medical assessment this week.......

cappaccino_girl

Hi there - I am new to this forum, but think its a real find, and hoping someone can advise me......

On Thursday I have a medical assessment. I have been on IS since August this year, when, after 2 months of being off work, they dismissed me. (I hadn't been there a year, was on trial period, so they were able to do this, and it was work that was making me ill!) Although suffering from depression/anxiety, I am pretty sure they will deem me fully fit, as I appear okay, and not a quivering wreck....

What I would like to know is (a) how long before you hear of a decision, and (b) if I am turned down, do I go automatically onto JSA or would I have to claim JSA myself?? I am anxious to avoid any breaks in money if possible.

healy

You should hear the decision after about 3 or 4 weeks but it can take less or more time depending on their workloads. If you are turned down you can appeal the decision. During this time you can claim either reduced rate IS or JSA. If you dont appeal you can claim JSA also and in each case you would have to make a claim yourself.

cappaccino_girl

Thank you for that healy - appreciate the prompt response....!!!! :T Just hope it isnt too hard going and stressful at the assessment !!!!

cappaccino_girl

Re: my previous post

I have been told by the JobCentre that I have been turned down, as I only scored 2 points on the medical!!

I have yet to receive confirmation of this by letter. When I do get confirmation, does my money stop straightaway?? Thats what the lady at the JobCentre seemed to think. I am due to receive my next fortnightly payment next Thurs 28th Dec. I am thinking of appealing, so if I do this, would my money continue until the reduction kicks in, and then carry on from there?? I have been told I would have a reduction of @ £11, leaving me with £45 a week to live on!!

I'm a bit anxious they may just stop my money, can they do that without knowing whether or not you wish to appeal??

su3

Hellocappaccino girl

I understand that the doctors who do the assessments have, generally speaking, have little experience with issues of mental health and it is often difficult to assess any ones degree of anxiety, especially if they are putting "a brave face on it" .

I wonder did you have any help with filling in the forms? You really do have to write in how you feel on a BAD day. You might find it helpful to contact the CAB or MIND who have people who would be able to help you with your appeal, they are used to the officialdom and can give you some support.

I know there are people out there who are playing the system, but many people are genuine and if you are suffering then the added stress of bureaucracy often makes matters far worse.

I am sure there will be other people who will be able to give you more helpful advice, keep your chin up and keep in touch. GOOD LUCK

Sue

healy

The money stops on the date of the decision so if the decision has been made it will have already stopped, they will write to confirm this shortly.

cappaccino_girl

Thanks for the replies - not what I ideally wanted to hear(!), but at least I know what to expect.

hjb123

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your situation. Your best thing to do is to get some help from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Welfare Rights service who should be able to help you. They can help with forms, appeals etc and even attend them with you.

Tell them that you are wanting to appeal and require a copy of the medical report. When this comes back go through it with a fine toothcomb so to speak and highlight any discrepancies and things that you disagree with.

Have you seen what the points come from? If not they are HERE

mouseymousey99

Hi, how did it go?

Fran

You should contact them about a claim for JSA straight away (the claim will be taken from when you first contact them). At least then you will receive the full amount of JSA while waiting for the appeal to go through.

kronas

cappaccino_girl wrote:

Re: my previous post

I have been told by the JobCentre that I have been turned down, as I only scored 2 points on the medical!!

I have yet to receive confirmation of this by letter. When I do get confirmation, does my money stop straightaway?? Thats what the lady at the JobCentre seemed to think. I am due to receive my next fortnightly payment next Thurs 28th Dec. I am thinking of appealing, so if I do this, would my money continue until the reduction kicks in, and then carry on from there?? I have been told I would have a reduction of @ £11, leaving me with £45 a week to live on!!

I'm a bit anxious they may just stop my money, can they do that without knowing whether or not you wish to appeal??

get on to reduced IS appeal your decision as soon as you can as there is a appeals time window if you have not got a letter confirming the decision ring your local IB office and ask them, dont go on to JSA, if you appeal then go on to JSA its an admission that you can work.