What are my chances of being awarded ESA?

rsdntbplr

Whilst awaiting a decision for my ESA claim I've been stressing and worrying a lot about my finances. I'm currently living off just £75 a week, which has to cover my phone bill; food; medication and rent to my mum. Obviously that isn't enough to cover all of that, so I've had to begin living off credit.

I was advised to take sick leave from work and think about resigning and switching to benefits by my doctor, psychiatrist and social worker. Following that appointment I went on annual leave for a few days before handing in my resignation (I was given a two week sick note by my doctor but my employer instead gave me the time as annual leave).

I currently receive DLA. Live with my mum but pay rent. Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 and Aspegers Syndrome and also receive treatment for anxiety. I have a history of suicide attempts and four lengthy hospitalisations in psychiatric units. I have also been admitted to general hospitals following self harm and artery damage following loss of blood.

Anxiety makes it very difficult to go out. Symptoms from bipolar disorder make me very unstable emotionally. Work has been identified by my psychiatrist as a trigger. Suffered mania and depression following all four of my short jobs since the age of 16 (now 19). Mum has also been given anti depressants because she worries about me dying and the stress of caring for me is intense.

Have had two sick notes in 2 months of working for depression and hypo mania and have a history of psychosis.

Also have side effects from my medication (which is currently being increased due to relapse following stress of working and new routine) - side effects from Quitiapine include drowsiness, weight gain, lethargy. Side effects from other medications (Citalopram, Circadin, Propanalol) include fatigue, somnolence, fast heart rate.

Have visible and severe scars from self injury - counted at 450 (around there) at my last hospitalisation (2012).

What are my chances if being awarded ESA, with the support from my psychiatrist and social,worker?

jacques_chirac

From what you have said, as long as you have solid supporting evidence I expect you would qualify under several descriptors (coping with change, getting out, substantial risk to health). Google "ESA descriptors" and you will see the criteria you need to meet to qualify.

Horseunderwater

http://pseudo-living.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/esa-descriptors-and-points.html

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/start-the-esa-test?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Benefits%20and%20Work&utm_content=27+Feb+2013

The 1st link gives ESA descriptors and the 2nd gives a little test to see if you could be eligible.

rogerblack

It's worth noting that the first link is inaccurate, and does not reflect changes around the beginning of this year.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf has the current ones.

They are largely the same, but there are some very important differences.