What annoys you the most ?

[Wendigo]

Originally Posted by exfarmer

Update 2,

I have had a letter from Jobcenter+, they've awarded me a hardship payment, sort of, apparently I'm not allowed anything for the first two weeks of the sanction but for the rest of it I'm getting...........wait for it..........drum roll.....£94.52 per week. Take off the money that they use for my housing costs I will actually get in my pocket £43.00 per week. So I've got £86 to live on for the next month, my fucking bills come to £193.44 per month before I've bought any food.

Who the fuck are these people and what planet do they live on? This means I starve for a month and I will go overdrawn with the bank, there's no way it can be avoided. So I get charges from them for being overdrawn, I get charged by them for every direct debit that doesn't get paid (£26 I think) and some of the company's will also charge me an admin fee when their bill is unpaid. This means that when I do get my benefit back the whole thing will be used up paying some of the charges so I will then be overdrawn again and will get more charges and it will go on each month.

All this is because of errors by member(s) of their staff but it's me who suffers. I feel seriously shit right now because I can't see a way out of this mess.

Seriously I would write a polite letter to your MP, lay down all the facts and how the system is crippling you.
Edit - even better phone the constituency office first thing tomorrow and ask for an appointment.

Years ago we tried to get an untaxed car moved off the roadway and the Police, DVLA and everyone else did shag all but say it wasn't their fault and it stayed there for months so out of sheer frustration I rang my MP at 9am from work and at 11am a drone from the local DVLA dragged his weary arse to do what he was actually being paid to do, he put a warning notice on the van and the next day it was towed away.
Remember MP's are there to support local people regardless of party politics, that's what we vote them in for and if you state your case politely but firmly they will act.
Trust me where I work any letter from an MP causes a right shit storm.

[cuzzyman927]

Originally Posted by Wendigo

Seriously I would write a polite letter to your MP, lay down all the facts and how the system is crippling you.
Edit - even better phone the constituency office first thing tomorrow and ask for an appointment.

I sincerely and earnestly hope that they move faster in your/his neck of the woods than they do here in the States! It does not matter whether it be for auto repairs, a doctor, or some State/Governmental agency, here the magic number for appointments seems to be a minimum of at least one to two weeks wait, and many times our penalty period would be half met or would have expired before we got in to see them! My sincere and best of luck wishes to you exfarmer!

[NIN]

Hi everlrybody,
I sympathise greatly with the last few posts as I'm in a not too dissimilar situation (i.e. benefits & internet)

I've been taken from incapacity benefit to ESA (employment support allowance) ok, so the arses in charge have redefined the game, that's their prerogative, but i think it's a bit rich that the poorest in society should pick-up the underpants left behind by the bankers & politicians of Britain.
So I'm defined as 'in receipt of ESA', I hav e chronic physical & mental disabilities - I have to deal with that, but i've apparently been shifted to ' income based ' benefits, which means since I once was able to work back in the late 80's and hence paid into the national insurance scheme , Im not allowed the same amount scrounging twats who have never contributed do.

all good & proper right, I'm happy to have paid towards the national health etc
does this entitle me to any further help - No
in fact I was now liable to have to pay for each & every item on my prescription list (£7.50 per item , 7 items per month), so i ticked the box that said I was eligible for ESA.

I get a letter from from the NHS a few months down the line stating that this was fraudulent & that I was not only going to have to pay for each & every bit of medication I require, but that I am also being fined £100 for knowingly attempting to defraud our beloved NHS for ticking the wrong box (there is only one option on the back of the doctors prescription regarding ESA- that does not differentiate between income based & contributory ESA) & they were pursuing me for :
1. the backdated necessary medical treatment i require each month
2. £100 for being ignorant of the rule change

this is all while I was awaiting an appeal date after one of those disgusting 'justify your illness' medicals which are run by ATOS, the same people who are responsible for selling everybodys medical history to the drug companies.

Despite the damolclean threat of a county court judgement I eventually stood my ground for 3 months , arguing the toss (at considerable expense on the phone) that I was being unjustly perused for a crime I did not intentionally commit.
I held out & managed to have the chrges & costs dropped mostly on the grounds that i was on reduced benefit while i was awaiting appeal (9 month waiting period) benefit reduced from £120 per week, which was just manageable, to less than £70.

3 months later (January) I went & apparently won my benefits appeal , they eventually paid me just over £1,000 in back pay owing (I had run-up debts of almost £2,000 with all the charges & loan costs in the meantime) but now i find that I'm on a 'Work Related' benefit, which means I'm now liable for over £100 back-dated charges on council tax & have to meet a top-up on my housing benefit too of about £50 per month
- all while i take the hit of a £35 per week reduction in benefits
+ the delightful news that at the whim of the DWP, they will be calling me in to make a variety of jump thru the hoop (non existant) Job applications under threat of we'll stop paying you anything at all.

sorry if that was rambly or nonsensical , but I can't get my head around it all either - I'm just trying to catch-up with all the new definitions & ways the HM Gvnmnt have split everything down the middle leaving me on the wrong side of qualification.

I can't help not being able to work, i'd love to be able to have a job & pay my own way, contribute to the system... but as paying-in has currently disqualified me from what I was previously entitled to I have no other option than to do as I'm told or take the ultimate escape, something I supposedly proved to be likely in my appeal as I was ruthlessly interrogated about my likelyhood to commit suicide in the appeal (held in an intimidating court & 9 months in the waiting)
which although i convinced them - I'm only now getting just over £100 p/w, when I was previously @ £120 P/w and only just able to keep my head above water now that I have to contribute to more towards my rent & am liable to pay council tax too

My local MP (Frank Field) one of the better & more understanding of benefits than most of the british MPs, is at a loss as to wht to advise, as he is in opposition now & holds little sway on benefits policy.

if i'm not here in a few months & there's a smell coming from my flat, don't be alarmed at the outcome - i'll be in a better place.

I can't type anymore about this , it depresses the fuck out of me to think of what a slide I've hit in the last year & the twtting cash i've spent from my dear old Mums' inheritance (just a few hundred quid) merely to keep my head above water



Max, Re intranet providings...

don't go with Virgin Media , otherwise you may see a lot of this crap


every cnut wants a piece of what i do not got

[cuzzyman927]

Fortunately I've only had to "go crawling on my belly" to the system once in my life many years ago when I was laid off and out of work for about 7 months.
Here in the States, well at least in my State, when signing up for unemployment there is a two week wait period which must be met before the checks start arriving. (Its like the assholes are penalizing you for being/getting laid off! ) Well anyway, in or about the third week my unemployment checks started arriving and everything was going well for a number of months.

I should also mention that those laid off/out of work receiving checks and "on the system" must also periodically go into the unemployment office and check the computer screen for any available jobs either similar to what you were doing or something you feel that you are knowledgeably or physically qualified -- which I was doing. (Each time there was nothing which interested me, nor that I was capable for.)

Well I was receiving my checks faithfully every week and everything was going well for about 6 months until one day I received a notice in the mail stating that I had reached my maximum benefits collecting limit and that my checks would be stopping.

So I go into the office to find out what this latest bullshit was all about. I kept my cool and composure and remained calm (well at first). The way it was explained to me was (if I can recall correctly), I still had money in my "account" available to collect but because my benefits period crossed over into a new year I would have to earn a minimum of $500 in the new year to qualify and be eligible to collect it! (I'm thinking, or hoping that that foolish rule/policy has been changed since then! )

After a bit more of some calm back and forth dialog with the girl I simply asked her in a mesmerized/puzzled tone of voice what kind of foolish rule/policy was that. That's when she started to become loud and snotty with me, and telling me that if I didn't like the rules that I should contact a State Representative or the Legislature about getting it changed!

I said look you overpaid robot, number one: if the shoe were on the other foot and it was you out of work and standing here I would like to see how cool, understanding, and agreeable you would be with this foolish policy; and number two: If I had and was able to find a job which earned me the $500 requirement to qualify me to continue collecting in this new year, chances are that I would still be working there, and there certainly would be no need for me to be crawling and standing here practically kissing your and the system's ass trying to collect unemployment!

Fortunately and luckily I returned to work shortly thereafter, and I was able to cope and get by with the remaining unemployment money and with just a small withdrawal from my savings account until then!

[exfarmer]

Originally Posted by NIN

Hi everlrybody,
I sympathise greatly with the last few posts as I'm in a not too dissimilar situation (i.e. benefits & internet)

Jeez mate, I've been prattling on about my problems but it seems you have had it far worse and for a longer time. Keep fighting the bastards, you are entitled to a much better deal than the one you've been getting. Never, ever give into them and try not to let them get you down, get angry instead. I know that's easier said than done but use the forum and us to shout and scream at to relieve some of the stresses.

(maybe we should have a new thread about the benefits systems instead of using this one? )

Re: the prescription charges, have you looked at getting a HC2 certificate? I have one and have had it for a few years, ever since my spine went ping.
As far as I'm aware it's income based so you should be entitled to it, it entitles me to free NHS prescriptions, dental, sight, a voucher towards my specs and a NHS wig.

[NIN]

Originally Posted by exfarmer

Jeez mate, I've been prattling on about my problems but it seems you have had it far worse and for a longer time. Keep fighting the bastards, you are entitled to a much better deal than the one you've been getting. Never, ever give into them and try not to let them get you down, get angry instead. I know that's easier said than done but use the forum and us to shout and scream at to relieve some of the stresses.
...

No thanks, the situation completely embarrasses me I feel cheated & taken for a mug by what the system is doing to me & it does no good to my blood pressure to keep going over all the dirty tricks or explaining what's happened/happening.
I come here to escape the real world, I didn't want to pull this sh1t on forum

You've had a shitload of probs thrown at you, which has helped me reading the advice & it's simply (& horrifyingly) somewhat reassuring to know it isn't just me this kinda crud is happening to

Originally Posted by exfarmer

...
(maybe we should have a new thread about the benefits systems instead of using this one? )

Urgh , that shouldn't be what the forum's about , but that said - it is a good idea
perhaps we'd need one for each country tho as any advice or references would be zonal.

Originally Posted by exfarmer

...
Re: the prescription charges, have you looked at getting a HC2 certificate? I have one and have had it for a few years, ever since my spine went ping.
As far as I'm aware it's income based so you should be entitled to it, it entitles me to free NHS prescriptions, dental, sight, a voucher towards my specs and a NHS wig.

Yep mate I didn't know I needed one of course until 2 months after I'd been slid off my usual rate of ESA and my prescriptions got back-heeled by the NHS who ruthlessly came pursuing not just my 'script fees, but also I'd had some dental treatment (recurring abscess probs - can't imagine why I'm stressed out enough to make that an issue ) & they wanted a couple of hundred quid for that + £100 fine for defrauding a system I couldn't possibly be aware of all while I was on 'reduced rate ESA', £50 p/w short.
I went to the local Job Centre to fill-out the forms for the HC2 in late May... they eventually posted me an HC2 in mid-October - which lasts 1 year , but was dated from September 2013 - September 2014
Discussed (disgusted?) the whole prescription situation with my GP who was baffled & suggested the Pharmacy have an instalment system when people can't afford their meds..
Shitloads more forms & uncertaincy... I went 3 months with No medication August - October
not comfortable or clever as they are mostly Painkillers & for Blood Pressure management,
the anti depressants I was happy to do without as I didn't need to be in any way suppressed while reasoning with the unreasonable

It was around that time I went to see my MP, he was aware of the system now put in place by Iain Duncan-Smith and while he could do little than hear some of my problems in the limited time at his surgery (he was so overworked he stayed back an extra 1½ hours to see all that were waiting) given a situation like that, I felt bad for him, but her promised to look into my case for me

a month later I was hit by the Local Council Tax after possibly he'd brought to their attention my change of circumstance
Now I was on a different benefit - I am liable to pay a greater percentage of Council Tax , despite it being less money

Anyway, it caused me a lot of stress & money phoning the NHS help(sic)line, threats of County Court judgements etc and as you'll no doubt know, they try to arrange a re-payment plan (£15 p/m minimum, which I could not afford) first payment expected the following week.
..default on those buggers & you loose the right to pay in instalments & hit you for the full amount (over £300)

at that point, I was more stressed-out by the uncaring attitude of the NHS than the benefits agency TBH, and I must point out that I am of the belief that there is little point in being anything less than polite in any phone conversations, however I now hold the opinion that they deal with so many angry basts that anyone being polite is a doormat to be walked over & that it was a pleasure & amusement for them to pull the wool over my eyes

I was told (in July) the advocacy agency who usually assist in the appeals process had lost their funding and they couldn't come with me to the appeal so i was on my own with that. Eventually an appeal date came thru for 22nd Jan '14 - a week before that date, advocacy got in touch & said they'd be able to attend.
that didn't really give them time to familiarize themselves with my case but I was grateful for any advice/help at that point.

He came along & put forward that I'd be suited to a 'Work Related' ESA & me being naive didn't question or challenge what was meant by this. The advocate the DWP put forward was actually more help than was my own - he referred to a previous medical I attended where it was cut-short because I was in a suicidal state at that time and he could not understand why I had to go to another ATOS (spit) medical 6 months later & some other disparities that held more sway to my cause.
I had to convince the board i was still vulnerable & susceptible to depressions, I thought to avoid having to be put forward to such a scheme...
so I was relieved to win that appeal it took me weeks to get over bringing-up all my emotions & physical shortcomings.

However, it takes time to sort the back-pay owing and adjust the new benefit award, some weeks later I found out that not only is this at a financially lower rate than I was previously at, + with the added council tax payments & while sorting out the substantial debt I'd run-up , i was glad to just put it all behind me - let them have the £20 p/w, I just wanna bury my head.

Last week, while sorting the payments now accrued to the Council Tax I was told because it was now defined as 'work related' benefit, I should expect to be hearing from DWP who'd be wanting me to attend Job search & whatever other bollox they'll make-up all in the name of 'helping me back to work'
while we all know this is little more than a front for another quango set-up to evaluate & hammer home my inability to work.
As you'll know , a no-show would mean no benefits & being of little brains, they'd also think it might be an indication that I'm working on the side.

I really cannot cope with any of that so I went to the advocacy agency to the bastard who sold me out & put forward the Work related aspect, I'm now awaiting an appointment to see him
I've half a mind to go ballistic on his arse , but I want his help to get this shit overturned if possible or at least explain to the DWP that I am in too unwell a psychological state to go job hunting.

It's all a funking game to these tossers who rely on sick people like me to justify their existence & large salary - I must be some kind of retard for allowing myself to be walked over in this manner

[exfarmer]

Originally Posted by NIN

I come here to escape the real world, I didn't want to pull this sh1t on forum

That's a good point but I'm glad you did share your problems, I now know that it isn't just me who's suffering because of them.

I think you are correct when you say they trample all over the good people, the polite people who do everything right. One thing I've learned from all this is that nice and polite doesn't work with them, loud and shouty is all they take notice of.

[Sir Honkers]

The notion that Oscar Pistorius might get off.

[cuzzyman927]

Originally Posted by exfarmer

I think you are correct when you say they trample all over the good people, the polite people who do everything right. One thing I've learned from all this is that nice and polite doesn't work with them, loud and shouty is all they take notice of.

I agree, but what angers me is have you ever noticed how they seem to feel that its acceptable and OK for them to talk to you in a loud, testy, impatient, and often times frigid manner/voice, but they have zero tolerance when you do so and are a mere heartbeat away from calling Security to come have you escorted and removed from the premises!

I also hate it when they look at me like I'm an alien from another planet and/or try to make me feel foolish and look like a dope for not knowing all or certain parts of the system's rules, regulations, policies and procedures! I almost want to reach across the counter and grab them and say look, don't you dare try to embarrass me for not knowing all the system's technical jargon, or expect me to be all-knowledgeable and proficient with something which you have been dealing with and performing incessantly day after day for many years!

[Wendigo]

Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working

No issues for years now all of a sudden IE has become worse than crap and keeps crashing and restarting with annoying frequency and I have gone through MS help and it has confirmed I have all the latest updates. Luckily I still use Firefox and Chrome alongside it and they work Ok but annoyingly I keep seeing that little icon highlighted that shows IE has another problem.

I prefer viewing VEF on IE as the editing options are far better but it's going way down in my estimation with regards to using it to visit other sites including Amazon.