Claiming ESA with selective mutism

mclc2

Hi

My younger brother is 21,he has a condition called 'Selective Mutism' which basically means he has a phobia to talk to anyone outside the family. He doesnt work because of this, and going for an job interview or even talking to a neighbour is a complete no no. he has suuffered with this since he was 3yrs old. My mum&dad have been supporting him since he left school. My question is: can he claim ESA without actually ever going into the jobcentre or being forced to go onto any jobcentre work related type courses? Of course my brother would love nothing better than to go to work and earn some of his own money but its just not possible for him and there isnt much help from the NHS on the condition.

rogerblack

The only cases in which ESA would be granted without any requirements on the person would be if he is placed in the support group.

In order to be placed in the support group, he would need to meet one or more of http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

In general - simple mutism is not ever going to get you ESA - if you can communicate normally in other ways, and interact with people.
If this extends into social phobia, then that is an important aspect that may reflect on other things, and meet descriptors in those areas.

xylophone

there isnt much help from the NHS on the condition.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/selective-mutism/Pages/Introduction.aspx

"Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) works by helping individuals focus on how they think about themselves, the world and other people and how their perception of these things affects their thoughts and feelings.
This is carried out by mental health professionals and is more appropriate for older children and adolescents, particularly those experiencing social anxiety disorder, and adults who have grown up with SM. CBT also challenges fears and preconceptions through graded exposure."

Has CBT been offered?

mclc2

thanks for your replies, no he hasnt been offered CBT, but hasnt been under the doctor for since he left school, he refuses to go and see one because he is so nervous and cant speak. Its a horrible thing to have,just hope one day he will be okay

pmlindyloo

Is your brother able to speak to people if a member of the family is present?

I would suggest that your brother applies for ESA. There is some disagreement as to whether speaking to close family means that he would be unable to get into the Support group under the 'engaging in social situations'. However, it is certainly worth a try. Obviously he cannot, at the moment apply for JSA.

To apply for ESA he will need a fit note from the doctor so this would be a perfect opportunity to make an appointment.

Perhaps a member of the family could visit the surgery and ask for a call back from the doctor after explaining the circumstances to the receptionists.

It is as important, if not more so, to get your brother some help as it is to apply for benefits.

BigAunty

Under Incapacity Benefit, he may have qualified for sickness benefit as it had less conditionality - once a claimant passed the assessment, they were not required to seek any form of employment, they were considered wholly incapable. It was a way of parking the unemployed and less employable on another benefit to massage the unemployment figures

It is being phased out by ESA with its emphasis on capability - someone with mobility problems would be seen as being able to get a sedentary job, for example. It is very much stricter than the sickness benefit it replaced. The descriptors will give you an idea how tough it is.

bloolagoon

I'd honestly advise seeing his GP. He's not going to get anything without medical support - ie fit notes and documentation.
First step is help then consider ESA dependent on this.

If he won't see his GP its not an option.

I know selective mutes in SG but often combined with other MH issues. It's not impossible but all have medical interventions and support.

clairec79

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Is your brother able to speak to people if a member of the family is present?

My daughter had selective mutism when younger, thankfully she has pretty much completely overcome it now (she's 14) but when she was younger it used to take her an hour to speak to my parents with us present (although she'd happy cwtch up to them.
Took three years before she'd answer her name in the register etc (and the teachers said she had her select group who she would speak to but if she thought the teachers were listening then she wouldnt/couldn't speak

mclc2

thanks everyone for advice, i'm going to see the doctor myself next week, i'l ask what can be done

selective mutism is a horrible thing to have, alot of people just asume he's strange, but its far from the truth! I hope to raise awareness for the condition one day.