IB to ESA ????? panic

alta

Hi I hope somebody can help.
Had a letter to say that my incapacity benefit is going tobe change to esa and I have to have an assessment. This has totally thrown me.

I suffer from pretty severe depression and anxiety, and havedone now for 6/7yrs, I have not been able to work and am on the higher amount,and also a small £4pm of income support. I also receive council tax benefit.

3yrs ago I got on to the “Supported Permitted Work” scheme,this is the same as permitted work, work up to 16hrs per week or not earn morethat £99 per week, and do not lose my IB or council tax benefit, but unlikepermitted work, I can be on this scheme indefinably. I am supported by a voluntarilyorganisation, who if I need it will liaise with my employer. I am very lucky,my employer is very understanding, and if I am not well I do not have to go in,I only do admin and have no pressure, some weeks I am not needed. Other thanwork, I very rarely go out on my own, I always have my daughter or mother withme. I am totally thrown with change, and some weeks spend 3-4 days sleeping.

My doctor has treated me, and I am under my local mentalhealth team and am on long term medication. I am so worried that they willconsider me able to look for work, as although I work at the moment, I couldnot hold down a “normal” job.

Can somebody explain the process and what constitutes beingable to work. I am so worried it has thrown me into a depressive episode.

benefitbaby

Hi, you should have been sent as ESA50 capability for work form this seeks to identify your day to day difficulties, following receipt of this it will be reviewed and if it is felt necessary you will be called to an assessment by an healthcare professional. They will complete a report and this plus your form is sent to a decision maker to see if you qualify for ESA and can transition from IB to ESA.

If you qualify for ESA you will go into one of 2 groups:
1. The work-related activity group; or
2. The support group

How this is determined is by comparing your limitations to 'descriptors' these are descriptions of different activities. You need 15 points to qualify for ESA and be placed in the work-related activity group. If you pass this threshold they will then see if you meet any one of the support group descriptors, if you do you are placed in this group.

A full overview of ESA is here:
http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/f31.htm

Reassessments occur between 9 months and 3 years, at this point the process is repeated.

The descriptors are below for you to read and if you can send supporting medical evidence this will help.
http://www.tameside.gov.uk/esa/wca

alta

Thanks Baby....have you any info on Permitted Supported Work and ESA? I am on the PSW scheme. Will it make a differenct that I am able to work with support?

Horseunderwater

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/illness,_injury_and_disability/esa/permitted_work.aspx

That link gives some information on ESA and PSW.

benefitbaby

alta wrote: »

Thanks Baby....have you any info on Permitted Supported Work and ESA? I am on the PSW scheme. Will it make a differenct that I am able to work with support?

Some people find it does impact qualifying for ESA and passing the work capability assessment as it can be an indication of some ability to work however this very much depends on the type of work, how often it is acheivable and the level of support you need to accomplish it.