#benefits

[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.

[misskaboom]

🤫🖤💋

[feckcops]

Joe Biden Is Shrinking the Welfare State

“By the estimates of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 15 million people are going to lose their health insurance over the next few months, including 5.3 million kids. Worse, based on historical trends, 6.8 million of those people will lose their Medicaid coverage in spite of still being eligible for it simply because of bureaucratic trifles ...

“The effects of the declaration’s end will go well beyond this, affecting working people’s ability to get free tests, vaccines, and affordable treatment for the virus. It also means the end of extra food stamps, another generous program set to continue as long as the emergency exists and a vital lifeline for working people struggling to keep up with grocery bills in the face of inflation ...

“From a practical and moral standpoint, this is obviously a travesty. But it’s also a needless own goal for the president, putting an already deeply unpopular Biden in the position of running for reelection in a year’s time with millions of people losing their health insurance — and his potential Republican opponent being able to boast he’d been the one to extend it to them in the first place. More than that, it makes a mockery of his frequent public statements insisting that his administration will ‘continue to fight for racial justice,’ since, as the HHS, acknowledges, 15 percent of those who are about to lose their coverage as a result of his decision are black and one-third are Latino ...

“If the idea is that Americans are now tired of thinking and caring about the pandemic, making supporting any COVID-related policies politically toxic, then this is the wrong way to go about unwinding those. Americans didn’t hate that the pandemic response included protecting them from being kicked out of their homes by greedy landlords, getting financial support for the government while they were unemployed, or having health insurance and a variety of other health care needs guaranteed.”

[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.”

[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.

[atiredmuslimah]

A man said to Zayn al-‘Ābidīn:

“Why do you sit with people who are inferior to you, from the slaves and the freed slaves?”

He replied: “I only sit with those who benefit me in my religion!”

- gems from the salaf on telegram.

[ridenwithbiden]

UNION Yes !

[refat-ahmed]

Ten wise quotes from Hasan al-Basri رحمه الله

"Do not sit idle for death is seeking you."

"Intention is more superior than action."

"Bury yourself and the desire to be known."

"The last bad trait that gets out of the hearts of the champions of truth is love for leadership/fame."

"Know that you cannot love Allah until you love obeying Him (Allah)"

"A person who acts without knowledge corrupts more than he rectifies."

"A grain of genuine piety is better than a thousand fold weight of (illegitimate) fasting and prayer."

"The best attribute a believer can have is forgiveness."

"People are the same in health but when hardship befalls they show distinction."

"You are nothing but a number of days, and whenever a day passes away, a part of you passes away."

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Society ladies on Park Avenue selling tickets to a fair at Luna Park, Coney Island, May 16, 1922. Mrs. Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte (?!) is selling tickets at a kiosk.

Photo: Bettmann Archives/Getty Images/Fine Art America

[chimielie]

any modern au where gojo and geto are roommates is so funny to me because there is no universe, curses or not, where gojo satoru isn’t filthy rich. which means that he’s just doing that because he wants to be around his bestie 24/7 which is completely in character even if it’s just a background plot device

[sinful-godde]

hey (with the intention of becoming your favorite fucktoy)

[deepestdelulu]

Embrace your loneliness

Apply a facemask and watch a movie. (my guilty pleasure, lol..)

Read a book, article, or blog...

Watch a tv show. I'm currently watching Gossip girl.

Try to learn a dance from youtube. It can be an entertaining way to work out.

Paint your nails. Nice hands are always pleasant to see.

Go to the grocery store and buy some snacks.

Try a new recipe.

Go for a walk. Try to reach at least 10k steps daily. There are very nice apps for calorie and steps counting.

Take the 16 Personalities test. I'm an INFP :)

Write a letter to your future self. There is an online page called futureme where you can, as the name indicates, write to your future self <3

Bake something for beloved ones.

Test old pens and throw away the dry ones. As a big fan of stationary I have to admit I should start doing this.

Watch the sunrise or senset. I personally prefer sunrises.

Take a long bath. Try bath bombs, new scented candles while having a bath and girl, just chill, it must be tiring to be that perfect every day.

Make a birthday wishlist. Pinterest and tiktok my biggest alies for this.

Make a bucket list.

Research something. Learn about curious things, it´s very attractive talk with someone cultured.

Make a vision board. Having clear goals will make your way to success easier or at least faster, since you will not have to be thinking about what your next move should be.

Go to a new coffee shop.

Scrolling Tiktok for the next hours. Not recommended to do it everyday, but yall know, we've all been there.

Cut/dye your hair. I love long hair so I don´t cut it oftenly (just trim) but I try to have always my curtain bangs styled.

Create a new playlist.

Make a photo wall. Do it for me, my gotele wall would never let me :(

Make your room cozy.

Accomplished your to-do list.

Update your wardrobe, I´m sure you have there some old stuff. (I do as well)

Learn how to crochet. My last project was a book cover for a frind of mine.

Make yourself a drink, like a tea, coffee, or smoothie!

Clean your digital space. (emails, photos, apps, etc...)

Plan some outfits, so that you don´t have to rush in the mornings.

Feel free to add more advice :)

✩‧₊*:・see ya ･:*₊‧✩