ESA

lauramuk

Hi everyone sorry to be a pest but im a bit confused about applying for ESA.

Ive heard you can 'fail'. Just wondered how this is possible when im recieving it because my GP has said im not fit to work so how can they say you are? Im recieving money at the moment but ive just been sent another questionaire about what i can and cant do??

Bit confused! :roll:

woodbon

Hi, Its a mad world, I have a pension from work because their doc said I was not well enough to do any form of work they had, I worked for the council. My GP has signed me off and has made clear that she will not agree to my working again. Yet when I got the ESA medical form, I can see by reading it through I might well fail to be awarded anything. Its quite common, only 16% of people who claim get it on first application, I think I read somewhere. If you appeal, you are very much more likely to be awarded it.

I'm sorry to go on about it and I may well be totally wrong, as I've only got other peoples experience to go on so far. I hope for all of our sakes that I am wrong.

If you get help from the CAB or DIAL, to fill in the form, I have been told by the Jobcentre that its more likely to be awarded, as they know the form of words that these people like to see! I really really hope I haven't put you off. Please get some advise the Help Line here will be able to help you as well. Good luck!

Love Sue

sharmaine

Hi Laura

I started receiving my ESA last October - I applied in September. My doctor has signed me off work for 12 months. I'm now on the waiting list to have first total knee replacement operation. Yes, you will receive payments, but you will also have a medical (normally within 3 months - outside assessor not your GP). You will also have to attend about 5/6 job related interviews. They will be in contact with your GP just be sure to keep your GP informed either at your next appointment or even a letter to the him/her at the surgery.

I don't exactly know what happens after that. I think I may have to go for another medical and will need another doctors certificate not sure how it works. I never thought of asking those questions!

Sharmaine

shelleymogui

It is very confusing.

My father failed the medical and was told to appeal but to be honest we are losing faith with it every second, although appealing is apparently some kind of 'standard procedure'. Its weird and totally mind boggling. It would help if we were getting something, any kind of help cos my partner and I are both on low income wages but my dad hasn't been given any payments even though you are supposed to while you are applying and doing all medical assessments and things.

We have another form to do tonight. Joy....oh Joy.

Shelley

penfactor

Hi Laura, Yes it is VERY confusing & the officers working for the DWP/Jobcentre also admit it finding it confusing too! I think it's all still new, they are understaffed & underfunded and also in process of making new plans! None of which is any use to us of course!
Hi Sue, so you have your medical form, now? I'm still waiting for mine - are you going to ask advice from CAB/ DIAL filling it in? I can't get to CAB at mo cos of my op - do you know if they can help on phone?
Love Pen Xx

sharmaine

Hi

The Arthritis Care site have a bit of informaton on ESA have a read it may help.

Sharmaine