Hannah's story

"Client and disabled husband on ESA. Client works 10 hours per week. Someone reported husband as working so ESA and tax credits stopped on 9 Feb (housing benefit wasn't). Social worker found out & spoke to DWP who said there was no case to answer but benefits couldn't be restarted until 16/2. Client will also talk to housing benefit in case they get told of the stoppage."

Thank you to Hannah for sharing her story, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and wrote it down on her behalf.

Stacey's story

"Client suffered originally from post natal depression and has been on ESA benefit 3 times. However failed assessment as handbag and gloves matched. (Client had taken 3 hours to get ready). Missed bus. Got taxi on tic. Was told she must be in centre as smart. Becoming more stressed with circumstances and debts. (£450 per fortnight on ESA became £140 on JSA). Borrowed money from father because bailiffs came - now problems with family because of this. When going to have ESA assessment worried about losing children which must colour answers."

Thank you to Stacey for sharing her experience, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and wrote it down on her behalf.

Robert's story

"First stages of ESA benefits - £112.00 per week between two.

• £68 - service charge, rent
• bedroom tax
• £6.00 per week TV licence
• £5.00 Club per week, paying off
• paying back overpayment of housing benefit
• electric

don't drink don't smoke"

Thank you to Robert for sharing his situation with us.

Gwen's story

"Sent an appointment for medical for ESA on a Sunday. No public transport to Chester - so let them know she couldn't attend but ESA stopped. Just had a new medical assessment & awaiting outcome. Currently has no income at all. A lot of debts."

Thank you to Gwen for sharing her experience, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and wrote down Gwen's story on her behalf.

Alistair's story

"Had ESA medical - was on basic rate. Had hearing test & blood test at the medical. Reduced payment to £100.00 p.w. because of query over partner (joint claim) who is not on any disability or other benefits. Have said this would only be until decision made in a couple of weeks. Partner can't get out of house - can't walk (heart, knees and back - overweight). (ex drug-taker and alcoholic) - Has to support partner and 2 children (18 months and 8 months)."

Thank you to Alistair for sharing his experience.

Simon's story

"On ESA and having difficulty paying the bills. I own my own house (free of mortgage) but upkeep is expensive. I am unable to work."

Thank you to Simon for sharing his foodbank experience.

Patricia's Story

"Single person has been in a 3 bedroom house for 19 years. Would like to swap but has £1000 rent arrears so can't go on the list. Pays £60 out of benefits (ESA) every two weeks. No clear way out of this. Also had bailiff charges for council tax arrears. If client was allowed to swap, the rent would be less and she could pay off arrears."

Thank you so much to Patricia for sharing her story with us.

Sonita's Story

"Currently I am a full time college student studying social sciences to gain access to university. The reason I need to use the Foodbank was because my claim for Employment Support Allowance was cancelled with no thought from the Department of Work and Pensions on how I would survive. I do not meet the criteria for other benefits due to my age and my college course. 

As I suffer from depression I have also become estranged from my father, meaning I have nobody to support me."

West Cheshire Foodbank would like to thank Sonita for sharing her story.

Luke's Story

"Luke was on Disability Living Allowance. This changed to Personal Independence Payment and the lady that assessed Luke said that it would only take a week to 10 days for the change. 10 months later he was still waiting.  

Luke only receives £72 a fortnight from Employment and Support Allowance.  He has depression and cancer and has been in and out of hospital.  Both SA and DIAL house has been involved to try and chase this situation up but Luke keeps being told it is being dealt with."

Thanks Luke for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank.

Daniel's Story

"I was laid off in November 2012 from a council contract.  I have been looking for work until I had an accident to my right lower leg in June 2013 and I received ESA.  I had to go into hospital for an operation and this was postponed by 3 weeks, meanwhile my benefits were stopped.  I have now had the operation but I have been told I cannot have any Jobseekers Allowance until later in the month.  I am currently on crutches and not really fit for work as I am a driver.  I plan to appeal against the refusal of ESA.  I have applied for Disability Living Allowance and was told I would be interviewed at home, however nobody came and I was not contacted"

We thank Daniel for sharing his story with the West Cheshire Foodbank.

Robert's Story

"Robert was working full-time and put on to Employment Support Allowance due to a leg injury.  He had an appointment at a work related activity group, but could not go as he collapsed in town as the injury to his leg turned out to be a serious blood clot.  Robert was rushed to hospital, so missed the appointment and had his benefits stopped.

Robert came out of hospital to be told that as his injury is now 'different' he has to make a new claim which they say will take three weeks to sort out.  He had been in town to collect the two weeks money he was owed, which he hasn't had and they now say he won't get, because it is a new claim.  This means that there will be a minimum of 5 weeks that Robert will be without money."

Thank you Robert for sharing your story with Foodbank

John's Story

"Originally on incapacity benefit for 10 years.  On transfer to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) I had a medical and was awarded 0 points by ATOS. I asked for a review but the decision was upheld. I appealed but the medical representative humiliated me.
I was given bad advice by Job Centre Plus that I could not claim other benefits.  I lived off savings for over a year and made a new claim for ESA and was granted basic rate.  My GP has always given me sick notes and am living in dread of another medical.  I have both physical and mental health issues.  I only get 25% single occupancy discount.  I feel like a corpse."

Thank you John for sharing your story with Foodbank.

James' Story

“After being refused Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and being declared fit for work I was told to go on to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). I was refused JSA as I would not be readily be available for work due to an upcoming spinal operation. Subsequently I have been left in a political blackhole of being declared fit for work (although I’m due for spinal surgery). This has left myself and my family in hardship. I have 2 sons (4yrs and 11yrs) and it’s quite ridiculous the situation I have found myself in through no fault of my own. Foodbank has been brilliant and without the help I would have had no means of buying food since 21^st January 2015 (date of writing 19^th Feb 2015).”

Our thanks to James for sharing this with us.

Celia's Story

"Currently homeless or staying in B&B. On ESA but all money goes on B&B (£500/wk). Partner claimed PIP (Personal Independence Payment) 4 weeks ago but was told it would take 26 weeks for a decision to be made. Partner has type 2 diabetes and mental health issues. Have to leave B&B at 10am and not allowed back until evening. Have 15 year old son. Housing Solutions team will contact client regarding accomodation."

Thank you to Celia for sharing her story with us and to the volunteer who wrote this down on her behalf.

Alice's Story

"Husband (51) was on ESA (previosly had stroke and epileptic fit). Few weeks ago he was told he was fit for work and he should sign on for JSA. Sent on work programme to college in Ellesmere Port - went and had another stroke and epileptic fit at college. Taken to hospital. Doctors said he wasn't fit. JCP agreed he should be on ESA. No money for over a month. Have said it will be another two weeks before she gets any money. She is legally responsible for grand-daughter."

Thank you so much to Alice for sharing the circumstances that she is facing. Thanks also to the volunteer who listened and took notes for Alice.

Tony's Story

"My immediate situation is I am being moved from JSA to ESA, which led to a delay in my benefits. I was anyway in debt for my bills. I have been signed off for depression and anxiety, and I lost my job in March. Also, I was caught speeding and received three points on my licence which will lead to more costs. There have been life events that may have led to my anxiety and depression and not helped when I needed to get my situation sorted out."

Our thanks to Tony for sharing his story with us.

Nicholas' Story

"Unemployed and unable to find any work. On basic level ESA. Desperate to keep present home but insufficient income to make ends meet. Debts of water rates and council tax. Advised to seek support from appropriate agency for debt support. Has problems with both mental and physical health."

Our thanks to Nicholas for wanting to share his story and to the volunteer who took notes on his behalf.

Scott's Story

"I was stopped ESA following an assessment after a knee operation. At the time I was unable to work and I was using crutches but didn't receive any points to continue to qualify for ESA. On the 18th of June my benefits completely stopped. I have not received any money since. I visited [a local advice charity] who are supporting me and have written to jobcentre plus about my situation and that I am not fit enough for work at present. They gave me a voucher for food. Prior to problems with my knees I have worked for various employers and was also in the army for two and a half years. I would like to work if I was not suffering with knee problems. I have ongoing appointments, treatment and possibly further surgery."

Our thanks to Scott for sharing his story with us.

Joshua's Story

"I'm here today because I have no food or money. For the last two years I have been on a reduced rate of ESA. I had an accident in work. I have damaged my spine. I have had an MRI scan that shows bulging in my neck and lower back. So from my accident I lost my health, home, job and so found myself homeless. But I am not homeless anymore I just have a low income and lots of debt."

Thank you so much to Joshua for sharing his story with us.

Pete's Story

"I was laid off in November 2012 from a council contract. I had been looking for work until I had an accident to my right lower leg on 27th June 2013. I received ESA. I had to go into hospital for an operation and this was postponed from the 3rd to the 17th February. Meanwhile my benefit was stopped. I have had the operation but have been told I cannot have any benefit (JSA) until 25th February. In fact I am still needing another operation and am not really fit for work. I have been a driver. I plan to appeal against the refusal of ESA.  I have applied for DLA and was told I would be interviewed at home between 10-15th February. I waited at home but no one came and I was not contacted".

Thanks to Pete for taking the time to share his story with us. We really appreciate it.