CFS/Fibromyalgia.

deathvalleydemon

I have these conditions, I know that there are a lot of similarities that makes them sound like the same condition, but my doctor has told me that i do have both. my life has been destroyed because of these conditions and due to the fact that these disabilities are invisible everyone thinks that im ok. anyway, claimed esa,scored 9 points, am appealing at the mo, im just wondering, should i fail my appeal, i know full well here and now that i wouldnt meet the criteria to claim jobseekers, just getting to sign on would be a nightmare and leave me debilitated for days...

so, my question is "not sick enough" for esa but too sick to claim jobseekers.

what options are there?


i fear the only option is "nothing and like it"...

pinklady21

Sorry to hear about this. Have you tried either of the national ME charities?
ME Association
Action for ME

Google either of these - they may be able to assist with the appeal.
Best of luck

rogerblack

deathvalleydemon wrote: »

so, my question is "not sick enough" for esa but too sick to claim jobseekers.

what options are there?

Few.
Charity, friends/family/...
Income support may be an option for some. (carers, lone parents, ...)
But not unfortunately on grounds of incapacity for work - since 2008, all new claims for IS on grounds of inability to work are claims for ESA.

So, you continue appealing for ESA, until you win, or your appeal is unsuccessful, apply for ESA again if you can, or JSA, and probably shortly be sanctioned, or have the benefit cancelled, as you are in fact not complying with the jobseekers agreement.

There seem to be provisions to restrict the work you can do, in your jobseekers agreement, if it is reasonable in light of your physical and mental condition, though I'm unsure of how far this can go.

A skim of the JSA rules indicates that it might be possible to claim JSA, with a jobseekers agreement stating you are available for 20 minutes a day on average, for work at home.

I have real doubts that this is actually possible though.

Currently in the WRAG with CFS/ME - I'm considering if I should appeal to be put in the support group.

deathvalleydemon

rogerblack wrote: »

Few.


Currently in the WRAG with CFS/ME - I'm considering if I should appeal to be put in the support group.

so they let some in but not others...

Mupette

I'm in support, but i had to appeal

deathvalleydemon

Mupette wrote: »

I'm in support, but i had to appeal

I hope i win mine. sent them new evidence but been told it wont even be considered.

im at a loss as to what to do.

rogerblack

deathvalleydemon wrote: »

I hope i win mine. sent them new evidence but been told it wont even be considered.

im at a loss as to what to do.

If it's within the time limit for appeals, and you have requested this - then eventually it will go to the tribunals service where all relevant information will be considered.

They do a reconsideration by another decision maker, with any evidence you send in, if you have requested a reconsideration.

Who told you it won't be considered - and why?

deathvalleydemon

rogerblack wrote: »

If it's within the time limit for appeals, and you have requested this - then eventually it will go to the tribunals service where all relevant information will be considered.

They do a reconsideration by another decision maker, with any evidence you send in, if you have requested a reconsideration.

Who told you it won't be considered - and why?

had a medical done by atos for the same reasons that i claim esa but failed, they assessed me for industrial injuries disablement benefit. they said i am 50% disabled and that i have very limited ability to lift, carry and reach, have lost 50% use of my neck, 70% use of my back. i told the atos person for my esa all of this and it was ignored on the report, but when i had that medical for IIDB it was included.

and my adviser at the cab said it wasnt worth the paper it was printed on.

im not convinced i will win my appeal, i dont wanna have to go through it as im stressed enough as it is, and its making my blood pressure go through the roof too, but if i call a halt to the appeal, there is no way that i can claim jsa the state im in.