#benefits

[cockadoodlebumtits]

So if you're in the UK you have probably heard about the proposed changes to disability benefits. If not, here is a BBC News article (link) about it, and the Big Issue (link) have been running basically non-stop articles about it since the announcement.

Crucially, the government is holding a consultation. Will as many of us as possible weighing in change the outcome? Possibly, though it's far from guaranteed. Will not filling it in help the situation in the slightest? No. So let's all have a go.

You can find the full Green Paper here: (link) and the options to respond are at the bottom of it, including the link to respond online, which is also here: (link)

It's also always worth contacting your MP to let them know what you think, if only to get a response on fancy Commons stationery. You can find your MP here: (link)

So, have at it, UK folks! (These proposals don't apply to Northern Ireland as benefits are transferred, but they are still taking NI comments and sharing them with the Department for Communities, so you may be able to influence whether this approach is taken up in NI in future, too)

And if nothing else, please reblog!

[skull-pun]

Cutting PIP and Universal Credit is not a "brave" or "tough" decision.

A brave and tough decision would be making the richest and most powerful in this country pay their fair share.

Taking away from the most vulnerable in society is cowardly. Simple as that.

[goingtoelle]

I made a thing.

[defectivegembrain]

Hello UK politician. Your task is to explain your position on the non-means tested disability benefit Personal Independence Payment without mentioning employment, which as you must understand, is not in itself an indication of someone's eligibility or lack thereof. Should you mention employment, The Pit awaits.

[garina]

So. While the current arsehole serving as UK PM is currently coming out with all kinds of nasty policies to appeal to the worst of his voter base, I wanted to say two things to fellow disabled and long term sick Brits.

Firstly, Sunak does not believe he or the Conservatives are going to be in power by the end of the year, so most of this shit isn't going to happen. While the alternatives are also not great, they are marginally less horrible.

Secondly, if/when you are forced to go through a Work Capability Assessment, it is your right to demand it be recorded. They will try to dissuade you, but you can refuse an appointment unless and until they agree. You receive a copy of the recording (just put it somewhere safe, don't listen to it unless you need to). Now you have concrete proof of what happened in the assessment, which makes it harder for them to screw you over.

My last WCA was during lockdown, so it was a remote one. It was delayed for 2 months because I demanded a recording. And it was the second time ever in 15 years that I didn't have to go to tribunal. I also was moved from the limited work group to the support group.

Hopefully this helps someone. Hang in there everyone. We are worth it.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The Alberta government is being accused of clawing back a federal disability benefit by Disability advocates, and they’re concerned about people missing out on vital income supports. Starting in June, eligible Canadians can claim up to $200 per month in financial support through the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). Inclusion Alberta says the provincial government is taking the money away from Albertans who receive Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).

Continue reading

Tagging: @abpoli @newsfromstolenland

[blazkosurprise]

It is difficult to determine exactly how much tax the corporations avoid every year, but some reasonable estimates put it around £300 BILLIONS. It is possibly more, because governments are cowards and refuse to even acknowledge it. The Irish government famously refused to collect £10 billion of court ordered taxes from Apple out of fear of the corporation. And I cannot stress this enough, we are not talking about ADDING new taxes, just collecting what the corpos avoid with a variety of more or less elaborate schemes. But instead, Keir Starmer and his cronies want to come after benefits and NHS spending. Punishing the poor and disabled for being poor and disabled. Last time the benefit cuts were made at scale, by the tories, tens of thousands of disabled people died, because the only means of support was withdrawn from them. That is always the only result of benefit cuts. Those who rely on them, die. They don't suddenly get better and go to work.

So print out the propaganda and spread it far and wide. Write to your MPs. Join a protest. Talk to people around you, let them know how shitty and absurd the narrative pushed by rags like Sun and Daily Mail is. Actually, throw away any of said rags you see in the wild. Just do something.

[hereswhere]

[purpleweredragon]

[averixus]

To anyone who gets Personal Independence Payment (UK disability benefit) and has trouble with the types of communication they usually use (e.g. phone): I have just successfully got the DWP to promise that they will contact me by email only. If you want to do this, or need other adjustments in communication for disability reasons, email the address format.pip@dwp.gov.uk.

The magic formula to include in your email is:

"I am writing to request a reasonable adjustment in communication." (that's the legal jargon for them meeting your needs)

"I have [condition/s] and am defined as disabled under the Equality Act 2010." (that's the law that forces them to comply - you don't need specific diagnoses but can say e.g. "auditory processing issues" or whatever brief summary describes you)

"Due to my disabilities I am unable to communicate with the DWP by phonecall [or give any other communication types or formats you can't do]." (be brief but specific, you don't need to explain exactly why this need follows from your disabilities as long as you state that it does)

"Therefore, I need [your specific communication requirements] when communicating with the DWP." (tell them exactly what you actually need - for example, I said that I need asynchronous text-based communication such as email for both when the DWP contacts me and when I need to contact them directly. I specified that this includes assessments as well as any other contact about my PIP status or application. This means no in-person assessments!)

"Please contact me to confirm that the DWP will [meet your needs as requested]." (always ask for receipts)

"[Your full name], [your National Insurance number]." (make sure they can find your case)

And please feel free to share this info with anyone you think may need it! No need to refer to me or anything, just get it out there 👍 It's actually illega for them to not have already made this info public alongside their phone numbers and postal addresses, so.

[beyondthebloodsugar]

My Fasting Experience: Low Blood Sugar Moments and How I Handled Them

Fasting can be a tricky journey. At times, it feels like walking a tightrope. It’s not just about skipping meals; it’s about tuning into what your body is saying. I started my fasting experience hoping for clarity and health. Little did I know, I'd face some surprising low blood sugar moments that shook me up! Here’s how I navigated through the bumps and found my footing.

Understanding the Ups and Downs of Fasting

Fasting often feels like an adventure. You think you’re on solid ground, but then—bam! Your blood sugar drops. Moments like these can feel alarming. Suddenly, you're weak, dizzy, or even lightheaded. It left me wondering: How did I get here?

When you fast, your body is running on empty fuel. It’s like trying to drive a car on fumes. Eventually, you hit a wall. This happened to me on several occasions. I realized that understanding my body’s signals was key to managing those low points.

Recognizing the Signs of Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar can sneak up on you. At first, it might just feel like a little fatigue. The next thing you know, you're staring at your feet, wishing the ground would steady itself. I started recognizing my signs: the shaky hands, the foggy brain, and that annoying little sweat on my forehead.

Each of these signs was a warning bell. It’s like my body was sending me a text message saying, "Hey, pay attention!" The trick was learning to listen and react before things got serious.

Quick Fixes to Raise Blood Sugar Levels

When low blood sugar hit, I needed solutions fast. I learned to keep a stash of easy snacks nearby. Something as simple as a piece of fruit or a bite of granola could make a world of difference. It was like pulling a parachute cord when free-falling. Instant relief!

I kept small packets of honey in my bag. They’re tasty, easy to carry, and bring up my sugar levels quickly. It’s amazing how a little sweetness can turn your day around!

Planning My Meals to Avoid Low Moments

Planning became crucial in my fasting routine. I started mapping out my meals, making sure I had enough nutrients to fuel my body. Eating wholesome meals before starting a fast was like filling my gas tank to full before a long trip. I wanted to avoid running out of fuel halfway.

I learned the importance of including proteins, fats, and fiber. These kept me feeling full longer and helped maintain steady blood sugar levels. It’s all about building a foundation that can handle the ups and downs.

Finding Balance Through Fasting

Fasting is all about balance. There were days when I hit those low points, but they were also days filled with learning. Each experience taught me more about my body and its signals.

It’s not just about the act of fasting itself; it’s about how to balance your body’s needs with your goals. I found that adjusting my approach and listening closely helped me handle those low blood sugar moments better.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

My fasting experience was filled with highs and lows. The low blood sugar moments were unexpected challenges, but also valuable lessons. I learned to listen, prepare, and react. Instead of fearing these moments, I embraced them as part of the journey.

So, if you’re thinking about fasting, keep in mind that it’s a personal adventure. You may face your own struggles, but with a little preparation and awareness, you'll find your way. Fasting isn’t just about food—it's about understanding your body and embracing the experience!

[canadda-uk]

The UK government is being criticised after a Department for Work and Pensions video was released on Twitter alongside the caption: “‘We will track you down. We will find you. And we will bring you to justice’ – minister for disabled people Tom Pursglove.

“At DWP we have a very particular set of skills that we use in conjunction with the police to tackle fraud,” it continued.

The warning is an apparent reference to a scene in the film taken, starring Liam Neeson, in which he threatens the drug gang which has kidnapped his daughter.

In the DWP video, at least half a dozen officers are seen ascending a staircase before making an arrest on an alleged benefit fraudster. All the while action film-like music is playing in the background.

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “We know benefit fraud makes up a minuscule amount of money lost to the system. This is just grotesque targeting of the already vulnerable.”

[dawn0303]

hi! my name is Dawn, i got my benefits cut off while im trying to look for work, any bit helps!

Ko-fi.com/dawn0303

Paypal.me/don0303

[extra-zested-lemons]

realised they've stopped my disability benefits right after i fucking got them and i need to reapply which is a process that took two years last time im just. so. fucking. done.

the benefits system in this country is ridiculous, the acceptance rate is 52% which is abhorrent, the fact that they make chronically ill and disabled people go through this absurd and exhausting process in order to get paid pittance is disgraceful. i am so lucky that i dont have to rely on benefits to live because i still live with my family, but if i did i would be absolutely fucked right now. my heart goes out to all the people that have been completely fucked over by this broken system. i am so done with this.

i am CHRONICALLY ILL. i spend every single godforsaken day of my life in constant pain. i shouldn't have to spend my little energy sorting all of this out. i am so tired.

[blazkosurprise]

Print it, stick it around. The least we can do. Write to your MPs. Make it clear that if they vote for the benefit cuts, you will make it your life's work to get them deselected. Democracy doesn't start and end on a general election day.