ESA Medical Possibly Failed

pinkfluffythings

Hi All

I claimed ESA June 2009, after my medical in Jan 2010 I was put into the work focus group.
New medical was 3 weeks ago and I was not happy with the Doctors (same DR as before) rushing through everything, I don't even think she listed all my medication. I have depression and Fibromyalgia.
I called the ESA helpline to find out if they had made a decision as yet to what group I would be going into. My own GP and Work Focus person both agree it is pointless in me being in the WF group as it causes me more harm than good attending appointments.
I was told on the call that I scored 13, the score I needed was 15 and it has now went to a decision maker to decide if I get ESA.
I called CAB to see what I can do / claim if I am turned down but to be honest I knew more than he did.
We are a couple, no kids, rent privately, get Housing Benefit, partner unemployed. Our only source of income is the ESA. I'm worked myself practically up to a panic attack because I am not fit whatsoever to work and my OH is literally applying for any job possible but with no luck as he is deemed over qualified.

Does the decision maker have the authority to grant me ESA even if I scored under 15? Sorry about the rambling post but I am just so very worried as we live week to week, no saving and its hard to get by as it is.

flight747

It pointless really, as ESA, IS and IB will be limit to 12 months only before force you into JSA instead say the government.

dmg24

flight747 wrote: »

It pointless really, as ESA, IS and IB will be limit to 12 months only before force you into JSA instead say the government.

This is not correct. Please check your facts before posting.

OP, a DM can adjust the score but would not normally. If you do need to appeal you can claim the Assessment Rate whilst it is considered.

pinkfluffythings

But what if you are obviously too ill to work? I could not hold down a job

pinkfluffythings

dmg24 wrote: »

This is not correct. Please check your facts before posting.

OP, a DM can adjust the score but would not normally. If you do need to appeal you can claim the Assessment Rate whilst it is considered.

Thank you for your help

dmg24

If you have failed, you can request your medical report so you can see where you did not score the relevant points. You can then either compose a statement of appeal yourself, or an organisation such as CAB, DIAL etc can help you with it.

gingerandrubarb

Hi,
How did you get on with it, did they re-consider? also i have fibromyalgia and possible rheumatoid arthritis, i actually am due to go for the medical and wondered what they make you do/say etc and how long it takes? the reason i ask is because i like to know things prior and also if it takes a while it is going to be excruitatingly painful

thanks xxx

Oldernotwiser

victoria_p wrote: »

But what if you are obviously too ill to work? I could not hold down a job

There is no such thing as "obviously too ill for work" for someone in your situation.

leona71

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

There is no such thing as "obviously too ill for work" for someone in your situation.

Who are you to just come away with that. The OP is ill and needs help rather than someone putting them down.

Certain people are too ill for work regardless what they are suffering from.

bloomingflower

leona71 wrote: »

Who are you to just come away with that. The OP is ill and needs help rather than someone putting them down.

Certain people are too ill for work regardless what they are suffering from.

To Oldernotwiser,


I very rarely post on here,as I like to do a lot of reading. But I must say it is very hard not to post when you feel upset when someone posts for help and all they get is grief.

ONW, I don't mean to be rude, I don't know you from adam,but you make a post at precisely 7.26 in the morning and you jump on the Op so quickly without even considering the consequences.

You obviously got out of bed the wrong side!

Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions!

I had suffered with depression for years in the past,and it is not easy. Depression is a severe illness.I could not work myself. My mind and body could not function properly. But that was years ago,and now I work 20 hours a week. Some people can pull through out of it, it can take years,but for some, that may never happen.

I agree with Leona71,the OP needs help and that's what these forums are for.

bf xx

Oldernotwiser

I think that you have both misunderstood me.

The OP may quite well be unable to work but to state that this is "obvious" is just ridiculous, particularly with 2 conditions which can't be tested. She has already found this to be the case with her ESA application, although she should definitely appeal if she disagrees with her assessment. ESA is about looking at what a claimant can do rather than what they can't and very few people can say that they are "obviously " unable to do any kind of work.

I speak as someone who has had depression on and off for a long time, so not without sympathy for the situation.