What are your experiences with ESA, good or bad?

MoneySaverForever

Hi, just thought I'd ask a quick question because I've read a lot on here about people having problems with this benefit but thankfully I've not had any problems myself. I read also that it's very difficult to get placed into the Support Group, is this true? I was placed into the Support Group at the 13th week without a medical, is this commonplace? I'm very ill but I'm just wondering if they do that for everyone or only certain people they might pick at random. I have to admit I was very surprised at this, especially after what I've read on here tonight and it's really sad to see so many people having to go through so much stress just to get things sorted.

Many thanks and good luck.

buxtehude_2

I've just had to go for an Atos Origin Medical, and the one-fingered typist was more interested that I was ''being kept busy'' with frequent hospital appointments (feet, Asperger's and Bi-Polar), and so long as I wasn't ''getting bored''. In-light that I am still frequnely visiting all of these departments, and probably will be for some time to come... Not sure what he's going to send to the Decision Makers.

I was previously on ESA (most of '09) and went into employment, and then out again due to a kefuffle, and on that occasion, I didn't have a physical test at the end of the assessment, but did this time. I was previously referred to the British Legion as they have the contract in Kent to get sick folk back into work; I lasted from the Aug to the Nov in that position, and was told to !!!!!! off on performance grounds [lack of].

I'm pretty sure they're reviewing DLA, too! Mine is OK until '13, but they'll review before, I'm sure.

rogerblack

MoneySaverForever wrote: »

Hi, just thought I'd ask a quick question because I've read a lot on here about people having problems with this benefit but thankfully I've not had any problems myself. I read also that it's very difficult to get placed into the Support Group, is this true?

Yes.
The vast majority of people applying for ESA are EVIL DOLE SCUM, and SHOULD GET BACK TO WORK.

Err - sorry - I've now escorted the minister for work and pensions from the building.

A large slice of people applying for ESA get better before the assessment - and never go to it - if you've broken your arms - you're likely to be better in 13 weeks.

Of the remainder - another large slice are refused ESA, and have to appeal (of which a troubling number succeed), and most are placed in the Work-related-activity-group.

Only the most severely ill, or those with certain diagnosis (mainly cancer, though some other things) are placed in the support group.

A medical is not required always - if they have sufficient evidence about your condition.

If you fall into one of the groups that is automatically placed in the support group, then that has already been determined, and there is no need for a medical.

If not, the 'decision maker' has probably sent the pack of your information off to the medical assessors at ATOS, and they have come to the conclusion that there is no need to call you in for a medical, as you will pass it.

mardatha

My DIL had a near-fatal heart attack, arrested twice. Then had a collapsed lung. Then was found to have emphysema & fibrosis (eventually will be terminal). She is 43. Was called in for an ATOS medical 3 weeks ago, found fit to work and is to have her ESA stopped.
The nazis were kinder.

Tehya

mardatha wrote: »

My DIL had a near-fatal heart attack, arrested twice. Then had a collapsed lung. Then was found to have emphysema & fibrosis (eventually will be terminal). She is 43. Was called in for an ATOS medical 3 weeks ago, found fit to work and is to have her ESA stopped.
The nazis were kinder.

Oh gosh that is awful definitely appeal.

Like the OP what I don't understand is how they decide you need a medical or not. Like the OP my hubby is in the support group and was placed there without a medical. He was also awarded DLA at the same time again without a medical.

They only used his forms and the GP report they had for the DLA as that was claimed at the same time. But what makes his case special when people like your daughter obviously have severe illness too?

We've just (this month) gone through renewal for DLA and again it was awarded without a medical and just yesterday the dreaded ESA50 form dropped onto our doormat but this time I am expecting them to see him and maybe even fight for it.

Good luck mardatha; and let us all know how your daughter get on if she appeals.

daska

I had a completely foul experience with ATOS involvement with ESA/DLA last year (nov09-March10) when they: refused a home visit; accused me of not turning up for a medical even though my support worker had rung to inform them that I had a prior appt with the JC and requested a new appt; locked us out of the assessment centre; didn't turn up for assessment; had no record of appointment; lied in the report (easily provable without providing evidence as they'd contradicted themselves within the report); caused benefits (DLA/HB etc) to be cancelled due to their delays, etc. etc. etc.

This year, apart from a bit of a struggle getting the ESA50 filled in (partly my fault) and then having to explain why it was late, ATOS weren't involved and everything went so smoothly (including reinstating the HB once they'd accepted my reasons etc) that I was panicking that I hadn't been summoned for a medical or had any stroppy letters.

I just love ATOS, don't you?

dmg24

mardatha wrote: »

My DIL had a near-fatal heart attack, arrested twice. Then had a collapsed lung. Then was found to have emphysema & fibrosis (eventually will be terminal). She is 43. Was called in for an ATOS medical 3 weeks ago, found fit to work and is to have her ESA stopped.
The nazis were kinder.

Are you for real - do you have any idea what the Nazis did to their victims? I am not defending ATOS at all, but your comment is incredibly ignorant.

formaldehyde_perfume

dmg24 wrote: »

Are you for real - do you have any idea what the Nazis did to their victims? I am not defending ATOS at all, but your comment is incredibly ignorant.

I'd rather face ATOS every day than live as a jew in Nazi Germany.

My ATOS experience was pretty bad. I scored 0 points at the medical, but thankfully CAB helped me fill out my DLA form and it happened to drop on the mat the same day as the 0 points letter, awarding me HRM and MRC, so I went back to CAB and they put me in touch with a case worker who used the (frankly crap) ATOS medical report and the DLA decision (plus my GP report for DLA) to write a snotty letter to them and low and behold within 2 days I was put in the Support group for ESA.

It was a very stressful time and took about 2/3 months to sort out but I'm so glad I didn't have to go to appeal. I'm not looking forward to when my DLA runs out as it will probably trigger the ESA50 too. But I have 18 months of probable (you can never tell with the benefits system) finanical security and quality of life.

Mupette

rogerblack wrote: »

Yes.
The vast majority of people applying for ESA are EVIL DOLE SCUM, and SHOULD GET BACK TO WORK.

hope you are joking

daska

Mupette wrote: »

hope you are joking

Yes he was. It does help if you read the entire post rather than quoting one bit out of context.

rogerblack wrote: »

Yes.
The vast majority of people applying for ESA are EVIL DOLE SCUM, and SHOULD GET BACK TO WORK.

Err - sorry - I've now escorted the minister for work and pensions from the building.

Mupette

daska wrote: »

Yes he was. It does help if you read the entire post rather than quoting one bit out of context.

yes ... i did read the whole post....

but on here half the time you don't know if someone is joking, being sarcastic etc..

i',m not pulling out of context the way you might think... just wasn't sure, my brain doesn't work properly so just checking.... ok?