ESA - What to Expect?

Debt_Tired

Hello

I'm currently on ESA and have been for over two years now.

A few weeks ago I sent in an assessment form, and now I await my first apointment. I will fail my assessment with 0 points. I know that from past experience...

I suffer from severe depression, and on appealing against my two previous assessments, I was awarded sufficient points to remain on ESA. But now we have a new government and new rules.

What should I expect? What has changed for those with mental health problems? What delays should I expect?

In the past, when notified that I was no longer entitled to ESA, I wrote a letter to appeal against the decision (requesting that I remain on ESA). Is this still the case? Or do you have to fill in a form...

I have enough problems trying to secure help from the NHS at the moment (postponed appointments, etc) without having to worry about loosing my ESA...

Best Wishes

Debt Tired....

rogerblack

The criteria of ESA have changed since March this year.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/m-06-11.pdf

So, first understand these.
Some of the mental descriptors have changed.

You are not required to send in a form - though you can - GL24, as it may prompt you to fill in all the blanks.

In short though, all you need to do is to send (REGISTERED) a letter with enough information to identify you, the decision you're appealing about, and the grounds you're appealing.

Muttleythefrog

Sounds familiar regarding NHS... I am beginning to wonder why the NHS bothers to claim to offer services regarding MH. I've never encountered such an incompetent, uncaring, disjointed, amateur, depressing, frustrating service from anywhere else for anything... it's taken them 2 years to get my name right... even ATOS HC managed it first time. As per Roger... read up on the descriptor changes of earlier this year... these in turn have affected the ESA50 form you'll no doubt get sent for completion.

Try to get whatever supporting medical evidence you can (from the rather unhelpful NHS professionals you no doubt are constantly battling to see) that helps your case in showing your ailments, their effects and hopefully relevance to descriptor areas. This might reduce the chances of face to face medical and requirement for appeal.

jonty1970

I understand where you are coming from. My sister s very ill with mental health problems.
She gets passed from pillar to post and she doesn't seem to get much help.
She is facing a tribunal soon, after being found fit for work by ATOS.

After her experience last year, of not having any money for about 8 weeks, keep up to date with your sick notes and send them in on time.

2 different people at the DSS told her different things, so she had her money stopped.

And get back up from your GP