to hear that you need surgery and I wish you a speedy recovery. You are a blessing to all here, so take care as always.

[@EmpressLindaRyan]

Thanks Stu.. all the best with your surgery 🙏🏽

[@ajit8]

Best of luck with your surgery, m8. God bless x

[@DAVID77774]

Some one said to me many years ago, You can always tell a caring healthy Society by the way they look after those who cant look after them self's and need support, from a 65 year old disabled man,Thank The Lord when I die can't take their national insurance number with me, its gives me hope, We are a short time upon this Earth, Mathew Ch 5, Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven,, God Bless Brother, One day at a time weak ones, nuff troubles come each day to deal with, , leave other troubles in the past or future,

[@peterclarke3300]

Great video Stu as always and loads of great information, I think labour a playing with pensioners lives not letting them have,the winter fuel allowance somebody,could say they have just put a price on how much a pensioner life is worth 👍👍

[@justin6378]

I cancelled my sky TV and gave up my my Motability car and got a mobility scooter instead so I could get my two kittens as they have been so great for my severe autism, I get the maximum of both parts of PIP! Will the shops or vets accept these vouchers? Or pet insurance? My award is for an 'ongoing' period because none of my conditions are reversible

[@Annie-yv7rc]

We have been through hell being made to go to court like a criminal. Facing a GP and a solicitor. Imagine an old person accompanied by a friend. The friend not allowed to speak in support of their friend. So an old person ill in pain some with mental illness some widowed with no confidence. Facing professional questioning aimed at tripping you up. I was on the verge of saying if u need the money that bad keep it I was shaking from head to foot crying couldn’t remember my own name. I’ve worked forty years full time am I likely to lie nobody who has worked happily never claimed anything want to be on benefits ? It’s a very cruel process that targets the vunerable. Will a card pay for taxis🤷‍♀️

[@justice100forwin2]

Thanks so much for doing these videos Stu , I wish there were more people like you in the world.

[@Annie-yv7rc]

The government needs to lead by example no heating allowance for second homes, no free food and bar, do you’re job on the salary you get like the rest of us. This is for all parties

[@DH-wl4jd]

Support needed by people who are on benefits comes in many shape and form, and it is a form of income as the benefit received may be the only financial support they get, therefore it is most likely be used for everyday wants and needs. Realistically speaking.

[@julieford6204]

Thanks for update 😊

[@mariarobson8116]

If vouchers are offered instead of money, i can see a lot of suicides sadly.

[@Annie-yv7rc]

Oh good the government will be rubbing their hands together saving money. I’m being ironic ( I don’t mean it literally )

[@andrewwalker3312]

This government will be history if it goes forward with this

[@sarahemilymonk8877]

That's the idea.

[@kenjack6674]

Its truly disgusting how they are going to treat people on pip , am one of them , ive been threw so many assessments my head spins , And by the sound of it am going to have to go threw more , The sheer cruelty of these red torys is shocking. If i was from Ukraine i be treated like a lord , but am not , thank you for this, more stress and worry , but they love it , the more cruel they can be , the happier they will be .

[@melindagallegan5093]

Money is the universal voucher. How would I be able to to pay for my health insurance? It’s the only way I am getting any semblance of proper care.

[@019208237]

Stu did you have to type all the green words out yourself? Subtitles are available for your videos in the settings and are in perfect sync with your words. Its up to you if you add them in future though🙂👍 best wishes for your surgery🙏

[@angiemacslilmitesanmore5090]

How degrading for others to see you using vouchers, it's upsetting enough to not be able to work an not able to provide for myself, something I've done all my life. I can't see the point to my life anymore, every day I dread what will come next. They will do this cos they can. Now punished for being sick an disabled 😢

[@HUMPTYNUGGET]

The world is a better place with you in it, keep your chin up hun ❤

[@rarecockneyguvnor4945]

sorry this is happening to you its very unfair.

[@sandydi44]

I get esa and I’m worried sick 🤒 I get ill and upset when the gov starts attacking the disabled people and try something else 😢

[@thewindchime6644]

Dont forget that these benefit centres are actually call centres, more priority is given to answering calls rather than processing cases on the system. The more people phone in with petty queries the more time is wasted for the staff to actually process the cases

[@john-xo9mg]

Moving over from ESA to UC and it is one of the most stressful things to date. I've lost nearly a stone my mental health has dropped through the floor and trying to get to speak to some one who could actually help because they put me in the the wrong group was nightmare. Could all have been avoided if both departments had worked together instead of putting all the pleasure on the person to actually try to tip toe through this nightmare.

[@NickMusselle]

Unfortunately the DWP refuse to recognise the link between millions on waiting lists for treatment that can't work.

[@susanreid9857]

Thanks for the info Stu x

[@cheekster777]

Thank you Stu.

[@MarcWeavers]

such vouchers or 'solo' card would be no use for me, how am i to give my parents money for my part of living costs?

[@BerylForrest]

Vouchers! I most certainly don't want my landlord knowing any of my business when she knew I was going to finally get my pension, her very words were "I'll have to find out how much you get, then I can decide how much I'm taking off you "!!!!! Its a hmo so the electric bill goes to her, my ears can't cope with the screeching if I had to try to pay in Vouchers 😂

[@StuartMcGoo]

She has no legal right to know your income. Tell her nothing.

[@BerylForrest]

@StuartMcGoo absolutely right!

[@momughal3284]

I am feeling ill thinking about the UC Migration I am on ESA income related support group I still haven't received my letter it's really stressing me out i just want to get it over and done with

[@kullysingh3378]

@@momughal3284 same boat as you I am . I asked stu wether we on Sick ESA support group have to go for another face to face assessment again before we migrate to UC? He ain't answering properly.im stress with it too. Before it's a auto transfer now it's completely complicated. Designed to punish the sick. It's like do we just apply for UC or do we have to attend medical assessment before they decide if or not to grant us our rightful benefits as we've had medicals in past and passed out with flying colours lol. I also get house benefits. Wots Ur story,,,,?

[@graceical2822]

I would rather stay on ESA as long as possible. I don’t want to lose the severe disability premium!

[@kittybell4604]

​@@kullysingh3378I read somewhere if you are already on ESA you don't have to have an assessment unless its your normal time to have one if you know what i mean. You should be transferred straight over, try not to worry the fact you are in the support group means you are severely disabled.

[@kittybell4604]

​@@graceical2822you will lose sdp but will get paid same amount as a top up. You just won't get an annual increase every April, the top up will eventually erode away as your uc amount increases yes its complicated 😞

[@lg_believe333]

⁠@@Caesar1968I receive ESA and I’m in the support group. I also receive severe disability premium after completing my PIP Review recently. I’m now worrying a lot after worrying about my PIP Review about migrating over to UC. Will I lose my ESA when I’m sent a migration letter to apply for UC online because I can’t submit any medical evidence about my mental health conditions and I suspect I wont be able to submit additional information how my mental health conditions affect me everyday. I just feel paranoid the new system is designed to remove people from ESA support whether they are eligible or not because the powers that be hope you will give up when you have to go through an assessment and a tribunal again to prove your eligibility which adds unnecessary stress and suffering… So, my question is, when you apply for UC when you receive your migration letter will my ESA stop which is why you said you can apply for a crisis loan which will lead to debt and more additional stress and did you mention a crisis loan because you suspect ESA payments will stop and if so, for how long? Thanks

[@SasquatchPJs]

There was a lot of useful stuff there. Btw, keep in mind that people watching at higher playback speeds will pull the average watchtime down. It tracks the real time, not the video time. So someone watching a 30 minute video at 2x speed will only show 15 minutes of watchtime, despite having watched the full video. You mentioned this was a longer video, so I just wanted to give you a heads up for the stats on this one in case you don't tend to make longer vids.

[@deniserowley8549]

The guidelines for PIP are stupid especially in relation to mental health issues. My daughters schizophrenia isn’t curable yet she gets reassessed regularly.

[@craiggilchrist4223]

All By Design

[@StuartMcGoo]

It's all theatre

[@gordanazakula5669]

Cannot understand, due to condition. Please reply to me. Will Labour change PIP to vouchers?​@@StuartMcGoo

[@LonleyCopy]

pip vouchers , this is just going to be another food bank attempt but with bigger companies to track for government how you cash in your vouchers same as they do in the USA (food stamps) what i think this direction is taking away the money of PIP means many disabled who Get pip and Work also be a struggle such as mobility cars claimants who use to go to work or need support to day to day life

[@samanthahardy9903]

When Labour gets in they blame the Tories for a financial Blackhole. Then when the Tories get in they do the same thing but blame Labour. Both blame eachother, the sick, the disabled and pensioners for being "lazy" and not working at all or for long enough to their liking. As the population gets older it doesn't necessarily mean they are fit enough to work, however the successive governments seem to think they should and can. They keep moving the goalposts to retirement mainly to save on the amount they have to pay out to pensioners. As long as they keep increasing the pension age and forcing elder people to work longer, there will be those who are unable to even claim their state pension at all because they won't be alive to claim it. I knew someone who retired aged 66 and only claimed her pension for 6 months as she passed away not long after. Imo she was worked to death. Some who can work beyond retirement do so because their pension isn't enough to survive on either. It's ridiculous how the most vulnerable in society are treated like cattle by both the Tories and Labour.

[@OnTheBall]

If anything other than money went into my account, most of my DDs' would stop, I'd go into debt immediately. And I do find it offensive that someone with a disability is treated as a second class person who can't have money to do with as they feel is best. Thanks for your videos.

[@gdiz8787]

Same as you,without pip I'm screwed.

[@colinbrigham8253]

Hope all goes well for you Stuart 😊

[@firebyrd437]

I'm afraid there may be no turn on the winter fuel payment. Back in 2014, Rachel Reeves stood in the House of Commons and stated she would mean test the winter fuel allowance to reduce the benefit bill. Perhaps her husband, who worked in the DWP has some influence on this decision. I'm moving next month to the ADP in Scotland where it is said that PIP applications and reviews will not be as scandalous as they currently are, unless of course people in Scotland are daft enough to vote labour in the next Scottish election

[@charliekane135]

I'd rather chew glass 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@tomhirons7475]

thanks Stuart.

[@Taylornoos]

I had to change from full time to part time work because my health could not manage full time, not enough recuperation time. Without pip I will become homeless very quickly.

[@ej_8888]

Thanks Stu 🙏🏻

[@davidrankine4662]

I wonder if these people are human. The heating allowance was a buffer for those just wanting a very basic need to keep warm in their twilight years. Now so many elderly folks are left to be miserable and cold for the 5-6 months. If only the Government could be taken to court in May 2025 for the pre-medicated murder of the elderly who didn't make it to next Spring. Harsh words but there is a truth behind my words

[@CaptainSqashbox]

Thanks for your channel and all you do.. Do you have any advice on ESA rules and the gov having powers to look at peoples bank accounts ? I hope you are well and that the surgery went well. Best wishes.

[@greg-v1g6y]

What i don't understand is those who get moved over yo UC why is it that you owe the DWP money when it is sorted out.How can you owe them money i dont get it.

[@rog3833]

In all the years ive been claming benefits - not once, seriously have i had a face 2 face assessment. It took one letter from a shrink, and without me asking, bumped me up onto Enhanced rate PIP. I am schizophrenic tho. I call it compensation for all the naff judgement and stigma ive had for years.

[@deano_bites]

2025 will be brutal very brutal

[@heatherjoy479]

Yes i agree unversial credit coming whatch out

[@colinbrigham8253]

Thank you Stuart 😊

[@kevinscott8267]

I use mine on fuel for my mobility car and heating and will they give me vouchers for petrol

[@Kingtrollface259]

what you want to watch is all the laws put in place 2 years ago that come in to force soon ,educate yourselfs people.❤

[@robmcallen798]

Thanks for the video Stu. So basically we're still in limbo hoping like hell they'll can the voucher idea and waiting for the next bright idea they come up with to make life worse then 😥 Good thing you weren't feeling sarcastic in this video eh? 😉 Btw the green subtitle text you added to the video wasn't bad but it had some errors in it.

[@angelarourke5243]

Stu I was on ESA+ pip when I reached 66 years old my ESA stopped .universal credit said that universal credit will make up my lost of ESA .they didn't pay me anything .my wife is my carer and our sons carer I have dementia and neuralgia I worked for 38 years I cannot understand why I am being treated this way.I have layer enough in .my wife is angel .+ now we pay full rent+ tax .now we are on less money .? Help Mr need

[@BerylForrest]

Can you get housing benefit and council tax relief? I'd certainly ask the council.

[@pennyfrost8208]

I cannot understand how absolutely stupid, I am 72 and have watched the “stripping” of the NHS, the welfare state under the Conservatives , as for “donations “ of clothes! Did the Conservatives not get any? Holidays in their friends properties? I think this has been kept very quiet!

[@robton007]

Hi stu, I have watched you a few times now and have noticed through friends that go through appeals process they have been 100% successful. What appears to me is that the benefit decision seems to always go this far but what's really scary is that these normal every day people turn up to the appeal hearing and the DWP do not even bother turning up of which I think is a very cruel process. These people have gone through hell and high water collecting has much data and info plus medical papers just for a case to be thrown out and win an appeal.....extremely cruel process, I swear it's like we won't pay this until the last minute, I even helped a lady win a case with over 2yrs of gathering paper work.

[@StuartMcGoo]

I have very similar experiences and thoughts on that

[@rhianevans7189]

Many valuable points there. What happens to someone who was assessed at age 60 and have a review ten years later. S Do assessors make a blind review or anything else as I am very confused with all this system.?. Do you report a change of circumstance or leave it until you get a review. Any help will be appreciated

[@StuartMcGoo]

Always report a change of circumstances when it occurs. A review post-pension age will be the same as before, except you will not achieve increases to the mobility component.

[@SteveAmerica-j1c]

i had my pip phone call yesterday .it went on for 2half hours .i was shocked as it said 90mins i did ask for it to be recorded as you said last month.8am today dwp we have your pip assessment we will let you know in 6 weeks. im dreading the answer even tho they sent me a form to fill out a few months ago.sent all my medical documents .only found out on 12th june i have catarax in both my eyes ..op date set for october and still waiting for a hernia op. been waiting 2 years now to have it sorted

[@StuartMcGoo]

Fingers x'd for you, but if it is a no don't give up the fight.

[@SteveAmerica-j1c]

@@StuartMcGoo i wont and thank you for all you do and the advice you gave me

[@animallover1297]

My last phone assessment was also over 2 hours. I asked for it to be recorded but they claimed they weren’t able to at the last minute, then they blamed the DWP . It was gruelling so I know how you feel . But she actually increased my care award but reduced my mobility which I won back on MR . I was worried as to the fact the assessment was so long but it worked out well for me so fingers crossed it’s a good sign 🤞

[@SteveAmerica-j1c]

@@injusticemattersuk4744 mine was recorded .. so just wait to see what they say .. but i am expecting to take it to a tribunal .hope not but

[@SteveAmerica-j1c]

@@injusticemattersuk4744 got my recording today

[@davidcook380]

Thanks so much for the very informative video Regards David

[@shanehall98]

I loved the pig photo when you was talking about David Cameron 😂.

[@paulreader7353]

Very well put out

[@Themistocles30]

I'm still on esa for being vulnerable and my four terminal illnesses.

[@mariavarga2470]

Labour should just go.

[@debbiebirch244]

We had to get a form sent from the landlord to the government stating the insulation situation on our home and because it is insulated we were turned down for the winter fuel payment even though I have COPD and need to keep the temperature at 21 and the bedroom at 18 at night and my partner is a pensioner and we are on universal credit which doesn't even cover the rent 😮

[@oojimmyflip]

I use my pip to buy silver dressings and swabs from Amazon because the NHS cannot turn around a prescription quickly enough to meet the demand for the dressing of my diabetic leg ulcers silver dressings are £12 for five and they will dress my 3 ulcers twice but I can get them next day delivery on Amazon when needed. Very often the surgery makes mistakes and doesn't prescribe dressings when they are requested and it wasn't for quick online ordering I would surely be taking antibiotics for infections and may have lost my legs by now. I have been living with these diabetic leg ulcers for more than ten years. Vouchers simply may not help me at all a d I'm quite terrified that I will loose my legs from infection if I cannot freely access the dressings I need.

[@angelaknight7184]

Best wishes

[@tommy2nes]

It's not only that the pip has gone down, another factor which NEVER gets talked about is that the amount you have to pay towards care workers has gone up drastically. When I first started getting care there was a cap on how much you pay towards your care workers fee and it was something like 50-75 quid a month if I remember rightly. They pushed the cap up and eventually scrapped it all together so that I eventually was paying around £350 a month, almost all of my PIP.

[@emmajp_9385]

I’m so scared because I don’t know how I’ll manage if it gets scrapped or changes to vouchers. I use my pip for private counselling, physio, painkillers, vitamins and things that genuinely help live with my condition. How would vouchers work for that? It’s a really worrying time 😭

[@deniserowley8549]

Disabled pensioners are under cost of living stress.

[@oojimmyflip]

Under Blair in the last Labour government it was easier with the legacy DLA to make plans for the future, the current pip system brings insecurity for pip claimants because they always seem to be under review, or in limbo because a review or appeal takes so long. We are all constantly terrified of the brown envelope landing on our doorstep.

[@tedoneilclark4710]

It's shocking because everything essential especially food has practically doubled in price in the last few years.

[@alexanderevanska4274]

I use my pip on transport, taxis etc. Oh and paracetamol, cough mixture. Shoes that help me walk, a seat in my shower,

[@eclipseclaire]

I agree voucher scheme needs scrapping voices as much on green paper survey it won’t work for me I have to pay out for all sorts of extras I was also on indefinite with dla now review every 2/3 years higher rate in both as with dla it’s not going to change I have ms and other health issues it’s progressive but I’m not going to get anything extra

[@eclipseclaire]

Want to add on my renewal keeps getting extended and not getting sorted

[@pennyfrost8208]

Stu, am I right in thinking that this last DWP were under investigation themselves? I am sure it was on TV .

[@animallover1297]

Hi I just came across your channel, thank you for your advice. Can I ask how do they decide who gets the 10 year light touch award ? I thought it was anyone on the enhanced care and mobility but I was awarded both enhanced for 3 years even though I have conditions with no cure or even treatment.

[@StuartMcGoo]

It's based on multiple factors including the nature of your condition (long term/short term) and whether you have just applied for the first time or if it is a review.

[@animallover1297]

@@StuartMcGoo Thank you for replying. I have ME/CFS and fibromyalgia for which there’s no cure or treatment apart from pain killers etc . I had my award increased after a review with the short form . I was told by DWP that it was light touch review though but my assessment took over 2 hours . I just wondered how the work out who to give a 10 year award to when some are on enhanced for less time . The assessor did recommend 2 years though and DWP increased it to 3 .

[@kittybell4604]

​@@animallover1297Hi, that's strange was your form six pages? A light touch review wouldnt last 2 hours. Some mistake i think.

[@nikkijackson2981]

​@@animallover1297 What tests prove ME/CFS & Fibro? Aren't they three that cannot be either proven or disproven, via testing ?

[@animallover1297]

@@nikkijackson2981 with ME it was proven by a blood test as the virus which causes it showed up in my blood . Fibromyalgia is symptom based test

[@susanreid9857]

Stu ,there are rumours going round saying people on pension credit have to fill out forms to claim the winter fuel allowance .Can you shed any light on this x

[@StuartMcGoo]

they can apply by phone, much easier. Just right wing news trying to make a bad situation worse with misinformation

[@Reba-123]

I’m on pension credit and get my winter fuel allowance automatically

[@susanreid9857]

@@Reba-123 that's what I thought x

[@susanreid9857]

@StuartMcGoo thanks stu x

[@johnwheeler1629]

Give someone a voucher and it has to be cashed in somehow, costing money in administration. Dumb idea.

[@ingridwynne3749]

Disabled people have enough to put up with, without a stupid idea of 'Vouchers ' the thought of it has made me feel sick, my stress levels were sky high 😢

[@theadventurer28]

Starmer and labour means poor peole suffer and die.

[@paulinesanter7706]

Have they even considered just how much it would cost to set up and actually run these ridiculous schemes on such a large scale , surely they would have to do a proper financial evaluation on this beforehand and have some idea on how to implement it to thousands of disabled people , it will just be yet another badly thought through scheme that is not fit for purpose and the disabled will ultimately suffer as a consequence of their failure.

[@Np-jv2bi]

If this voucher thing comes in, I might as well be dead

[@StuartMcGoo]

even if it does there will be many reasons not to be, the world is a far better place with you in it

[@VALERIENEWCOMBE-s3h]

SO TERRIBLY HARD WHEN YOU ARE JUST SO ILL AND IN SO MUCH PAIN.🤔

[@deniserowley8549]

I don’t know anything about vouchers I can’t see this working. My daughter is schizophrenic and receives PIP and I ended up on PIP after having a severe stroke 3 years before pensionable left physically disabled.

[@DescendIntoTheAbsurd]

By claiming ESA individually do you mean only claiming ESA? I currently get Income related ESA and PIP and am wondering when I might be migrated to UC.

[@StuartMcGoo]

You will be migrated between September and December of this year.

[@kullysingh3378]

Stu i asked u last time. But brother please telme im on esa ib and housing benefit. Its September now so as u said we'd be expecting migration letter to UC soon. U said it's not automatic transfer So we must apply eh? Ok i get that but will they ask me to attend another face to face medical health assessment and wait for results before they decide if i can transfer over to UC? Im worried sick i may have to attend a stressful meeting as i have in old times. Or is it as simple as filling the form to simply transfer to UC 😮😢😭🤔🧐😔😞

[@TONE11111]

answer: "no". The letter will come in the post from september (it's not september yet) up to end of 2025. When you get the letter, you then have 3 months to respond to it, to ensure 'managed migration' of your current level of support [disability premiums etc], the letter will explain it all.

[@StuartMcGoo]

No reassessment, unless one is due anyway, but you need to make the move as soon as you have notification.

[@vickyfurnival2715]

Hi sorry to bother you but im legacy benefits and pip and now the Jobcentre is pressuring me to do a uc claim but does that mean I will have to reapply to pip because I’m moving to uc

[@StuartMcGoo]

no, it wont effect PIP, but you must move to UC as soon as possible

[@davidw5647]

they've cut the pensioners fuel allowance so they'll probably introduce some kind of controlled benefit

[@stephenbennett7245]

for esa its between september 2024 migration notices will start being sent out and expected to be finished by december 2025 not 2024

[@StuartMcGoo]

Noted, this will be corrected

[@paulbloxam6206]

Are we going to be a lot worse off changing from ESA to universal credit ,from what i see its about half as ESA 😅

[@marshgirl]

Waiting for major surgery and do not know how it will leave me . There will be some damage to recover or adapt to after it . I am alone and very anxious and worried .

[@StuartMcGoo]

Please use the links in my description to locate support near to you.