ESA advice needed

GriffithsGirl

Hi everyone, I'm new on the site.

A friend of mine told me that I am eligible for ESA (the new Incapacity benefit) so today I rang the freephone number and gave them the basic details. (I am Bipolar and currently claim DLA and also have a Freedom Pass).

Thing is, I've been reading lots of horror stories online today about the ESA application process, intimidating medicals and most people getting turned down. It has really upset me and I feel very daunted by the process now. :eek::embarasse

Has anybody here completed this application, and can they tell me about their experiences, and what I can expect to face? I almost feel like giving up already.

mealone

GriffithsGirl wrote: »

Hi everyone, I'm new on the site.

A friend of mine told me that I am eligible for ESA (the new Incapacity benefit) so today I rang the freephone number and gave them the basic details. (I am Bipolar and currently claim DLA and also have a Freedom Pass).

Thing is, I've been reading lots of horror stories online today about the ESA application process, intimidating medicals and most people getting turned down. It has really upset me and I feel very daunted by the process now. :eek::embarasse

Has anybody here completed this application, and can they tell me about their experiences, and what I can expect to face? I almost feel like giving up already.

Where does having a bus pass come into a benefits equation?

Have you paid the last 2 full years of class 1 national insurance contributions, if not you can claim the income based version of ESA if you have a current sick note, the application part is easy and the assessment stage is ATM takeing well over the time its supposed to before the medical.

Most people are being put into the work related group but there are claimes on here of people with MH problems failing to be in either group and the first raft of appeals are now being handeled and we will all be watching tham to see what happens.

NASA_2

The special interest groups are, unsuprisingly, saying how awful it is and that people who deserve money are being deprived of it. Its an allowance and conditions have to be met, if you dont meet them, you dont get paid.

If you are giving up already then you will get nothing.

GriffithsGirl

The Freedom Pass obviously doesn't come in to the benefits equation, I was merely trying to express the fact that I am viewed as 'disabled' by the authorities.

Plus, I obviously also know that if I don't proceed I won't get the money!:rolleyes:

I have def paid 2 years NI contributions.

So, the MH people who aren't being put into either group are just being turned down flat? What a great system (not).

From what I have read elsewhere, people with psychiatric problems are finding the process hugely stressful and it is in itself affecting their mental health- I am very worried about falling victim to the same issues.

GriffithsGirl

Right. I was actually looking to find out other people's experiences, as I stated in my original post, but seeing as I'm already getting narky replies I'll look elsewhere.

student_advisor

My partner is BP and has his ESA medical tomorrow. Luckily I am a benefits advisor, so he has had some help with the process.

It is very stressful unfortunately and I don't see much way round that. I would recomend that you have some support during your application and have a witness (if possible) during any medical. Try and get your medical team to help you with the application and try to get additional support from friends, family or professionals such as your local DIAL or CAB.

Good luck

Garlicbread

Griffisgirl, don't be put off applying by what you hear. Usually people only talk about the negatives but never say anything when things go well. (I'm guilty of this myself, eek).

There's nothing can be done about how things are with the system at the moment. So unfortunately, it is a case of either claim or don't. It's up to you.

It's not going to be easy and the system isn't great but you should get the support you need if you have a genuine case. Hopefully ESA should go to those in genuine need and clear out all the fakers from the system.

I'm in the assessment phase of ESA - about 8-9 weeks in and I must say that up to now everyone has been helpful appart from one person and they have nothing to do with decision making anyway.

Good luck what ever you decide.

GriffithsGirl

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. You're right that people don't tend to report the fine experiences, just the bad ones! Certainly gives a poor impression.

I agree that weeding out those who really need the money from those who are trying it on is necessary, I just hope they don't continue to make those with genuine problems feel worried about entering into the process.

I'm guessing that because I am eligible for DLA my application should go through okay, I was just unnerved by the horror stories.

bitsandpieces

The criteria for ESA are different from DLA. Your best bet might be to talk through your application with MIND, CAB or similar - to get a sense of whether it's worth replying, and to get help with completing your form.

You hear horror stories about all benefits. As has been said, people are more likely (understandably) to rant about !!!!-ups than to comment when things progress as expected.

NASA_2

Plenty of people on DLA are refused ESA.

DLA is not an 'out of work' benefit - lots of people who get it are perfectly able to work.

cozza

hi grittiths girl
I am on ESA with bad depression ans stress and no im going to be tested for bio polar
the medical only IN my opinom i think i based on more physical .
It dont seem to give ppl with certain mental problems any thought

I got turned down on the grounds i was well dressed and didnt rock to and throw on the chat ( not every one with mental problems do that ) even though i cryed most off the time thoug my interview ?
So i appealed that got turned down ?
so now on 7/7 i am going to a tribunal about it as i dont agree with wot was said by that quack
My doctor knows me well and its him that says no you still not well enough

so some how they dont take notice off your own doctor
so dont give up do try and be strong .like today im having a great say so far but come end off the week i may be right down so i dont know from one day to the next how i will be
cozza