Back on the ESA merry-go-round

DepressedInsomniac

princessdon wrote: »

There is no need to publically divulge the details - BUT

Was there anything in your original claim for ESA that going to Uni Contradicts? Ie could be argued that there is a change in circumstances or improvement (from their POV) based on your original form?

The only thing I can think of would possibly be the travelling alone which is something I've long struggled with and will have to overcome to get to university. Although measures have been taken to reduce the stress of this with therapy, practising travelling the route until I know it inside out and avoiding rush hour or travelling first class to minimise exposure to lots of people etc.

I'll be travelling accompanied one day per week so I only have one day per week to tackle it alone. Scary!! :eek:

PippaGirl_2

DI, sorry so many people are overtly critical and judgemental, unfortunately this happens a lot here. No one can know you or your circumstances based on what little it is wise to share on an internet forum.
I think I've been in a very similar situation to you, have adult non dependent children one of which is a student who is not entitled to benefits as she is over 20. Like you she hopes to go to University soon if she makes the grades, we've been looking at what disability support there is at each University we've looked at.
My experience of the ESA50's is always an assessment follows 3-6 months later, however it is looking that following my last ESA50 I have been left in the support group without a face to face assessment though I have no idea how long for. I would go for it and start Uni, often there are ways around things that you are unaware of. Universities have funds and bursaries you can apply for too. All the best and hope it goes well.

DepressedInsomniac

Thankyou Murphy and PippaGirl :A

I must admit I'm quite taken aback at the level of criticism and scrutiny I've faced here. People in my own circle are full of praise and admiration that I'm even contemplating doing this but are fully supportive, including my own GP.

Life is never easy for anyone but even more difficult when you're challenged with health difficulties but I'm not one to sit back and let life pass me by without at least trying to better my situation. The possiblity of having it all pulled from under me by this group ATOS, who are well renowned for screwing people's lives up, is stress & anxiety provoking to say the least.

If what the guy further up the thread says is true then I'm hoping that I'll have sufficient time to settle into uni and see whether it's something I can realistically do before having to face the stress of a medical on top of it. Fingers crossed!

Murphy_Gooner

Its no problem.
Like i mentioned, i would strongly advise speaking with someone from either the CAB or Law Centre who will be able too help you fill in the forms.
If you didnt know already, the assessment form is based on a points system and alot of it depends on how you word the answers.
So when filling it in, you may think you are explaining thoroughly about your illness where as the advisers will know what to put as unfortunate as it is the form has to be filled in with factual information .

I think its good that you want too get out and go to uni. Its something you can look forward too and hopefully something which in yourself would make you feel better which im sure if you were just sat at home, would make you feel pretty low.

FBaby

I have reread the posts and I do apologise as indeed, I have somehow only read about the depression and anxiety, not that you had more severe mental health problems. If you suffer from something like severe bipolar depression, then yes, I can totally see how it would be make things more difficult.

Saying that I can understand why it could be questioned that if you think you are able to cope with going to University away from your home two days a week, you couldn't possibly cope with a job close to home, but if as Princessdon has stated, your original application listed restrictions that apply to the workforce but not forceably to the uni world, you will be a in a much stronger position.

princessdon

It's not been a case of being "harsh" on OP at all - It's a case of it's hard to advise without information

Eg if OP had claimed ESA because she could NEVER leave the home ever - was totally isolated and housebound - then of course when she starts Uni they would look at her claim.

Sometimes you need to ask questions to give answers - even if they find them instrusive or unkind. Otherwise we would be giving either false hope or negative responses when there isn't need.

I can appreciate why people don't want to give out personal information on a public forum - but sometimes without this it's hard to advise. Eg yesterday someone posted and only half way through the thread did they say they had a partner. All the answers to that point were incorrect as assumed she was single.

Dunroamin

DepressedInsomniac wrote: »

And no they don't contribute to the finances because they are students..

Assuming that they are undergraduate students (as you don't say, one has to make assumptions) then they will receive funding that they should be using to pay into the household budget.

I'm not saying this to nitpick but because, if you do lose ESA, their financial contributions may well make the difference between your going to university and not. It could be worthwhile having a plan B in case things don't go as you hope.

Dunroamin

PippaGirl wrote: »

DI, sorry so many people are overtly critical and judgemental, unfortunately this happens a lot here. No one can know you or your circumstances based on what little it is wise to share on an internet forum. .

But people have to know a poster's circumstances (often in detail) if they're going to be advised correctly!

Don't forget, there are several MSE boards where people post their financial information in enormous detail so that others can comment and advise. Also, many of us who advise people IRL are used to asking searching questions because that is what our professional jobs demand.

MSE really isn't the place for reticence

DepressedInsomniac

Dunroamin wrote: »

Assuming that they are undergraduate students (as you don't say, one has to make assumptions) then they will receive funding that they should be using to pay into the household budget.

I'm not saying this to nitpick but because, if you do lose ESA, their financial contributions may well make the difference between your going to university and not. It could be worthwhile having a plan B in case things don't go as you hope.

Are you for real?? Since when can a student afford to contribute to household finances when they have their own term time living expenses to cover?

I'm not discussing this with you anymore because yes, you are nitpicking, and you've contributed nothing of value to this thread. You're here purely to try and pull me apart but it hasn't worked. Goodbye.

princessdon

Actually just a random thought here (may not be of use though)

Is your course full time or part time?

As it's 2 days a week if it is under 16 hours and part time you are then eligible for HB on a low income

I know different courses have different classifications and you may be doing some "work from home" etc to make the hours up - but if it is part time - then do enquire about HB

Just trying to give you a plan B (in case ESA doesn't work)