ESA and Statement of Fitness for Work (FIT Notes)

Debt_Tired

After my medical assessment and eight week wait, I received a telephone call today from DWP. I scored zero points and now I'm classed as fit for work. I've been here before. I was informed by the DWP/ESA advisor/assessor that it would be in my best interests to appeal, which I will do. Only one problem: unlike in the past, I now need sick notes or the new Statement of Fitness for Work (fit note) - supplied for the duration of my appeal, which can take between six and twelve months.

So I have to see a doctor, who I have never met before, who has five or ten minutes to scan my notes, while I try and explain why I think I am unfit for work. I suffer from severe depression, anxiety and paranoia. I also harbour constant thoughts of suicide. And even if I do secure a "FIT" note, it might be for only two weeks at a time.

What do I do? I am seeing the practice nurse tomorrow, so I might ask her for help, but it's the doctor's decision. I see him/her (?) on Thursday.

mynameistallulah

You explain the situation and the doctor will give his assessment as to whether you are fit for work or not. Why have you never met him before? Did you not submit any medical evidence as part of the WCA?

flight747

Appeal doesn't take between 6 and 12 months. It now between 2 and 4 months for the outcome of the appeal.

mynameistallulah

flight747 wrote: »

Appeal doesn't take between 6 and 12 months. It now between 2 and 4 months for the outcome of the appeal.

You must live someone incredibly efficient - whilst a reconsideration may be completed within a short period, a full appeal is likely to take up to twelve months in most areas.

Debt_Tired

mynameistallulah wrote: »

You explain the situation and the doctor will give his assessment as to whether you are fit for work or not. Why have you never met him before? Did you not submit any medical evidence as part of the WCA?

When I tried to kill myself three years ago and was discharged from hospital, I saw a locum and not my regular doctor, who has since retired (?). Since then I have seen numerous CPNs, specialists and doctors - never the same person twice. My worry is that my GP surgery might not be up to speed with recent ESA changes. This happened when I first went on ESA, another locum doctor refused to give me a sick note because he misunderstood a letter sent by DWP.

The ESA people have my records or have the right to access them. The initial assessment is based on a menu based Q&A. The problem is that mental health provision in my area is based on a sticking plaster approach. If you're threatening to kill yourself then your given priority. The Assessment is simple: "Are you threatening to kill yourself?" Answer YES and you are helped, say NO or are just thinking about it morning, noon or night and your thrown back into the pond.

I was informed that it will take between six and twelve months to process and appeal by the DWP themselves. The whole system stinks. Even the people who have to work the system are disillusioned. Sick people are ending up in a position where suicide is the only way out.

Both MIND, who are helping me, and CAB are struggling.

salfordgirl

If you arent getting help from the CMHT could you see your gp more regularly as a source of support.

Often, when doctors are asked to supply reports for benefits, they look at a persons record, and if they havent been referred/not had regular appointments, they may not always approve to sending a letter.

At least if the CMHT cant provide support, your GP should be able to offer some support, maybe a referral to the primary care mental health team?

HB58

flight747 wrote: »

Appeal doesn't take between 6 and 12 months. It now between 2 and 4 months for the outcome of the appeal.

I am regularly hearing that the initial reconsideration takes longer than this!

spottybutterfly

Sorry to sort of barge in on your thread but you might be able to help. I had my Atos assessment on monday they said the next contact will be from the decision maker by letter. If they say I'm fit for work, which mentally i'm not, do i then have to keep getting sick notes of the GP and send them to the job-centre while I appeal?

HB58

spottybutterfly wrote: »

Sorry to sort of barge in on your thread but you might be able to help. I had my Atos assessment on monday they said the next contact will be from the decision maker by letter. If they say I'm fit for work, which mentally i'm not, do i then have to keep getting sick notes of the GP and send them to the job-centre while I appeal?

Yes, that is correct.

Debt_Tired

Saw a locum GP today (for the first and possibly last time), who because he doesn't know me from Adam, refused me a long-term sick note. I have to see my regular GP, but the earliest I can see him is May 18th (he's semi-retired).

My short-term sick note, as issued today, lasts for two weeks, so I'm going to see another doctor, who doesn't know me...

Another problem is that I have just realised that the sick note should have been back-dated from when my ESA stopped, which was two days ago.

Then I visited MIND. I was told that there is a waiting list to be seen by NHS Mental Health (already been waiting eight to ten weeks). I could pay for counselling (£4 an hour), but I'm no longer on any form of benefit.

Oh, and the prescription for anti-depressants I received from the doctor today - well because I'm no longer in received of any form of Benefits, I will have to pay £7.65 and I'm skint.

spottybutterfly

Debt_Tired wrote: »

Oh, and the prescription for anti-depressants I received from the doctor today - well because I'm no longer in received of any form of Benefits, I will have to pay £7.65 and I'm skint.

This has me a but worried I sort of assumed we would still be entitled to free prescriptions while appealing.