ESA support and DLA middle care low mobility due to mental illness

eggyf7

Hi im in the support group of ESA due to being diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia. I also receive middle rate care and low mobility DLA.

I have no idea when my ESA is up for renewal or even if it will be but im starting to become concerned with my DLA which runs until September 2016.

By this point do i have to apply for PIP and does this replace ESA as well? Im worried that because i am not showing signs of Paranoia and my last psychotic episode was 2007 my doctor wont back me next year and i will be forced to take some sort of dead end job. I feel like my local mental health team is becoming a bit dismissive despite me telling them on numerous occassions i dont feel that life is worth living. I take strong medication for depression/anxiety and anti psychotics but my doctor says everyone has mornings when they cant be bothered getting out of bed and its just one of these things. I havent seen a CPN for 2 years now since my last one retired and my doctor only sees me once every 3 months.

BlueEyedGirl

eggyf7 wrote: »

Hi im in the support group of ESA due to being diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia. I also receive middle rate care and low mobility DLA.

I have no idea when my ESA is up for renewal or even if it will be but im starting to become concerned with my DLA which runs until September 2016.

By this point do i have to apply for PIP and does this replace ESA as well? Im worried that because i am not showing signs of Paranoia and my last psychotic episode was 2007 my doctor wont back me next year and i will be forced to take some sort of dead end job. I feel like my local mental health team is becoming a bit dismissive despite me telling them on numerous occassions i dont feel that life is worth living. I take strong medication for depression/anxiety and anti psychotics but my doctor says everyone has mornings when they cant be bothered getting out of bed and its just one of these things. I havent seen a CPN for 2 years now since my last one retired and my doctor only sees me once every 3 months.

I can see where you are coming from as I am in a similar situation but with a different diagnosis.

ESA and DLA / PIP are different things. PIP has replaced DLA so when your DLA is due for automatic renewal in September 2016 you will have to submit a claim for PIP. The DWP will send the forms to you a few months before hand, I would expect them May / June time if I was you.

Your ESA will not be affected by the renewal of DLA / PIP, however you could be re-assessed for ESA at anytime, I was due for a reassessment earlier this year after 2 years but have heard nothing. I believe there is a backlog, hence the delay!

PIP is more difficult to get than DLA (or so I am led to believe) I am no longer supported by a Psychiatrist or a CPN and have remained 'stable' for 18 months, yes I get the odd day where I think life is crap and I want to die, or not get out of bed... but I get through it using techniques I learned in therapy. I am now hoping to return paid employment and come off ESA. However, I also worry that going back to work will do more harm than good, but if I do not try I will never know!

There is no denying that getting proper support would be beneficial to you when claiming benefits, letters from CPN's, Psychiatrists, GP's etc. would all support a claim about your mental health, but as many people know the mental health system in the UK is failing and therefore many of us are left on the scrap heap without the proper support. Have you thought of telephoning the mental health team and seeing if they can allocate you a new CPN, or ask your GP for a referral back to them.

It might be a wise idea to start gathering evidence, things such as letters, even keep a diary of what your days are like etc.

rogerblack

eggyf7 wrote: »

Hi im in the support group of ESA due to being diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia. I also receive middle rate care and low mobility DLA.

You don't get either PIP or ESA for a diagnosis.

Addressing PIP.
You get PIP because you meet one or more descriptors on most days.
If you have not had a psychotic episode since 2007, that most certainly will not count towards PIP. Coping strategies you have reasonably adopted to avoid episodes may.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/personal-independence-payment/the-personal-independence-payment-pip-assessment/personal-independence-payment-pip-activities-descriptors-and-points/

The big question is how is your disability affecting your life now. For PIP, you need to have symptoms on 50% of days.

Are you able to take care of yourself, eat properly to an acceptable standard, go out as and when required, engage with people face-face, cook - as often as required, safely, reliably, to an acceptable standard and within twice the time a normal person would do?

If some of these aren't true, you may get some points for PIP. If that amounts to an award is another thing.