Last Sunday, I went to the cinema to see the new film I, Daniel Blake. It’s directed by one of my favourite directors, Ken Loach, who often makes films about people who find themselves in difficult situations, and this film is no exception.
Watch Charlie signing his article on the video below, or scroll down to continue in English.
I, Daniel Blake is about a man who has had a heart attack, and that means he is too ill to work – although he can walk around and talk to people. He has to take time and rest before he can return to work.
His problem is that when he tries to get benefits to support himself, he’s told because he is too ill to work, he can’t claim Jobseekers Allowance. He has to apply for Employment and Support Allowance.
But when he’s interviewed for Employment and Support Allowance, his illness doesn’t match their criteria. He is interviewed and is asked if he can walk a certain distance – and he says yes.
He’s also asked other questions that he says yes to. The film shows how his heart problem doesn’t match the criteria and so Daniel Blake is stuck, unable to get either benefit.
The film shows how he suffers, because he can’t buy food or pay his bills.
There’s also another character, a woman who is young with children, who has moved to the area. When she goes to her benefits appointment she is late, and because of that she loses her benefits and is unable to buy food for her children.
The film sounds depressing and sad, but it’s funny as well. The characters are really warm and nice, with good humour.
In the past, I’ve read newspaper reports about similar situations, of problems people have in claiming benefits and the effects on them. Lots of stories that match the film.
But what the film does is bring those stories to life, through drama, making the people seem real, rather than just stories we read about. It made a big impact on me.
After the film, I was driving home, and I was thinking about Deaf people in similar circumstances, because the film showed how hard it is for hearing people, but if you’re Deaf and communication is difficult, it’s harder to ask questions or challenge people. It made me wonder how Deaf people might cope.
Just last week, I read about how the government is trying to cut £29 per week from Employment and Support Allowance for Deaf and disabled people, which is only going to make it more difficult for them.
I recommend watching the film as soon as you can. I saw it with subtitles, so the availability is out there. I hope you watch it soon.
Find out about subtitled screenings of I, Daniel Blake by visiting the film’s page on the Your Local Cinema website here: http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/idanielblake.html
Charlie is the editor of Limping Chicken, as well as being an award-winning filmmaker. He directed the comedies The Kiss and Four Deaf Yorkshiremen go to Blackpool, and three instalments of the documentary series Found. As a journalist, he has written for the Guardian and BBC Online, and he is currently working on a new two-part comedy programme.
Rhiannon (@juxtaposed13)
November 4, 2016
Thankyou! The government are making things very difficult for lots of people.
Rhiannon (@juxtaposed13)
November 4, 2016
Ken Loach – genius! ✌️🤘👍
Rhiannon (@juxtaposed13)
November 4, 2016
The ESA and PIP criteria are unethical! Should be more personal – not just ticking boxes and scoring points!
Barakta
November 4, 2016
The issue for deaf people is largely phones and communication. Jobcentres want people to claim benefits before they get advice on what to claim even though they should allow advice first.
They may try to avoid booking communication support, but keep insisting and make sure you have told them you are deaf (and have any other disabilities) in writing straight away and that you have said what you need e.g. private room, BSL terp, electronic notetaker etc.
I generally refuse to use phones with government agencies which they hate but can’t get out of. I have had legal advice that says they MUST accept this request. It’s a ‘reasonable adjustment’ under the Equality Act 2010.
If you can get advocacy support before dealing with jobcentres then do so, you’re less likely to get sanctioned and they will help you challenge sanctions too as often they are applied unfairly.
indomitabledamsel
November 4, 2016
Maybe we should make our own videos – signing and use speech in relation to this. Just to show how deaf people are still affected by the idiocy of the government.
pennybsl
November 4, 2016
When Stop Changes to ATW started its campaign 3 years ago, the stories of Deaf people at work confronted by ATW ‘stonewalling’ were horrendous.
Many Deaf professionals”’ careers were SABOTAGED by the process
…..if that happened with hearing people, say, needing access to training etc., but not able to, there would be loud protests and court action.
It is a sobering truth to be aware of the many, many deaf people lawfully entitled to ATW funding and DWP benefits but UNABLE to get these through FEAR, ANXIETY and LOW SELF-ESTEEM.
Tim
November 4, 2016
Good stuff Charlie. For claiming ESA and PIP, my tips are:
1) Get good evidence as early as possible – an audiogram with a statement about the type and severity of deafness. You can write to your audiology department and ask for this.
2) Do not fill in the form yourself unless it is by using a step by step guide, such as Benefits and Work or CAB.
A well filled in form, together with good evidence may increase your chance of getting an award on paper. It may therefore also help you to avoid having to attend an assessment by a private contractor.
There is more guidance in this RNID forum thread:
https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/community/forums/deafness-and-hearing-loss.aspx?g=posts&t=11477