Back on the ESA merry-go-round

princessdon

DepressedInsomniac wrote: »

If an employer was happy for me to work just two days per week and would tolerate me taking time off as and when I needed to then yes, maybe I could work. Do you know of any employers that would accommodate my needs?

There certainly are

Otherwise people like myself couldn't work.

DepressedInsomniac

PippaGirl wrote: »

DI, 6 months is the usual re:assessment date for depression and/or anxiety. They think people get better that quickly!

It's not just depression/anxiety although that in itself can be extremely crippling for many people. The letter I received after the last assessment said in the "prognosis" part that I couldn't be considered for return to work within 18mths.

princessdon

I'm panicking that if I'm seen capable of attending university (albeit just 2 days a week) then they might say I'm fit for work and take me off ESA


Anyway I digressed - what I was saying is that i'd think they would realise the difference between Uni and Work.

But being honest I suspect a lot would depend on your personal circumstances. Eg if someone said in their original claim - I can't meet new people - that is why I can't work - then said they are attending Uni, I'd expect them to look at this. If what was written doesn't affect Uni - then I'd expect them not to look at it as it is either better or no longer an issue as a barrier to work.

It's really down to what your issues are and what you wrote on the form - In my opinion.

As to whether ESA would be allowed due to income - I can't comment.

DepressedInsomniac

Dunroamin wrote: »

The rent is very high for living with family and I don't see how you could claim HB for this anyway.

Trust me, the rent is very low for properties in our area. An identical house next door is double the rent I pay and just because you can't see how I can claim HB doesn't make it so. I'd have thought it to be self-explanatory considering I claim ESA.

Dunroamin

DepressedInsomniac wrote: »

Trust me, the rent is very low for properties in our area. An identical house next door is double the rent I pay and just because you can't see how I can claim HB doesn't make it so. I'd have thought it to be self-explanatory considering I claim ESA.

Are you saying that you rent a whole house just for yourself? You said earlier that you live in the family home?

DepressedInsomniac

princessdon wrote: »

There certainly are

Otherwise people like myself couldn't work.

You're very fortunate, they are few and far between. My only hope of returning to employment will be within the family business, hence why I'm hoping to complete university and get my degree. This is why it's so vital I keep my ESA now as my long term plans are my only hope of living a reasonable life and one which I can support myself. If they pull the rug from under me now I face spending the next 20+ years languishing on ever reducing benefits and scrutinised every few months. That's no life at all, at least one not worth living

DepressedInsomniac

Dunroamin wrote: »

Are you saying that you rent a whole house just for yourself? You said earlier that you live in the family home?

That's right, I live in MY family home.

Dunroamin

DepressedInsomniac wrote: »

That's right, I live in MY family home.

I think you're being deliberately obstructive with this information and very negative in your attitude.

Whilst I appreciate that this may be because of your mental health issues, it's worth remembering that people are trying to help.

Dunroamin

DepressedInsomniac wrote: »

You're very fortunate, they are few and far between. My only hope of returning to employment will be within the family business, hence why I'm hoping to complete university and get my degree. This is why it's so vital I keep my ESA now as my long term plans are my only hope of living a reasonable life and one which I can support myself. If they pull the rug from under me now I face spending the next 20+ years languishing on ever reducing benefits and scrutinised every few months. That's no life at all, at least one not worth living

Surely your family aren't going to be concerned whether or not you have a degree before offering you employment in the family business?

benefitbaby

DepressedInsomniac wrote: »

So it's likely the adviser dealing with my WFI's has asked for this to be looked at again so soon?

It will not have come from your disability employment adviser the referrals are made by the JCP benefit delivery centres direct to Atos. It is possible they made a mistake in your case (making the referral too early)

Although getting the form again so soon is scary try not to read too much into it, Atos are so behind in their assessments it could be weeks/months before you have an assessment or your form is looked at and your case is passed on scrutiny (decision made without needing to see you).