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ESA claim and health assessment advice please
aussiesbird
Posts: 287 Forumite
My husband is currently claiming Contribution-based ESA and has been for almost 1 year now. When he applied he was told he would have to undergo a health assessment to establish if he should be in the 'work related group' or 'support group'. This appointment has not materialised and he has been chasing up an appointment date with the Jobcentre plus nearly every month, and more recently every 2 weeks, as this benefit is due to end this month.
Initially every time he rang he was told 'there is a back log but it's in the system to be dealt with' but over the last 3-4 months he has been ringing them on a more regular basis, and was then being told on every call that it is in the final stages and he will hear very soon. Nothing ever materialised and the other day he received a letter stating the benefit will stop and if he wants to be considered for 'Income Related-ESA' he has to ring them and request it!???
We are totally confused as to what is going on now.
He claims PIP and had an assessment for that which didn't go in his favour, he appealed and it went to tribunal and the original decision was overturned.
He has been diagnosed with Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction and passes out with no warning, there is currently no course of treatment for this disorder.
He was previously an Ambulance Paramedic so for obvious reasons, he was medically discharged. As there is no warning when a black out is going to happen it is highly unlikely any company would employ him. He has virtually become housebound as he is so embarrassed by passing out in public and refuses to go out. After being the person others relied on to help them he is finding it hard to come to terms with him needing the help and this has had a massive impact on daily living.
I would appreciate any advice on what our next step should be as without this benefit we will struggle to make ends meet.
We have submitted a letter to our local MP for help on getting an appointment for a health assessment but are still awaiting a response.
Initially every time he rang he was told 'there is a back log but it's in the system to be dealt with' but over the last 3-4 months he has been ringing them on a more regular basis, and was then being told on every call that it is in the final stages and he will hear very soon. Nothing ever materialised and the other day he received a letter stating the benefit will stop and if he wants to be considered for 'Income Related-ESA' he has to ring them and request it!???
We are totally confused as to what is going on now.
He claims PIP and had an assessment for that which didn't go in his favour, he appealed and it went to tribunal and the original decision was overturned.
He has been diagnosed with Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction and passes out with no warning, there is currently no course of treatment for this disorder.
He was previously an Ambulance Paramedic so for obvious reasons, he was medically discharged. As there is no warning when a black out is going to happen it is highly unlikely any company would employ him. He has virtually become housebound as he is so embarrassed by passing out in public and refuses to go out. After being the person others relied on to help them he is finding it hard to come to terms with him needing the help and this has had a massive impact on daily living.
I would appreciate any advice on what our next step should be as without this benefit we will struggle to make ends meet.
We have submitted a letter to our local MP for help on getting an appointment for a health assessment but are still awaiting a response.
I can only please one person per day.
Today is not your day.
Tomorrow doesn't look too good either.
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Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.0
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