In a mess - employment support allowance

Trazy

GlasweJen wrote: »

I'm a danger driving, I just don't drive! I hope you're not driving now if you're such a mess, you should tell the DVLA if your mental health is so bad that you're a danger on the road.

I thought that too, it is a worry that the OP is driving if the stress levels are so high

I currently don't drive because of my health

PippaGirl_2

The problem with appealing is the Tribunal could decide you don't get 15 points, and with your permitted work and little medical evidence that is a real possibility so by appealing you may lose your ESA and would then have to apply for JSA. It's a risk.

Dunroamin

wilmist wrote: »

The risk would be to myself health wise as it would make my stress even worse and also depression really worse.

With stress I would be a danger driving to work and making mistakes at work.

Doesn't it mean a risk to my own health not just someone elses

Thanks

Sorry I misunderstood the point.

What danger would you be to yourself at work if you made mistakes?

sunnyone

wilmist wrote: »

I think I fit the following one -

suffers from some specific disease or bodily or mental disablement and by reasons of such disease or disablement, there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of any person if the claimant were found not to have limited capability for work-related activity

I suffer from severe stress and have had severe depression in the past and since receiving the letter I am suffering really bad from both again

Every single person in the WRAG claims they should qualify for the support group under this criteria but very, very few of them have even a slight chance of winning an appeal under this discriptor.

BRIANCARSON

sunnyone wrote: »

Every single person in the WRAG claims they should qualify for the support group under this criteria but very, very few of them have even a slight chance of winning an appeal under this discriptor.

Sorry but I cant be the only one who thinks I don't reach the higher hurdle to get into the support group and I have never attempted to appeal to be reclassified.

Pineapple88

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the WRAG group was you support/help you to cope and get back to work if possible. Since you have already been doing some permitted work, is it possible that they will be able to help you cope with the work you're already doing?

Pineapple88

Yes, true. I guess my point was that being in the WRAG group isn't necessarily something to be feared by the OP and may help him/her with coping strategies (whether it actually does what it is meant to though is another question entirely!).

sunnyone

BRIANCARSON wrote: »

Sorry but I cant be the only one who thinks I don't reach the higher hurdle to get into the support group and I have never attempted to appeal to be reclassified.

You must be entitled to income based ESA then, since the change in law which limited contributions based ESA in the WRAG to 365 days came in anyone and everyone wants to be in the support group even though many accepted it when they were placed in the WRAG previously.

Some people also wrongly believe that if you are accepted into the support group you get a longer award, you don,t any award can still be between 3 to 36 months.

earthbound_misfit

Firstly, you need to go and see your doctor and explain how your depression/anxiety is at present. I don't know what treatment you are receiving at present - I'm guessing not much. I know it won't seem like it now, but you can actually recover, in the long run - it's just a case of persevering and pushing for treatment.
Hats off to you for the permitted work - I suffer depression and anxiety too and know how hard this must be. Are there particular things that are a struggle at work? Perhaps it might help to address them point-by-point and see if there's a way to make it easier?
As others have commented, the WRAG group shouldn't be too bad - I know the ESA system is seriously dodgy and the 'back-to-work' help useless, but reports I've heard of the WRAG suggest they are not harassing people, and may even be helpful!

krisskross

topaziem wrote: »

Are you in the Support Group?

If so, maybe, given your apparent vast knowledge on the subject, you could advise what is the better way to qualify. What grounds did you manage to get into the Support Group - that is if you are in it?

I believe sunnyone has major physical disabilities following an accident. She uses a powerchair fulltime toget around, has limited use of her arms and is profoundly deaf. I am sure you can work out other problems in someone with no control over lower body function, like toileting etc.