Moving to London Has Been a Nightmare

Posted in Current Updates and Recent Life
A picture of me with London bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben in the background
A picture of me in London

Hey, guys! Welcome back to The Wheelchair Teen (even though I’m technically not a teenager anymore 😊). I touched briefly on the fact that I’ve been going through some struggles with the British government in my last update post. On April 6th 2023, I returned to London after years spent studying in the Netherlands. I was born in England, I’m a British citizen as are my parents, and I used to live here when I was younger. But returning has been an absolute nightmare and I do not feel welcome as a Disabled British citizen at all.

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Getting denied the help I need

Because we’re originally from England, all of my sisters one-by-one returned to the U.K. after they graduated to study here. Our extended family live here and this is our home. But I stayed in the Netherlands a little while longer after my graduation to figure out what I wanted to do next and to attend the Ilse Wouters Academy for Acting. I made the decision to move back too last year though. I contacted both the Citizens Advice of the area I planned to move into and a PIP adviser and they both assured me that if I moved here, I’d be able to claim PIP – a benefit from the government that gives you extra money to help in your everyday life if you have a Disability. I knew I wouldn’t be able to move here without that extra financial support because living with a Disability is expensive.

A screenshot of the PIP website. The part where it says: "If you’ve recently returned from living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you might be able to get PIP sooner." is circled in red.
Screenshot of the PIP website saying that you can get PIP sooner if you’ve recently moved from the EU

I ended up moving into a different area than the place I originally thought I was going to move into but the Citizens Advice of the other area still said that they would help me. So they assisted me while I filled out the PIP application form. To my surprise, after months of waiting, my PIP claim was dismissed. Apparently, because I haven’t lived in England for 2 of the last 3 years, I can’t claim PIP, even though on their official website it says that you may still claim PIP if you recently moved from the EU. In fact, it says there that you may actually receive PIP faster if you’ve moved from the EU. I tried to appeal the decision but the answer was the same – I had to wait 2 years before I could claim PIP.

The current system is so ridiculous because it means that if you have a Disability and you leave the U.K. for two years, you can basically never return because how am I supposed to function here for two years until I’m eligible to claim benefits again, without any benefits? With PIP, you also have access to a car from the government or a mobility device to help you get around. And it makes you instantly eligible for a wheelchair taxi card so that you can travel around in wheelchair taxis (currently, I’m unable to leave the house on my own and spend almost all of my time indoors).

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Life now

A photo of me facing the camera and smiling with my desk and laptop behind me.
A photo of me working at my desk in my flat in London

So I currently have no money while living in a country going through inflation. I used up all of my savings on living expenses in the first two months of being here. I have nothing I can use to pay the extra costs my Disability causes me to have and I can’t afford a wheelchair taxi without the wheelchair taxi card so I’m stuck indoors. Things haven’t been going well on the job front either. I’ve been applying to jobs nonstop and going through countless job interviews only to be rejected time and time again. I’ve tried weeks where I’ve applied to a new job every day and last Sunday night I didn’t go to sleep because I stayed up the whole night applying to places. There aren’t that many careers I can apply to based on my skills and qualifications. I can’t just do a standard cleaning, waitress, or retail job because of my Disability.

I tried going to the Citizens Advice for my area because things are getting quite desperate but they don’t do in-person appointments. I phoned them but was on hold for over two hours. I emailed them but they said that they’re so busy working cases that they might not be able to help anyone new at the moment. It’s ironic that I’m paying council tax I can’t afford every month when the actual council can’t seem to do its job. There’s no proof that the Citizens Advice in my area even exists at the moment. I desperately need help and I don’t know where else to turn.

There’s so much more going on that I could talk about. I hired someone to take me over an hour across London to a meeting with an acting agency but the agency turned out to just be a scam that takes people’s money. Yesterday I had an in-person meeting for a different benefit I’m trying to claim but the carer I’d booked for that day decided not to turn up and didn’t bother to tell me so I almost missed that lifeline of an appointment. Instead, my sister had to drop everything at work and take me. I was trying to hold back tears in the taxi at what a disaster everything was turning into.

So, yeah, things aren’t going that well right now.

A picture of my sister standing behind me and smiling. Behind us are balloons and block letters spelling out the word 'BABY'.
A picture of me and Olivia-Savannah at our sister Tamara’s baby shower. She gave birth to the baby!

It’s really tough and sometimes all I have is one thing that keeps me going during the day. My lack of funds is making my future so uncertain and scary. Without God, I think I would’ve given up a long time ago. Moving here certainly hasn’t been the great homecoming I thought it would be but at least now I get to be around my family. My sister, Olivia-Savannah, is my strength right now. She’s been so amazing during these difficult months. And, for the first time in my life, I’m actually living in an accessible house. I don’t have to crawl around on the floor anymore – my wheelchair can go into every room in this flat which feels so amazing that it makes me never want to move back into an inaccessible house again.

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I’m currently trying to get my story into the local paper in the hopes that it might make anyone in the government or the council who can help, listen and understand the impossible situation that I’m in. It’s too late to move back to the Netherlands now, the only thing that I can do is move forwards. Thanks so much for reading ❤ Has anything not turned out like you’d expected it to? How did you make it through? See you in two weeks! (I think)

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Published by The Wheelchair Teen

I am a black, disabled teenager and my blog shares my personal experiences, some of the struggles and triumphs I’ve been through, as well as posts that educate people about disabilities to help end discrimination against disabled people.

94 thoughts on “Moving to London Has Been a Nightmare”

  1. I wish I could say something to help.
    My conclusion is that even benefits were not the answer, because they condemn someone to a life of poverty. The only solution is to get that job. But it’s true – you face a mountain of discrimination before you even start. Anything telephone-based?
    Wait… I have an idea. The company I work for is always hiring, and they don’t seem to care about remote. It’s IT in nature, but perhaps they have other types of job? You can get me at blog@mrbump.uk if you’re interested.

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    1. Since I already have nothing, I do think that benefits would help. Both my grandmother and aunty have PIP and it helps them a lot financially. They aren’t stuck in poverty either. Maybe it depends on the level of PIP? As someone with no movement in my fingers, hands, or legs, if I got PIP, I’d probably be awarded a lot. I’m now trying to claim Universal Credit. Thank you for the advice about the job, that’s very helpful. I’ll send you an email about it tomorrow as I’ll be headed to bed soon.

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      1. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your answer came through a fellow blogger? Simone, you are a good writer, and I see on your home page that you also do speaking engagements. I can see you working in any number of capacities, especially as an advocate for the disabled, since you have the experience and are such a good communicator. I think if you had a letter published in the paper, it would be seen by a lot of people and could open any door the Lord wants you to go through.
        I know what you mean about your faith – what do people do who don’t have Him? Glad you have family, too. They have to be a blessing in such hard times. I’ll be praying for you. ❤

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      2. That’s why I love sharing about my life online so much. Help, support, and friendship comes so often from fellow bloggers. I truly love this community. My dream job is indeed to be a public speaker and in the Netherlands I used to travel to different schools to educate their students about Disabilities but I haven’t had any success with that here yet. I’ve given up on applying to public speaking agents but maybe I should keep going. Exactly, I’m excited to share my story in the local paper. I think it has the potential to help a lot. They definitely are a blessing. Thank you so much for your prayers ❤️ They really mean a lot.

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  2. I am so very sorry to hear this! Seems everywhere is understaffed & people are inconvenienced because of it. It’s annoying at a restaurant or store. This however is just inexcusable! It makes no sense at all for you to be forced to go through all of this. And you don’t qualify because you haven’t lived there 2 of 3 years? You’re still a citizen… shouldn’t that count for something?! I so wish I could help! Sending hugs your way & praying for you!

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    1. Yeah, it makes no sense. When government services are understaffed it seriously affects the livelihoods of the citizens in the country. I wish the council in my area had things together a bit more. The fact that I’m a citizen should count for something. Some British citizens can even claim PIP while living abroad. Something has gone terribly wrong here and my problem is I don’t know who to contact to make it right. Don’t worry, your hugs and prayers are plenty help enough. I know I’ll be able to make it through this in the end. Thank you for being a loving support ❤️

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      1. It does which is why they should do whatever necessary to avoid being understaffed.

        That makes even less sense, that British citizens living abroad can claim PIP but you can’t. I hope you can find out who to contact to get this straightened out soon!

        You will make it through I’m sure.. you’re strong & resiliant. ❤

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  3. Oh, my dear. It’s the same all over. I waited six years to be approved for disability benefits here, during which time I could not earn a legal penny or he sent back to the beginning of the queue. Then it took another year and a cross country move to secure the government account necessary to receive even a $20 Christmas gift without having it come out of my next check. I know that the programs’ founders were enlightened and benevolent of intention. I also know that on many levels they are presently being run to fail.

    I once called the public nonprofit “Self-Help Housing” with the landlord responses to the six-vacancy list they’d given me to call. Three had said they had no low income units, ever. Two had said they never took women. One had a waiting list two years long. “Would you like the information, to update your records?” I asked. Sister, I actually got a one word answer: “No.” Those organizations aren’t run to fail, they’re run to self perpetuate at minimum cost.

    I’m so glad you have your sister! A new niece! No crawling! And you look killer in that vibrant red coat. 👌

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    1. That sounds absolutely appalling. What a terrible system! How did they expect you to cope in those six years?! I can’t believe that there are so many people in society who believe that there are a bunch of lazy people living off benefits because it’s the easy way out. They have no idea how difficult and discouraging the actual process to claim benefits is. We’re not lazy people living off of the governments money, sitting around watching TV all day. We’re desperate people just trying to survive. A waiting list two years long? Not taking in women? These things make me so angry they make me want to cry. I’m glad I have my sister too. And my nephew is a true blessing. His name is Otis 😊 Thank you, red is actually my favourite colour 🥰

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      1. Haha, right now I’ve been trying to change all my programs and ID’s to Colorado, from California ~ using a birth certificate I’m supposed to get from New York.

        That effort is nine months on and counting.

        California is particularly scrambled: my food card gives me a number to call. That number’s message sends me to the website. The website tells me that for what I want to do I have to call in. When I call that number the message basically says, “If you’re still on hold at the end of the day you’ll lose your place in line,” and leaves it at that.

        I even independently researched and outreached to email contacts in related offices ~ nada.

        Run to fail.

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      2. It definitely seems to me that things are actually worse in the US. And without things like the National Health Service and health care I can imagine that it must be even more tough over there. That system not only seems run to fail, it seems run to not care. When you can’t even contact someone because you’re sent in an endless loop of calling to website to calling again then you know they were never really meant to be that helpful in the first place. My heart goes out to you. I hope that things will get better eventually. All we can do is keep believing. Have you ever tried publishing your poetry or submitting some into poetry competitions? Some offer monetary rewards.

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      3. I wouldn’t submit my world class masterpieces to be “evaluated” by pundits of the semi-coherent poetic day if they paid me one billion dollars to do it.

        But whoever considers it worth more than just their time to read it has a way to contribute. I beat the system’s kabillion glitches to get them that.

        Thanks for the solidarity, sister. Heads up! Forward!

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  4. Oh bless you, dear Simone. I’m very glad you have your family around you. (Love the red coat!) and it really must be great having an accessible house at last!
    I’m sorry you have been let down by the bureaucracy. I think the infrastructure in the UK is kaput! I wonder if the doctor would be able to help – sometimes a different approach to services can help – by the back door, as it were? Not that seeing a doctor is easy either.
    I pray for favour for you. That God will open doors for you Himself. xx

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    1. I’m happy that I have my family around me too. At the end of the day, their support and love is all that really matters. Thanks, I love the red coat too 😊 I wanted to get prepared for my nephew to enter this world in style. It definitely does feel like the infrastructure is kaput. And its people are suffering for it. My doctor has actually been helping me a little with this as even they agree that its a ridiculous situation. Hopefully their help will be useful. Your prayers mean a lot. Thank you so much ❤️

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  5. Congratulations to Tamara and her husband and their newborn! My goodness, the color red looks spectacular on you.

    Ugh, red tape and bureaucracies!

    I thank God Olivia-Savannah is there to help, but I know you don’t want to depend on her. I pray you find a job soon!

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    1. I think she and her fiancé are both very happy 😊 He’s a perfect baby boy. Thank you so much 🥰 I really like that coat.

      Tell me about it! It’s like an endless game in a very messed up system.

      I thank God for her too. She’s such an amazing source of strength for me at the moment. I hope I find one too. Thank you for your prayers. They really mean a lot ❤️

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  6. Aw I’m so very sorry you’ve been going through so much. Some systems are in desperate need of an overhaul. Glad to hear you’re living in an accessible house now! I hope life eases soon and the local paper prints your story! You’ve got this! ❤️

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    1. Thank you so much. You’re very right, the system definitely does need an overhaul. The fact that I’m living in an accessible house definitely is the light at the end of the tunnel though. It just makes the fact that I spent the first 20 years of my life living in a house where there were rooms and floors I couldn’t even go into, really sink in. As a wheelchair-user, I should be living in a house where someone like me is actually fully welcome. I hope they print my story too. I believe that things can get better. Thank you so much for the support ❤️

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  7. I agree with everyone commenting about the red coat, and love all your pictures. I really thought the UK would be more welcoming, especially due to you being a citizen and with a disability. I will also join you and the others in prayer for Omniscience God to intervene and help you UP in ALL ways!
    Much love from USA.

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    1. Thank you 😊 I thought it would be more welcoming too. It looks like a lot of the government services are just in shambles at the moment. But thank you so much for the love and the prayers. They are truly uplifting and it feels nice to know that I have someone in my corner all the way across the world in the USA 🥰

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      1. Yes, the world’s governments are imploding it seems. I know destruction leads to creation though we may not like it. It is the way the Dao. ☯️

        I have enjoyed reading about your life, even the sad parts, because I sense your heart, your desire for self reliance, for growth, to find new opportunities wherever and whenever possible.

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    1. It definitely has been. Thank you. Hopefully something will come up soon. I’m happy Olivia-Savannah is there for me too. She’s my best friend as well as my sister ❤️ Thanks, it felt great to be one stylish new upcoming aunty that day 😅

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  9. Simone, I TOTALLY understand what you’re going through. I too am going through a rather tough/stressful move with a lot of expenses… and everything is just so expensive nowadays. Though I recognize that things get even more complicated with your disability. Sending hugs! Sisters do make it all better, I know mind does as well.

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    1. Yes, everything is ridiculously expensive. Inflation is happening all over the world and its causing prices to skyrocket to ridiculous rates. I’m sorry you’re going through a tough, expensive move too but it does feel good to have someone else who knows what I’m going through. I’m happy you have your own special sister too. Olivia-Savannah is a great best friend as well as a sister. Thanks for the hugs 🥰 Have a great week!

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  10. I feel your situation. Go ahead and submit your story to all local papers available for submission for everybody to read. I pray that everything will go well with you. 🙏🏻

    Also, congratulations on having a new niece! 👶🏻

    Keep moving forward. Something good is waiting for you at the end of the rainbow. ❤️

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    1. Thank you so much for this encouraging message! I’m so excited to be an aunty so that’s definitely something positive that’s happened since moving here. I’m going to keep moving forward and trying to spread the word. I have faith that good things are up ahead. Thanks for your prayers, these are such nice words that you’ve shared! ❤️

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      1. You’re so welcome! I can somehow relate to your situation of being in a wheelchair as I am one after being hit by an 18-wheeler truck 6 years ago. I’m hoping for another operation so that I can walk again. Hopefully, that is. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

        Yes, I offer prayers when I read one because I know the feeling. That’s the only help I can give anyway. I’m glad it reached you. ❤️ You’re on the right track. Don’t stop. Just move forward. 😊😉

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      2. Personally, I’m completely satisfied with not being able to walk, but since you want to walk again – I hope that you’ll be able to receive that operation too. I’ll be thinking and praying for you as well. Indeed. Don’t stop. Just move forward ❤️

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      3. Simone, thank you so much! Yes, I want to walk again so I can go with my daughter wherever she wants to go. Let’s both pray for each other and move forward together. ❤️😊🥰

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  11. It’s so sad, what you’re going through. I hope you will find a way to get all the help you need. Sometimes it’s like a knot you have to unravel and then it will be smooth sailing. I love your spirit, which shines through in your pictures! And it’s wonderful that you are part of a loving family. 🤗🤗

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    1. That’s very true, hopefully I’ll be smooth sailing soon. I just have to keep fighting and staying positive until then. Thank you so much 😊 And, yes, I feel very happy to be a part of my loving family. Thanks for all of these encouraging words ❤️

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  12. So sorry things have been so rough on you right now Simone!! How utterly frustrating. Kudos to your for keeping the faith and your sister. Love the reach out of Mr Bump. I know something Wii’s avail itself to you. If it’s any consolation, you look amazing in that red outfit! So happy you have your sister and congratulations on being an auntie! 🙏💕💕🙏

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    1. Thank you, keeping the faith and relying on the love of my sister is all I can really do right now. Yes, Mr. Bump has been very helpful. Hopefully his advice will be able to help me solve this situation. Thanks! ❤️ I’m so happy to be an aunty!

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  13. Dear Simone.
    Congrats to your family on your’ls bundle of blessings. It’s great being an aunt.
    Sorry to hear about all that you have been going through. Prayers and blessings your way 🙏. Keep with your faith that ahead you must go.
    Sending hugs 🤗🤍🙏

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    1. Thank you! 🥰 I’m so excited to be one. I know little children love rolling around on my lap in my wheelchair so I can’t wait to do that all the time with my new nephew. Thanks so much for the hugs, prayer, and support. I have faith that I can make it through this soon.

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  15. Wow, Simone, what a rollercoaster! On one hand, lots of positive news: supportive family, becoming an aunty – congratulations! – and knowing God is for you. On the other, scammers, bureaucracy and a frustrating job hunt. (Every job hunt is: No, No, No, No, … , No, Yes! Each “No” is a learning process that takes you closer to your goal.)

    If I can help (eg via LinkedIn), please let me know. I have family and connections in the area who might be able to help. Just let me know! (And well done for putting this out there!)

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    1. It certainly has been a rollercoaster. Lots of ups and downs and difficult days. True, job hunts are never easy and full of rejection. It just feels especially desperate when there’s a sense of urgency to everything. Thank you so much for offering help. Me and my sister are currently strategizing what we’re going to do next. We’re currently trying to contact our local MP and to gather some advocates for my case. Hopefully all of that will be enough, but if not, it’s helpful to know that you may be able to help through LinkedIn so thank you.

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  16. Dear Simone, what an ordeal. 😞 I learned a great deal reading your post; not just about the overly complicated process you face, but about your strength, talent, and perseverance. Thank goodness there are some blessings for you in the midst of your challenges, like being near family. 💞 Wishing you success getting your story into the local paper. 🌼

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    1. This is such a sweet thing to say! It definitely is an ordeal but all I can do is keep moving forward and fighting to get the benefits I’m owed. But my family and everyone here surrounding me definitely makes it all worth it. Thank you, I hope it will go well 🥰

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  17. so sorry you have to go thru this, Simone. I haven’t had anything like this happen to me, but definitely my share of trying to cut thru red tape. reaching out & venting, like with this post is a great start. then sheer persistence in terms of trying to find someone, some agency, some whatever that might turn the key. to that end, it best serves me to not take things personally so I can best focus on my goal of helping myself & others. wishing you the best, dear

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    1. Thank you for this solid advice. It’s always good to hear from someone else who’s experienced cutting through red tape like this. It definitely has felt amazing reaching out and talking about my problems like this. Some people have even offered useful help and contacts in the council because of it. Thanks for wishing me the best. I hope that things will get better soon ❤️

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  18. Oh my dear Simone, this is so disappointing and heartbreaking. 💔 But even in the midst of your adversities, there is still a beautiful light shining brightly in your life. 🌞 You will rise and get through this my dear. Don’t you dare be discouraged or afraid. You are going to be okay my friend. 🙏🏼 Sending you love, hugs, and smooches! 🥰💖😊

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    1. Thank you so much for these positive encouragements! It feels so great to hear uplifting words like these after everything I’ve been through. I have faith that I will get through this too. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in that. Thanks for the love, hugs, and smooches. You have no idea how much they mean to me ❤️🌻❤️

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      1. Simone my dear, you are stronger than you think and yes girlfriend, your faith and perseverance will see you though. 🙏🏼 You have endured great adversity in the past and you rose like a Phoenix from the ashes. You will rise from this too. Whatever you do, do not give up nor give in to fear and discouragement. Sending you hugs and smooches! 😍💖🤗🌺🥰

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  19. Wow, I’m sorry about this. It’s awful that you have to have lived in the country for 2-3 years before you can get the help you need. And honestly, it makes no sense. There are certain things you need due to your disability and it makes no sense to have to wait.

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    1. Thank you for your continued prayer. I’m already seeing the affects of sharing this story. People have been sharing useful advice for how I can deal with the government and get them to supply me with the benefits I’m owed. It looks like the power of prayer is working 😊

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  22. Thank you for sharing!!.. sorry that you have had to deal with the issues!.. Keep doing what you are doing and do not give up (perhaps the government thinks that if they ignore you long enough you will give up)… you are a courageous and intelligent person and I am sure with the technology and the help of family and friends, you will succeed!!.. “If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can’t, you’re right” (Mary Kay Ash)… 🙂

    Hope things are improving with each day, all is well and until we meet again…
    May flowers always line your path
    and sunshine light your way,
    May songbirds serenade your
    every step along the way,
    May a rainbow run beside you
    in a sky that’s always blue,
    And may happiness fill your heart
    each day your whole life through.
    May the sun shine all day long
    Everything go right, nothing go wrong
    May those you love bring love back to you
    And may all the wishes you wish come true
    (Irish Saying)

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    1. You’re welcome! 😊 You’re right, my best bet is not to give up and to keep fighting. They can’t keep me from what they owe me forever. Thank you so much, that is a very kind thing to say. I hope I will succeed too! ❤️

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      1. “No road is too long for him who advances slowly and does not hurry, and no attainment is beyond his reach who equips himself with patience to achieve it.” Jean de La Bruyere …… 🙂

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  23. Bonjour
    Votre amitié et votre salutation sont très appréciées
    J’espère que vous passerez une excellente journée !
    Merci de vos commentaires
    Il est pour moi toujours agréable de venir vous saluer quand le temps me le permet
    Bise Bernard

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  24. So sorry to hear about your struggles Simone. You’re a great writer and I hope that you can get back in monetary form through this. You’ve been teaching me so much, sending lots of positive vibes your way. All the best.

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  27. I just want to say what an amazing human being you are. Your situation is dire but all I see is this brave girl who refuses to stop half-way and go that extra mile believing that it will all be worth it in the end. Just know we all believe in you too!! This too shall pass

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    1. Thank you so much. This is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me. That is such an amazing image that you have of me, I hope I can live up to it. I’m going to keep fighting and hopefully I’ll make it there eventually. I’m currently gathering letters of advocacy from my council and local MP on my behalf. Hopefully it can make a difference 👍🏾 It means so much that you believe in me, more than you could know.

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  28. Oh how I hate red tape & politics. I’m sorry you’re going through this, Simone. You are so strong, and I have so much admiration for you. Can you set up a Go Fund Me account? As for working, I’ve found it can be easier to secure a position in a company by first volunteering. Wishing you an abundance of blessings, my friend. 🙂

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    1. Thank you for these supportive words, they truly mean a lot. I considered a Go Fund Me but the idea of relying on charity made ,me a little uncertain. While it would be helpful, it would also be a short term solution for a bigger issue. The good news is I was able to claim Universal Credit so I now have at least one benefit. It’s not nearly enough to live on but at least now there’s some money coming in. Thank you for the tips for getting a job. Every little helps. ❤️

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  29. I’m truly sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing. It’s evident that you’ve been through a lot and are determined to find solutions. Sharing your story in the local paper is a proactive step, and I hope it helps bring attention to your situation. Stay strong, and I wish you the best in overcoming these difficulties. ❤️

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    1. Thank you so much for these encouraging words. It’s very nice to meet you, thanks for stopping by. The local paper has accepted my story and it is now almost completely ready to go. I hope that it helps bring attention to my situation too. It’s a really great opportunity. Thanks, I hope that you’ll have a wonderful weekend! 😊

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  30. This is heart-wrenching. And I might venture to say – cruel on the part of those with power – and not just in the UK. (Spoken softly with conviction but not rancor)
    I am greatly relieved you have family nearby while you navigate this maize. They know you’re a bulldog but also know you’re more vulnerable now than at other times…Lean into all they wish to help you with. It doesn’t make you any less strong IMHO.
    Please update us as you’re able.

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    1. I feel very happy to have my family around me as well. They are such an amazing supports system, and like you said, they know me very well. It does seem unnecessarily cruel. I’m trying best as I can to fight it though. My story was just accepted to be in the next edition of my local newspaper. I’ll make sure to update you guys as things progress. Thank you so much for the support 😊

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  32. “Apparently, because I haven’t lived in England for 2 of the last 3 years, I can’t claim PIP, even though on their official website it says that you may still claim PIP if you recently moved from the EU. In fact, it says there that you may actually receive PIP faster if you’ve moved from the EU.”
    The way I understand it after reading your screenshot, having lived in England for 2 years out of 3 and having recently moved from the EU aren’t mutually exclusive – you need both conditions to be true. Then again, bureaucracy is a nightmare everywhere, and the people who are supposed to help us make heads or tails of it most of the times aren’t more in the known than we are. My husband thought he could stay home up to two more years without a salary reduction, but it turned out that’s only true for the caregiver of a disabled person (that would be me, if I still had a job), not for the latter. So he applied for early retirement (and for attendance allowance), and in the meantime, we’re heading toward a 50% reduction of his salary…since his ulcer is still too severe for him to start walking again and go back to work.
    Personal problems aside, it’s a shame about the PIP, and I hope things will get better for you soon! (I read in one of your replies that you got Universal Credit, so at least that’s a start!).

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    1. Wow, it sounds like you’re going through a pretty tough time too. Other countries do seem to be quite a bit stricter with the rules. A 50% salary reduction is really tough. Over here in the U.K. we have Universal Credit for when that happens. I hope that things will get better for you and your husband too, that sounds like a really tough situation to be in. By the way, I know this is a little random but are you still being notified of when I post a new post? I’m currently chatting to a Happiness Engineer because some subscribers have stopped being notified of my posts and they want to know if that’s been the case for everyone. I’m pretty sure it hasn’t but I just want to check.

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  33. Bonjour
    Ceci est un petit écris
    Qui pense tout seul
    Il choisit automatiquement les personnes les
    plus gentille
    De mon répertoire
    Tu en fais partie
    Ce jour
    C’est toi qu’il a choisi
    Pour te dire Bonjour et bonne journée
    Bise amicale Bernard

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  35. Bonjour

    Je voulais commencer ce matin par une bonne pensée

    Alors, j’ai commencé à penser à notre amitié et j’ai décidé de t’envoyer ce petit texte

    En lisant ces mots, sachez qu’en ce moment même, il y a quelqu’un qui pense à vous et se soucie de vous

    Même si peut être la pluie est au rendez-vous et cette tempête qui cause bien des soucis à certains

    Que la chance soit à vos côtés

    Belle journée belle fin de semaine

    Bise amical Bernard

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