ESA and alcoholism

foggytown

Does anyone know if alcoholism is accepted as "incapacity" when assessing applicants for ESA? (I'm talking about the deep-rooted, psychologically and emotionally induced type as opposed to the "party" type.)

A close friend's daughter (30-ish and single) has had this addiction for maybe ten years now. Sometimes she can go up to five weeks "dry" and other times only a few days. NHS has been largely useless. She is currently unemployed and on JSA, but even if she finds another job her problems will probably end up with her losing or leaving it. (I think she has lost all confidence and is so intimidated by anything stressful that she reverts to the bottle.)

She wants to explore some help courses offered by Adaction - but these are all held during the day, which is incompatible with most jobs. She is receiving housing benefits for her pokey little flat.

Her father has told me that she was wondering about switching to ESA because she fears that if her difficulties in holding a job come to light then she will lose her JSA and her housing as well, and end up homeless. OTOH, if she applies for ESA and is rejected because her condition isn't deemed to qualify, she fears that that will spill over and affect the JSA as well.

Poor girl has a problem! Many thanks for any observations or helpful comments.

mystery_shopper_3

There is a question on the latest IB50 about this.

"Do you think any of your problems are linked to drug or alcohol abuse? By DRUGS we mean drugs you get from your doctor and other drugs"

gocompare

Has she tried AA?

McKneff

i dont think you can just 'choose' or apply to go on to ESA.
As far as I know this has to be done by her doctor with a sick note, but now I believe they are called 'fit notes'

if she is not capable of work then she should be on ESA, but like I say, its up to the GP

ajones28

Yes it is possible to go onto ESA due to alcoholism as I know that my ex-husbands wife is on ESA for it and has been for years. And yes you do need to get a sick/fit note off the Doctor to prove that he/she considers that person to be unable to maintain a job due to their condition. Personally I think it is wrong to be able to do this, but it is nothing to do with peoples opinions but down to the rules as set by the DWP and Government. :mad:

jenn-1

Yes you can calim ESA for Alcoholism, provided your doctor gives a fit note (sick note) stating that you are unfit for work.

You are put through the Work Capability Assessment (medical) just the same as having any other illness.

foggytown

gocompare wrote: »

Has she tried AA?

Oh, yes. Several times. It seems that her anti-religious views are incompatible with AA's 12 step model incorporating a "higher power". Plus she says she finds herself incapable of "sharing".

foggytown

jenn-1 wrote: »

Yes you can calim ESA for Alcoholism, provided your doctor gives a fit note (sick note) stating that you are unfit for work.

You are put through the Work Capability Assessment (medical) just the same as having any other illness.

From the research my friend and his daughter have done, and I have on his behalf, the whole ESA thing seems to be much more physically than mentally oriented.

foggytown

ajones28 wrote: »

Yes it is possible to go onto ESA due to alcoholism as I know that my ex-husbands wife is on ESA for it and has been for years. And yes you do need to get a sick/fit note off the Doctor to prove that he/she considers that person to be unable to maintain a job due to their condition. Personally I think it is wrong to be able to do this, but it is nothing to do with peoples opinions but down to the rules as set by the DWP and Government. :mad:

I try not to be judgemental about these things. If someone has serious emotional problems and they unfortunately feel that their only recourse is to drink then they are as needful of assistance from "the system" as someone with cancer or COPD as far as I'm concerned. I know her fairly well and, believe me, she doesn't want to be the way she is!

danyjb123

You can claim ESA on the grounds of alcoholism, also illegal drug addiction.

Wholly wrong that the state should support a self-inflicted condition in my opinion though!

Indie_Kid

danyjb123 wrote: »

You can claim ESA on the grounds of alcoholism, also illegal drug addiction.

Wholly wrong that the state should support a self-inflicted condition in my opinion though!

Many people with those type of problems have mental health problems.