E.S.A turned me down

cozza

Dont know wether if this is the right site im in ?
Since nov 08 I have been claiming ESA as i had a massive mental breakdown .
I went for my medical assesment early feb the doctor the assesed me and hes out come was i may return to work or find work withing 6 monthes .
My doctor has just signed me off for another 2 months sick as i am so depressed and has upt my anti-depressants now i am on 225mg a day .

well this morning i recieved a letter from the ESA saying they have worked out my assesment and said i cannot claim ESA as i dont meet there score system of 15 points . I got no pionts ? so now they say i have to go on JSA to find work . But how can i when im still depressed and i know im not ready for work . this has set me back now and made me feel even more down now :mad: . which makes me feel like im being forced in to another break down i am crying at the moment and just dont know wot to do
has any one else had this from the ESA
cozza

cozza

I dont want to go to cab as there is a long wait to see them ?

cozza

just bumping this up as im desprate ?

Soubrette

cozza wrote: »

I dont want to go to cab as there is a long wait to see them ?

I have no experience of esa I'm afraid but I'm sure someone will be along later to help.

However, why not make an appointment with cab anyway and if you find some help in the meantime just cancel your appointment, and if it's your best option then at least you've made an appointment?

Worse case scenario seems to be don't make an appointment, find out after a number of weeks that cab are the best people to help you and have to make an appointment which will be several weeks later than if you had done it straight away.

Sou

cattie

Is there a branch of Mind near you? Only they usually have a welfare rights advocate who could help & advise you with your claim.

I know nothing about the new esa that has replaced incapacity benefit, but with incapacity benefit you could appeal the decision, so it would be to your advantage if you are able to appeal the points decison with esa.

Have a look at this site as it gives excellent advice regarding benefit claims & explains about the points system. They publish an excellent guide, which you have to pay for, but you can view some helpful info for free.
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Good luck, as feeling that you are being pressurised into looking for work when you haven't yet recovered from your mental health problems is certainly not an ideal situation.

cozza

thank you cattie
I just done the self test and scored 36 so i am entiled to ESA .
I will be having an argument on tues morning with them
cozza

dmg24

cozza wrote: »

thank you cattie
I just done the self test and scored 36 so i am entiled to ESA .
I will be having an argument on tues morning with them
cozza

The self test is really not to be relied on, it is only a very general guide. Several of my (perfectly healthy) friends have tried it and been deemed too ill to work!

Please don't have an argument with the DWP, it will not help your case at all. If you do not feel that you can handle the appeal independently, then I would echo what others have said to seek help from CAB or MIND.

NASA_2

Appeal the decision. You will be paid at the same rate that you would get on JSA anyway. While the appeal is waiting to be heard get as much medical opinion to support your appeal as possible. If you have it already submit it with your appeal.

If you scored 0 points I dont think you will be successful though.

cozza

I have been trying all morning to phone works and pension but the god dame phone is always busy so they cannot take me call . And i done an online assesment and scored 36 points ?
cozza

mrcow

dmg24 wrote: »

The self test is really not to be relied on, it is only a very general guide. Several of my (perfectly healthy) friends have tried it and been deemed too ill to work!

I just did that test and scored 54.

I'll tell my place of work, my three children, partner and the voluntary organisations where I work that I'll be taking a step back for the time being - see how that goes down shall I?

I think it's better to rely on what the professionals say following examination rather than self assessing yourself on the internet!

NASA_2

cozza wrote: »

I have been trying all morning to phone works and pension but the god dame phone is always busy so they cannot take me call . And i done an online assesment and scored 36 points ?
cozza

The online test is your own opinion of your illness. It counts for nothing in reality. The phonelines are extremely busy at all times. I'm not sure how long your waiting each time but its better to make one long call than numerous short ones as each time you hand up and redial you are going to the back of the line again.