Esa

TELLIT01

Claims for ESA are generally made by phone and then a copy of what has been said, the Customer Statement, is sent to you. The only paperwork, apart from the fit note, is likely to be the ESA50 and that won't arrive for several weeks after your initial claim.
You seem to have a genuine reason for claiming so don't feel guilty or embarrassed. The system is supposed to be there to help those in genuine need.

Lips_and_Lashes

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Claims for ESA are generally made by phone and then a copy of what has been said, the Customer Statement, is sent to you. The only paperwork, apart from the fit note, is likely to be the ESA50 and that won't arrive for several weeks after your initial claim.
You seem to have a genuine reason for claiming so don't feel guilty or embarrassed. The system is supposed to be there to help those in genuine need.

I have just started claiming ESA and as well as my physical illness, I also suffer with anxiety. I'm sure I commented on your other thread.

Don't feel embarrassed to ask your Dr for a fit note, like I've said before, write it all down and perhaps get someone to attend the appointment with you.

You can claim by phone or fill out the online/paper application and send it/take it to your local Job Centre. This is what I did as I really struggle with talking over the phone. My partner came with me too. An advisor went through the form with me, we signed it and then sent it off.

Just over a week after taking it into the Job Centre, I was given my first payment and sent my ESA50 form. You have approx a month to fill it in and return it. I believe you can get help from CAB and there are some great websites which can guide you through the form.

I'm not sure about backlog time scales, I think it depends what part of the country you are in.

All the best!

Edit: Regarding your debts, it is definitely worth getting in touch with one of the free charities such as Step Change. They have an online remedy tool which is totally anonymous. Also, you can write to your creditors and tell them that your seeking help from Step Change as you are in financial hardship and requesting they freeze any interest and charges. Often creditors will put your account on hold for approx a month.

Claire_MUFC

Well, I feel quite embarassed but been to the doctors this afternoon after a cancellation came up, thought I was gonna back out as was extremely nervous beforehand

Explained what I was experiencing and he has give me a number to phone for some session type things, cbt or something, said they are attached to the surgery. He said as this anxiety is something that has been present since childhood, its about time I got some help

Anyway, he has give me a fit note for 2 months, thought I'd be lucky to get 2 weeks. He said he is happy to issue them until I have got some help with this, and going back to see him in 5 weeks time

Next concern is the medical thing. If that comes around before I see the people at the cbt place, then I've not really got much evidence for the medical as there is a waiting list for the cbt. But if the backlogs are big all over the country then chances are I may not need to worry about that for some time, knowing my luck though it will be the standard 13 weeks in my area (Warrington).

Sncjw

You seem like a worrier in all aspects of life. I hope therapy can help you but with a copy of fit note being sent to sea they should be able to cot act your doctor. Think about it if your medical comes up before your sessions it will show how big a problem you have which could benefit you more in terms of getting esa. I hope you do get the help you need. I know it's easy for people to say don't listen to what others think of you but it is hard.

Sncjw

I think from what I've read you just need to push yourself to doing things that could worry you. Reading the scenarios you have had it has come to a positive experience. Think about these postive experiences and think of what positives you could get out of another scenario

Brighty

What happens to the evaluation rate of contribution ESA after a year if you've not had your medical yet? Does it just stop, leaving you with nothing through no fault of your own (backlog of medicals) or does it carry on until you have your medical and are put in a group? If then put in work group, I assume it would stop then?
Cheers
Brighty

Claire_MUFC

I think to be honest, it is the medical that is worrying me, but if the backlogs are virtually all over the country then maybe I don't need to worry myself so much ?

Main concern is as I only went to my doctor regarding the Social Anxiety yesterday, I don't have much medical evidence I can send to them when I get the ESA50, and heard if you can provide that sometimes you don't even need a medical.

I have been referred for CBT, but there are long waiting lists for that in my area, so don't know if I will see them before the medical comes around

lost_for_words

Hi Claire. Many years ago I had severe anxiety and went back to the Dr a third time in one day as I finally decided I needed some medication. What really helped me was going to voluntary counselling, I remember being very nervous and dizzy and asked to just observe the session but once I started hearing other people say how their week had been and being related to my problems, I felt better right away. This will take time but it really does work, its easy for me to say now that the outright cure is not to be frightened of them anymore is the best cure. Sorry I cannot explain this better but I eventually held out busy shifts in an A&E department with no anxiety at all. Also try reading Claire Weeks book Self help for your nerves or see if one of her audio books is available on Youtube.

Claire_MUFC

I am not sure whether to just phone and cancel the ESA claim I made yesterday. It all seems so hard, and since claiming I feel much more depressed and anxious than I did before. Seems medical evidence makes all the difference, and until I get my first CBT appointment, I don't have much evidence other than prescriptions off GP

If I had to go for a medical, that would terrify me

Claire_MUFC

I am not in a good place tonight, all to do with ESA and how hard it is to be awarded it. No problems getting assessment rate, but its when the medical and all that brings with it comes up, the ESA50 is worrying me. I'm not sure I can handle the stress of it, will make me further depressed. As I can't start CBT yet for social anxiety that that won't be better any time soon. I'm gambling every week because I just feel so inadequate and it gives me a buzz. Debt letters coming out of my ears

Do I claim ESA until the medical comes up and then end my claim and claim Universal Credit ? Or do I stick with ESA and see if my GP will support the claim

Or if I claim Universal Credit, do I see if my GP will support me through that with regular appointments to keep an eye on things ?

Don't want mental health getting any worse, but with all the worry I feel awful tonight

Feel awful worrying about everything, in bed crying at the moment