County Durham dad ‘suicidal’ in benefits battle
A County Durham dad who goes days without eating says a long fight trying to get the right support has left him feeling suicidal.
The dad of two, who wishes to remain anonymous, says he’s living on around £13 each week and goes days without food, heating or electricity to save it for when his children visit.
It’s after his doctor diagnosed him with severe depression, among a number of health problems, deeming him unfit to work but the Department of Work and Pensions found him to be fit enough.
He said:
“Sometimes I can go two of three days without food because I'm thinking about when I get the children... I must have food in the house for them. Same for electricity and heating... I can go for about four days without that. I’ve gone to the foodbank but there's only a certain amount of times they can help.
“I go into dark places and think it is even worthwhile being here... I can't provide for my children... I do get to see them. But when Christmas comes they can't come to dad’s house and have a Christmas like where they get at other places. I can't even go out and buy them anything.
“You try to do everything you can, you jump through hoops but then you hear you've not done good enough.
“You want to better yourself, I've worked all my life you know but now I'm facing this points system... They tick a box and say you're fit for work. You'd think they'd listen to the doctor but they don't... I just don't know where to turn.
Neil Bradbury, from Citizens Advice County Durham, tells us they dealt with more than 5000 people last year with similar problems. He said:
“It wouldn’t be a surprise to our advisors here at citizen’s advice, really incredible common issues over whether someone is fit for work or not. Divergences of opinion between people’s doctors and the job centre is all too common.
“We’ve dealt with well in excess of 1000 appeals against ESA decisions this year. Its sadly a really common thing so people shouldn’t feel like they shouldn’t seek help. There’s a lot of people in a similar boat and the way to deal with it is to get help.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said:
“The decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken following a thorough independent assessment, and after consideration of all the supporting evidence from the claimant’s GP or medical specialist.
“The health professionals who carry out Work Capability Assessments are highly trained to assess people with mental health conditions. If someone disagrees with the outcome of their assessment they can appeal.”
To get help in your area visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk