I, Daniel Blake Page #3

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This is ridiculous, man.

On the one hand, Jobseeker's Allowance,

only for those able and ready to work.

But if you're ill, you have to apply

for Employment and Support,

get an assessment carried out.

Well, I've done that

but they've knocked us back.

Right, well if you've been

deemed fit for work,

your only option is Jobseeker's Allowance.

Or proceed with the appeal on

Employment and Support.

Well, can you give me a form for...

You know, erm, Jobseeker's Allowance

and then an appeal form

Employment and Support?

You have to apply online, sir.

I cannot do that.

Well that's how it is, sir.

Or you can phone the helpline.

Listen, you know,

you give me a plot of land,

I can build you a house.

But I've never been

anywhere near a computer.

D'you know what, we're digital by default.

Oh, here we gan.

I hear this all the time on the phone,

"I'm digital by default."

Well I'm pencil by default.

Look, I mean, what happens

if you just cannae do it?

There's a special number

if you've been diagnosed as dyslexic.

Right, well can you give us that?

Cos with computers I'm dyslexic.

You'll find it online, sir.

I must ask you to leave now,

if you've got no appointment.

Right, can I help you?

Yeah, I'm here to see about

changing my work coach.

Thomas Armstrong, please.

Hang on a minute, Thomas, hang on.

Erm, would you like to take a seat?

Oh, I just need a minute. I just felt...

I'm just feeling dizzy, you know.

- Come and sit down.

- Oh, cheers, thanks.

Could you move up, please, love?

Thanks, pet, thank you.

- All right. I'll just get you a glass of water.

- Thank you.

Oh, thank you, pet. Thank you.

Are you all right? You look a bit pale.

It's just so bloody confusing,

all the jargon.

I mean, there must be some mistake.

I'm just ganning round and round in circles.

I've, I've really gotta

get this sorted out.

Oh I can understand that,

but you were late.

Thomas. You sit here

and drink your water, pet.

Thank you.

So now you're gonna sanction me so, er...

- No, I'm not gonna sanction you.

- I may not get any money for a month.

I'm gonna refer you to the decision maker

and they'll make the decision

- on whether they're gonna sanction you.

- That's ridiculous...

I'm not actually making the decision,

they're gonna do that.

And then if they do decide

to sanction you,

then you will take a 40%

cut in your benefits.

I know what it is,

I don't need you to explain it to me.

- I'm more than aware...

- Well there isn't anything else

anybody can do today.

So what I'm gonna have to do is,

look, I think I'm...

I've decided to...

Are you gonna put me in for a sanction?

I have to, I have to follow the rules.

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