ESA stopped for failure to attend medical

Robsal

I'm New to this forum so hi to everyone.

I have been in receipt of ESA since Dec 2012 and I have failed to attend two ATOS medical. The last of these was arranged for 6th October 2015. I was sent a form asking why I didn't attend and I returned it explaining that because of my Crohns disease I was to unwell. Anyway my claim was stopped so I applied for mandatory reconsideration but this was rejected even though I supplied medical evidence showing that my doctor visited me at home the day before medical and had to administer morphine as I was in so much pain!! I have now appealed this decision but I am completely broke and am £400 overdrawn. I have been told I can't apply for JSA because I am unfit to work. I should mention that I have an open fistula on my abdoman as well as being fed by TPN ( a tube in my chest through which I receive all my nutrients) . Can anyone advice me if there are any benefits I can claim as I can't even afford to get my prescription ?

Kind regards
Rob

HappyMJ

Apply for ESA again?

Not attending a medical doesn't disqualify you from ever claiming again.

nannytone_2

did you contact them and tell them you were too ill to attend. or did you simply not go?

you're now not allowed to reclaim for ESA for the same condition.

usually , you get assessment rate during an appeal, but that is an appeal of the initial decision and not a decision to stop payments, so unsure where you stand on this

FBaby

When did you fail to attend the first time?

raindaisyflower

Im sorry you are having to face this. You failed to attend the medical and it appears you have demonstrated "good cause" sadly, the DWP disagree, as they do, and you are not alone. There are hardship payments from local authorities, so contact the council you pay council tax too and ask if they can point you in the right direction for help.
also i would get welfare rights advice asap . there is a benefitsandwork website which outlines help.

GirlFromMars_2

Have you contacted your local MP and told them your situation?

xylophone

Have you contacted your doctor and explained that you are unable to afford your prescription?

marliepanda

You appear to have good cause to miss the second medical, but why did you miss the first? This may be why you are not being treated compassionately, as you have now missed two Medicals.

mad_spaniel

see http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/1126.aspx
If you have a permanent fistula you are medically exempt from paying for prescriptions. See your doctor

parkrunner

Your post infers that you waited until you received a letter from them before giving a reason for a non show. It may have been better to inform them on the day of the medical.

Newly_retired

If this is the first time you have appealed, you may find that your ESA is reinstated pending appeal.