How long to wait to chase up ESA appeal?

earthbound_misfit

bex_n_mick wrote: »

He has been waiting to see a psychologist for 4 years as CBT didn't work for him and he was told to "sort out his underlying issues" before working on getting out of the house.

I feel for you, I am in a similar position to your husband. I have to say I have tried several times to get mental health help over the years from the NHS, and actually been made worse by the way I've been treated by some people who should never be allowed to work with vulnerable people. IMO negotiating the mental health services can be very counter-productive, a bit like negotiating the ESA system, it sets you back.

I have to say, if there's any way at all you could get private therapy for him, do. There are places that do reduced rates to certain groups, eg. people on benefits.
If he's been waiting four years - have you checked he's still on the waiting list?! They took me off it secretly - I know lists are long, but four years?!
About 50% of ESA claims are mental-health primarily. Now we know why they're all long-term!

Muttleythefrog

sangio wrote: »

I agree, but even on £180 a week the poster would be getting help with the rent and council tax.

To make it easier to understand then, £180 plus all of the other financial help is a damn good deal.
I would be very interested in knowing exactly what else is coming into that household apart from the £180?

If all of the rent and council tax was paid for me which would equate to approx £160 a week and I received another £180 on top - that is a net income of £340 a week - a gross annual salary of approx £20,000 a year - I would be over the moon!!

I presume they won't be getting any help with rent as it sounds like they've got a mortgage instead. Even my piddly mortgage would be about 40% of their income.

Muttleythefrog

sangio wrote: »

I don't know where you live, but down here in the SE, the mental health services are excellent.

North east for me... absolutely terrible service... took them a couple years to eventually get my name right.. and when they did they got my address wrong instead causing me extreme paranoia with regards a particular neighbour ever since.

Muttleythefrog

sangio wrote: »

Well if you or they find themselves in that situation the best thing is to off load the house!

Why bother trying to find the money for the mortgage if it is 40% of the total income. Clearly they can't afford the property anymore.

Maybe not... that's a calculation and decision that will be more complex than facts are available for here. That calculation may even include social and health related issues. The important thing is we help people get their entitlements here.. not question whether they need them. If you want to do that there are other boards.

princessdon

Katykat wrote: »

I'm talking about me, not my OH. The government were happy to treat me as an indepentdant person for earning and paying tax and NI, but now deem that my OH has to support me. He's OK with that, I'm less so. Itsnot a comfortable position to be in. Its all a one way street isn't it?

I'd agree wholeheartedly with that, but then I also have to ask if the govt allows this for 1 group of people (ie those disabled who can't work) then why not for parents of young children (who can't work due to childcare being more than wages). In those situations they give them stay at home parent zero money and expect their partner to support them - for what can be many years. Even if previously they have paid tax and NI for many years as an individual.

I know the two are not a direct correllation but it's the way the govt is heading. Family income for all regardless of circumstances and in cases like OP they'd probably be better off if her OH gave up work to become her carer. But no I'd agree that £180 a week is not much for people to live on if paying your own housing. Is there anyway your OH can work more hours as that is obviously part time only?

atrixblue.-MFR-.

sangio wrote: »

Well if you or they find themselves in that situation the best thing is to off load the house!

Why bother trying to find the money for the mortgage if it is 40% of the total income. Clearly they can't afford the property anymore.

what right have you to say this!!!!

people work hard all their lives paying a mortgage then become sick or ill through no fault of their own, why should they give up the home they worked hard for spent many years at raising children etc.

Muttleythefrog

sangio wrote: »

I was actually referring to a previous comment that if and when mortgage payments get to around 40% of total income, it is common sense that to continue is not at all feasible.

It is and always has been the norm that the mortgage payments should never be any more than 25%!

With that 40% scenario, the only eventual outcome will be arrears followed probably by repossession. At that level no one can say that they can afford to carry on.

You're generalising. Remember the 40% figure came from my mortgage and the Op's potential joint income without ESA. In reality I could stomach mortgage payments up to around 80% of my income as an extreme example... and that would be without any change in current lifestyle... that would be achievable. When I was working my mortgage payments if you include overpayments would have been well up there around 80% of income. Currently it is about 30%. People have to make their own calculations based on extremely complex factors. As the Op hasn't even mentioned selling the house then perhaps it is something we need not consider providing advice on at this time... their priority is trying to successfully challenge the ESA grouping.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

sangio wrote: »

I was actually referring to a previous comment that if and when mortgage payments get to around 40% of total income, it is common sense that to continue is not at all feasible.

It is and always has been the norm that the mortgage payments should never be any more than 25%!

With that 40% scenario, the only eventual outcome will be arrears followed probably by repossession. At that level no one can say that they can afford to carry on.
Surely it makes a lot more sense to cut your overheads to such an extent that you can live including paying all bills, on what you receive.
Obviously by selling the house.

It doesn't matter what you have been able to do for the previous years - what counts is what is happening now.
You have to adapt and change with what life thows at you. Nobody likes to have to give up their home, but if finances dictate it, whether it is their fault or not, you have to be able to afford to live out of what you get.

Getting all emotional about it and saying it isn't fair, won't change a damn thing.

Unfortunately it is just life. Some are lucky some are not.

and how do you suggest they sell with no extra income for agents fee's, survey, solicitors?

mynameistallulah

Katykat wrote: »

I know youmean well sangio, but it isn't really so clear cut.

No, he doesn't mean well - he is a troll (andyandflo) that posts to upset and detract from the point of threads, as quite clearly illustrated here.

People really need to stop getting drawn into his games, ignore is the best option.

Muttleythefrog

mynameistallulah wrote: »

No, he doesn't mean well - he is a troll (andyandflo) that posts to upset and detract from the point of threads, as quite clearly illustrated here.

People really need to stop getting drawn into his games, ignore is the best option.

lol... you're right... I should have learnt by now. He stands out like a sore thumb and there must be a recognisable medical condition to describe it.