I can't sign on

SeaJ

Hello

I haven't worked for a long time and in a few weeks it looks like the DWP are going to rule I now have to look for work. I can't because of mental health issues. In 2015 I was diagnosed by a clinical psychologist who said I have borderline personality disorder, adhd, social phobia and other things.

I can't do it. I can't go to places where other people are because I get paranoid and then panicky and then I get andry. I don't even go out of my house. I am considering just not signing on because I do not want to go through all the appointments and interviews and sanctions and stress of it all. It depresses me to think about it. It really isn't a choice either, I just can't do it. I would rather not sign on and not claim any benefits. Please don't judge me because I am not lazy it's just very complicated.

My wife doesn't get anything from the government because I think it is all tied in with my ESA. Neither of us work and my wife can't work because of her physical disabilities. What I would like to know is can my wife claim instead of me signing on? I don't care if she won't get any money for me and I don't care I won't have any national insurance. I try to imagine if I wasn't living in our house. Surely my wife would be able to claim something?

Please can someone advise me?

Alice_Holt

Why does " it looks like the DWP are going to rule I now have to look for work"?

Have you failed an ESA reassessment?

Does either you or your wife claim PIP?

Would your wife's physical disabilities score her the 15 plus points to get into the Universal Credit LCW group using the WCA test:
http://www.mybenefitsandwork.co.uk/med2/indexxx.php

sheramber

From previous posts both the OP and his wife receive PIP

Alice_Holt

sheramber wrote: »

From previous posts both the OP and his wife receive PIP

Thanks.
Then claiming UC and both being placed in the no works requirement group on the basis of having caring responsibilities may be a possibility, if both are getting the Daily Living component.

Hopefully the OP will come back with more info about their current benefit situation,

SeaJ

I have to fill in a work capability questionnaire and I think they will take me off because you here so many horrible stories.

Yes we both have PIP but mine is being assessed in September. We both have the daily care component but none of us have mobility.

I think my wife would qualify for that if it is 15 points overall but not if it is 15 points for each category. But I have to look at the worse case situation anyway. I don't care if I have little to no money. I just can't cope with what they will demand.

Alice_Holt

You're getting in advance of yourself. Take it one stage at a time. Try not to catastrophize.

Help with completing the ESA 50 form:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/fill-in-form/

Be sure to explain this on the form " I can't go to places where other people are because I get paranoid and then panicky and then I get angry. I don't even go out of my house. I am considering just not signing on because I do not want to go through all the appointments and interviews and sanctions and stress of it all. It depresses me to think about it. It really isn't a choice either, I just can't do it."

If you can and have time to, get help with the form form a local advice centre / CAB.

More info here:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance

Be sure to explain fully the difficulties you have on the form, use additional pages if necessary. If you have medical evidence readily available then include this.

Regulations 29 and 35 may be important to you
http://www.cpag.org.uk/content/making-exception

Explain fully on the form (in the Other Info box) why being found fit for work would be a risk to your health.

What ESA group are you currently in? And why were you placed in that group?

BTW - It's 15 points in total.

SeaJ

Thank you very much for the advice Alice, I much appreciate it. I don't know if I can read it all because of my adhd. I feel overwhelmed by all the information. I know that sounds pathetic but it is true. My friend is very good at this sort of thing and she is helping me so I will send her a few of the links.

A few years ago I was taken off Incapacity Benefit and put on ESA. That was automatic with no change elsewhere or face to face assessments. As for which ESA group I am in, I really couldn't tell you but the last time I was assessed for work was about 5 or 6 years ago.

My wife would easily get 15 points. But that would mean a new claim, meaning we would (or she would) go to UC and then I think our money would be lowered even though nothing has changed for us.

snapdoodle

First don't panic. If you are waiting a decision from the DWP stop worrying until it comes. I fully understand where you are coming from since I was diagnosed with BPD 11 years ago. I know how quickly your emotions and anger can change.

There is some good advice on here to follow.

With ESA you can appeal if you don't get enough points under one of the regs (35) that being found fit for work would put you at substantial risk to your life. With a diagnosis of BPD this would apply especially if you have been or experiences thoughts of harming yourself.

Do you get any mental health support? CPN? Psychiatrist? Social Worker? Have you had any therapy especially aimed at a diagnosis of BPD, such as Mentalization Based Therapy or DBT?

Also if you both get PIP, have a look at claiming carer allowance (or the premium) if you both care for each other. i.e you care for your partner with physical disabilities whilst she supports you with your mental health issues. You can both claim for each other if you are caring for each other more than 35 hours a week.

I'd seek some advice from Welfare Rights or the CAB.

SeaJ

Thank you snapdoodle, you are right about not worrying as it doesn't solve anything, but I just can't help it.

I used to see a therapist every week but when my son left education or money went down and now I am finding it difficult to see anyone. Our money dropped by £84 a week what with child benefit and child tax credits. That was tough to take.

I didn't know you could be a carer for each other, I thought it was just one.

TELLIT01

SeaJ wrote: »

I have to fill in a work capability questionnaire and I think they will take me off because you here so many horrible stories.

The only stories you ever hear are the horror stories about where health assessments go wrong, but the vast majority have the correct outcome as your original claim did. At this stage there is nothing you can do apart from wait for the reassessment. Easy to say from the outside, but try not to get too stressed whilst waiting.

SeaJ

I've never heard that before Tellit01, I've always heard how it's an unfair process where they are looking for any reason to take you off.

Thank you for the encouragement.