ESA - what happens?

NickM1990

ESA - what happens?

I've had severe depression due to a life-changing trauma five years ago - which has been getting steadily worse - and I suffer from agoraphobia and in particular being around people. I have been signed off with Incapacity Benefit since the end of 2008.
For the last year I have been under the care of a pyschiatrist at the local mental health authority and am currently waiting for psychotherapy.

I've just had the dreaded letter informing me that ESA is coming, and that I can expect a phone call from them within two weeks and a medical thereafter.

From reading various posts here, and what's been in the papers, I am worried that I will be cut off as they don't seem to take mental illness seriously.

Is there anything I can do, other than the obvious covert recording at the medical? Should I approach my psychiatrist for a letter or my medical records?
Thanks in advance
Nick

kahriss

I too was worrying about the esa migration as I have mental health issues. I do also have physical problems but panicked as I'd heard all the scare stories. I sent my form off and made sure I enclosed a letter from my OT and my psychiatrists details. Anyway to cut it short I didn't have to go for a medical and was placed in the support group. Make sure you let them know exactly how your life is affected, the more details you can give the better.

alieshia

Ive been freaking out about this too today! I've yet to have the migration letter but got a panic on anyway. I'm schizo-affective and this is sending me on a paranoia trip I can feel its headache beginning. Good to see a positive post amongst the sea of bad ones. My dr is really really good with this sort of thing so I'm sure he'd help all the way my worry is i want to move closer to home but then would have to change drs. sorry to hijack for a min.

NickM1990

Thank you all for your help.
Copa & Kahriss, no I haven't had an ESA50 yet, just a letter informing me of the forthcoming phone interview. Thanks for the advice about getting a report from my psych; I'd been thinking of a letter, but maybe a report as you suggest would be a better approach.

It's so worrying being in this situation, on top of the daily worries to contend with.
I appreciate your help.

NickM1990

Yes, their letter states it's to make an appointment and to answer any questions I may have (I misread that it was an interview) and it also says they'll send out a questionnaire, which I would guess is the ESA50.

What is the benefit of completing the ESA50? I would assume they want me to fill it in and take it with me to the assessment.

cit_k

copa_feela wrote: »

Forget covert recording, going down that route is going to make you paranoid and distracted. Ask your psychiatrist to prepare a report for you to submit, and your GP also. The DWP may request these reports, but always best to be proactive. Have you completed an ESA50?

You can now request in advance that ATOS record it - however, personally I would advise covertly recording it as well as having it officially recorded.

Best to have your backed covered.

oliverbendix

NickM1990 wrote: »

Yes, their letter states it's to make an appointment and to answer any questions I may have (I misread that it was an interview) and it also says they'll send out a questionnaire, which I would guess is the ESA50.

What is the benefit of completing the ESA50? I would assume they want me to fill it in and take it with me to the assessment.

The benefit is that you may not have to attend an assessment at all. My brother, who suffers from a similar condition to you, sent his ESA50 back in November and last week heard he has been put into the support group without an assessment.

It's worth taking time and care filling in your form (you have 4 weeks). Make sure you have a list of the descriptors and address the relevant ones (you need to 'score' 15 points to qualify for ESA and meet one of their criteria to qualify for the support group) , give as much detail as possible, describe your treatment history and any future treatment you may be waiting for. If you suffer adverse side effects from medication, list those too. And a letter in support of your claim from your GP or therapist is always a good idea - and it may be wise to ask for one now as it may take a week or two to come.