ESA assessment tomorrow...

Mas3299

I have my esa assessment for tomorrow and I really don’t think that I can go, I have been twice before. First time I was placed in the support group as I’d just got out of hospital after being sectioned for 2 months and the second time was last year, I sent all the forms off what I was supposed to 6 weeks ago and got a letter for assessment 2 weeks ago for tomorrow.

I’m on mitazapine and zolpidem and visit my GP once a month, I’m in a support group for self harm which I attend when I feel up to it, And I’m on a waiting list for more CBT.

I literally do not feel like I can attend tomorrow, I’m shaking and my anxiety has hit the roof I’m 25 and live alone and I don’t even feel safe right now and I don’t know what I’m going to do, I know I could cancel but then I’m worrying again about the next assessment, I don’t even leave the house and I told them that on the esa form.

Does anyone have any advice on what I can do or is the anyway my GP could write me a note about not attending, I feel stupid for even asking on a forum for help but I literally don’t have anyone to talk about it as I don’t see anyone anymore. I used to be really outgoing and had loads of friends and had a job but I’ve just lost my mind and I don’t feel like I’m recovering since 3 years ago.

Any advice is appreciated.

System

Ideally you need to contact them, to tell them you can;t go. I do believe you're allowed to change your appointment once if you just dont show up it may affect your claim, as they won;t be able to assess you. If you can see your GP would they wrote a supporting letter for a home assessment? I can't guarantee they will give you one but its something to consider if leaving the house is difficult.

There are some people on here who can advise you better than i can (and hopefully you'll get some more in depth responses, sorry i cant be of more help)

poppy12345

Mas3299 wrote: »

I have my esa assessment for tomorrow and I really don’t think that I can go, I have been twice before. First time I was placed in the support group as I’d just got out of hospital after being sectioned for 2 months and the second time was last year, I sent all the forms off what I was supposed to 6 weeks ago and got a letter for assessment 2 weeks ago for tomorrow.

I’m on mitazapine and zolpidem and visit my GP once a month, I’m in a support group for self harm which I attend when I feel up to it, And I’m on a waiting list for more CBT.

I literally do not feel like I can attend tomorrow, I’m shaking and my anxiety has hit the roof I’m 25 and live alone and I don’t even feel safe right now and I don’t know what I’m going to do, I know I could cancel but then I’m worrying again about the next assessment, I don’t even leave the house and I told them that on the esa form.

Does anyone have any advice on what I can do or is the anyway my GP could write me a note about not attending, I feel stupid for even asking on a forum for help but I literally don’t have anyone to talk about it as I don’t see anyone anymore. I used to be really outgoing and had loads of friends and had a job but I’ve just lost my mind and I don’t feel like I’m recovering since 3 years ago.

Any advice is appreciated.

Most people have face to face assessments for ESA so you will have to have one, which ever way you look at it. A letter from your GP won't help you to avoid the face 2 face assessment. Do you have a family member or friend that can go with you?



You maybe able to ask for a home assessment but often they will say, if you can attend other appointments they you can go to the assessment but there's no harm in trying. You will need a letter from your GP for this stating the reason why you can attend one of their assessment centres but it can still be refused.


Remember that if you cancel this one then you won't be able to cancel another. What ever you decide to do please don't just not turn up, if you do this then you risk being found fit for work for failing to attend.

[Deleted User]

I and my family all have ASD, my son also has anxiety, ADHD etc.

I had a PIP assessment in my home that was quite difficult. The assessor was very challenging, lied as to what happened but it was all sorted out at Tribunal and I was awarded enhanced care/mobility.

My son, on the other hand had to go to an assessment centre but the assessor was very kind and understanding. She accurately reported his behaviours, state of dress, ability to verbalise and his anxiety. It wasn't a difficult assessment at all. The PA4 report said that he showed limited capability for work.

So experiences can be very different depending on the assessor. But even if you get a 'difficult' assessor, it can be fixed later on appeal.

You can phone the Assessment Centre tomorrow and ask for a Home Assessment. What sort of evidence did you include with your work capability form? However, see if you can get a letter from your GP to support the view that you can't attend an assessment centre.

I had help from SEAP. They aren't allowed to be a representative so can't speak for you so I'm not always sure why they are supposed to be an advocacy service. But just having her there was a help. I was able to speak for my son in his assessment as I am his appointee.

Do you know anyone that could attend the meeting with you and speak for you if you find it is too difficult? As said, you'd have to let DWP know that this person was your representative.

With regards to the above post, just tell them you find these kind of assessments particularly difficult, it means going to an unfamiliar place, with someone you don't know, asking questions you can't anticipate. Point out that you hardly leave the house anyway (shopping delivered, avoid contact with most people etc). If your evidence supports this, point out that it does. There are always explanations. Write them down if it helps before making this phone call. If you get stuck, ask if you can call back, put the phone down and wait until you can speak again.

I wish you all the best.

Alice_Holt

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/esa-medical-assessment/

"You must go to your assessment. If you don’t go, the DWP will assume that you’re fit for work and stop your claim. If you need to postpone it because you’re not well enough to go, make sure you call before the appointment.

Telephone: 0800 288 8777
Monday to Friday"

I would really urge you to try to go to the appointment, as the consequences of not going may be very difficult for you.

K80_Black

Mas3299 wrote: »

I feel stupid for even asking on a forum for help but I literally don’t have anyone to talk about it...

You shouldn't feel bad asking for help. I think you've been given some good practical advice on the ESA process, but it sounds like you might need some more support emotionally day to day. There are forums and communities for people with mental health problems, including ones specifically for people who self harm, which may be a good resource for you. One benefit of an online community in addition to real life support is that they're usually global, and you can often get instant support from a friendly Australian or similar, even if you're awake at silly o'clock. You also get to feel good about yourself by supporting others.

Just an idea, hope you give it some thought.

Mas3299

I went to the assessment and they wouldn’t let me go home on my own, But I did anyway.

They called the police for concerns for safety, the ambulance service and my GP... who I have an appointment with on Monday to review my care, So I might actually get the help I need.

Thank you for the replies and help.

[Deleted User]

I am sorry it was so difficult and stressful. At least they tried to keep you safe.

I know it will take a while but hope you feel better soon.

And well done for getting there. I was wondering how it went. I hope your GP is able to access therapy and care that will help.

Sending hugs. And prayers that whoever designed this system does it themselves daily at some point.