Esa

Claire_MUFC

Hi everyone,

Is it true that there is still a huge backlog of medicals for ESA and they are taking lots longer than 13 weeks ?

Reason I ask is , job centre and Universal Credit helpline both have said although I can claim Universal Credit if I want to, they advise me to claim ESA for the moment as my depression isn't great and I think that's down to social anxiety which I am going to see my GP about next week - when I pluck up the courage ! Already cancelled an appointment for fear they may not take me seriously. But feel awful mentally at the moment and up to my eyes in debt, so not sleeping at night either at the moment. About 2 hours max sleep per night am getting

Anyway, the thing thats stopping me claiming ESA and battling by with no benefits at all is the fear of the medical, as not great at speaking how I feel. But if there is a backlog anway was thinking of just signing off it once the 13 weeks is up, although the depression etc will prob still be there I will hopefully be in a better frame of mind than now as can sort my debt out, and hard as it is for me stared helping in a reception class at a local primary school, nearly bottled that at last minute through anxiety, worrying about making a fool of myself yesterday before even walking through the door, but its been ok the first 2 days and will hopefully improve my social interaction. Teachers there said it will help me as well as the kids who are lovely

[Deleted User]

Claire, how are you getting into debt with no income?
If you can take the hit, you pay £1 until your circumstances improve - you can write a letter or send an email to any creditors so you don't have to speak with anyone

If you can muster it get yourself along to Citizens advice as they should be able to go through your options which should include a DRO, so you can stop having sleepless nights

Sorry can't help with ESA

rogerblack

There is a significant backlog of medicals.
It is unlikely - as things currently stand - that a new applicant would be seen as soon as the 13th week.
Some are reporting not by the 13th month - though that is likely exceptional.

UC is an untried benefit.
You really, really, really don't want to be one of the first trying out the 'if a person entitled to UC becomes disabled' provisions in your area.

killerkev

Some are waiting over a year and with the change over to a new company to do the test could well get worse

Claire_MUFC

The debt was really from when I did have an income last year, but even when I get little bits for Christmas etc, foolishly gambled away, partly to escape the depressive feelings, but in reality you lose and just makes even more depressed Should really mention to my doctor about that and lack of sleep but too embarassed haha. Feel embarassed to be depressed and no social life at 24 years old

Based on the backlog of medicals, do you think I should claim ESA, get an income coming in, take steps to sort my SA and depression out, also pay off some of the debt I owe and then after a couple of months, claim UC and start job searching with clear hwad. Will apply for some little part time jobs even if I claim ESA as I feel I could cope with that.

rogerblack

Claire_MUFC wrote: »

Based on the backlog of medicals, do you think I should claim ESA, get an income coming in, take steps to sort my SA and depression out, also pay off some of the debt I owe and then after a couple of months, claim UC and start job searching with clear hwad. Will apply for some little part time jobs even if I claim ESA as I feel I could cope with that.

No, based on the fact that you may be entitled to it.

You can do work-search on ESA - and 'permitted work' in a part-time manner. (you need to get this approved first)

Expecting UC to be 'easier' than ESA - for a person who is not fit - is not a good assumption.

Claire_MUFC

rogerblack wrote: »

No, based on the fact that you may be entitled to it.

You can do work-search on ESA - and 'permitted work' in a part-time manner. (you need to get this approved first)

Expecting UC to be 'easier' than ESA - for a person who is not fit - is not a good assumption.

I didn't say UC was easier than ESA haha. Or have I misunderstood ? Sorry not the brightest tool in the box

Claire_MUFC

I really don't know what to do It's like if I claim UC will I be able to meet the rquirements, some days depression wise struggle with motivation and getting out of bed. Also have started just 2 days voluntary work to try and improve confidence, nearly didn't go on first day as anxiety was massive. Was worried about making a fool of myself before even walking through the door - would I have to give the voluntary work up ?. Handing CVs out and phoning employers is something I can never do due to anxiety and worrying what people think of me

If I claim ESA as job centre have advised , it would give me chance to get depression sorted and anxiety under control without worrying about how many jobs I've applied for or whether I've met requirements, which would make depression and anxiety worse as I am a huger worrier. But I'd feel embarassed about claiming as ESA claimants can all tend to be tarred with the lazy brush by general public

Just don't know what to do for the best

NYM

Claire, I think you've answered your own question

rogerblack has also advised you that ESA, in your current situation, is much more suitable.

Don't be embarrassed for claiming it, if you need to 'step back' from the world of work for a while, it's there to help you.

As for the 'general public' tarring all ESA claimants with the same brush ? I truly don't believe it. The 'general public' will be vocal about the few that don't need it and not those that do.

Claire_MUFC

NYM wrote: »

Claire, I think you've answered your own question

rogerblack has also advised you that ESA, in your current situation, is much more suitable.

Don't be embarrassed for claiming it, if you need to 'step back' from the world of work for a while, it's there to help you.

As for the 'general public' tarring all ESA claimants with the same brush ? I truly don't believe it. The 'general public' will be vocal about the few that don't need it and not those that do.

Thank you

I've just got to get passed the fear of asking my doctor for a fit note, and let him know about my anxiety. Stops me doing lots of things and enjoying my life

Also, I guess the fact it sounds as though ESA is confusing to claim what with all the paperwork you have to sign and send off for it. That is another thing that worries me

[Deleted User]

OP 2 things 1)claim sea you may not even have to go for a medical(assessment anyway) 2)re your debt speak to one of the debt charities "step-change" is a good place to start