ESA: how am I supposed to live?

cozza

I agree with healy do go in person if you dont want to go alone take some one with you but they have got to be in the profession so if you have a careworker of such take them with you

cozza

you are more likly to look at it being about 6 months for it tio be heard
myn i went to my medical in feb 09 and my tribunal was july 09 then it wasnt busy but now it is but if you win you will get it back dated

herosjourney

NASA wrote: »

I'm sure they looked at it and decided it wasnt sufficient to change the decision. It will go to appeal now and you will have your chance to have a say. You have a better chance if you attend the appeal in person.

Thankss seeing this more and more in his practice

cozza

you will get esa agin but you may have to make new claim

herosjourney

cozza wrote: »

you will get esa agin but you may have to make new claim

thanks. it's a strange system isn't it?

The irony is that I would be getting more money if I was on JSA. As I'm on the Middle Rate Care component of DLA and the Lower Rate Mobility, I qualify for the disability premium on the JSA.

However it would be illegal for me to claim JSA since I know full well that I am not 'available' for work because I'm not fit to do a job.

The really depressing thing is that even when i (hopefully) start to get a bit better and am at least fit for part-time work IF I tell the truth about my history I will have to admit that I've got severe mental health issues and that I see spiders crawling everywhere when they're not really there. I don't know how attractive an employee that makes me to most companies.

Aren't there some kind of support organisations out there who could help ease me back into work eventually? I've actually got really good qualifications and I am articulate. Unfortunately I am also unstable and not on an even keel at all. At my last job I would turn up at 9pm swearing it was 9am (and no I was not drunk or on drugs) and I would wander away to go to the loo and find myself later in an entirely different part of London - or beyond - for no reason at all. They thought I was a total nutter.

NASA_2

cozza wrote: »

you will get esa agin but you may have to make new claim

You dont have to make a new claim if you have appealed - the appeal constitutes a new claim.

nogginthenog

You can write to the GMC and ask about the qualifications of the ATOS medic. to Start with!
Make sure the person concernd was a mental health expert. If they were not mention this at your next appeal.
As a last resort you can also go to a judicial review. You only need to cite you believe the decision was unreasonable or irrational.
BE WARNED This could be very expensiive if you loose.
Take proffesional Advice.

Take a look at this their may be something you can use in it, At the very least it may give you some hope that things will change.
Decision Making and Appeals in the Benefits System

Indie_Kid

herosjourney wrote: »

thaAren't there some kind of support organisations out there who could help ease me back into work eventually?

Remploy can, I think. I also think Mind have similar services.

cozza

yes mind they will give you advice
you should feel better soon i was out off work for 1 yr 6 months coz depression and you know in yourself wether you can handle work thankfully now i feel a lot better things are looking up i do still have the odd day were i feel peed off and down but i just take myself off to bed to relax and calm down .
It is a long road but you will get there in the end

so good luck

lyndorset

I feel for you - what a terrible situation to be in. Its not like you can help it.

My husband cannot do "normal" work following a road traffic accident and due to a milder mental health issue to yours. As he was self employed when he had the accident, he does not qualify for anything, luckily he has me to earn. However we are now on a DMP as I can no longer earn enough and he cannot get work or claim any benefits.

But I am guessing you are on your own, so even worse position. Good Luck - you need some!