turned down at ESA appeal

jenzie06

Surprise, Surprise!
Got my letter through today stating that I hadn't provided any new evidence and whoever did the reconsideration agreed with the healthcare professional. There was no mention of the incorrect statement on the medical report. What a waste of a stamp!

Does anyone know what I have to do now?

I'm not entitled to any money all I'm after is my NI contributions to be paid. Apparently that is too much to ask. I'm also 5 months pregnant and not able to take any medication to help me out! But I'm to go to the job centre and sign on as fit for work having been signed off by my GP for 6 months.

Another Merry Christmas from the DWP!

trisher

Hi

I have not worked for years because of all the medical problems I have.

Do you mean your GP has signed you fit to work? If yes, 5 and 6 months makes 11 months.

What about the baby coming? Will you be able to claim maternity money?

How do you manage if you have a flare or are not well because you cannot take meds to make you feel better????

They seem to be stopping benefits too far now.

These people who have claimed benefits, got their mortgage paid, then claiming for children that don't live in this country, these are the ones who have made it bad for us all.

Can you appeal or is this a final decision?

Take care

Trish xxx

suncatcher

So sorry u have lost your appeal got my incapacity one after christmas and ive applied for esa. im not looking forward to it all im hearing is bad news. so sorry to hear your news joanne

jenzie06

Thanks for the messages.

Trish - I was signed off work for another 6months (the DWP wanted the form). My GP was completely happy to do this and would do it for longer if she thought the DWP wouldn't kick up a fuss. I've been signed off for a year. I'm only allowed steroids whilst being pregnant and have been off any effective meds for over a year (hence being signed off for so long). Rheumy said there's a certain amount of grinning and bearing it while I'm pregnant. After the baby is born I can get on some meds. I'm only allowed paracetamol too! Have to say it's a struggle sometimes!

Starburst

I don't have any advice but I'm really sorry. Can you appeal their decision?

woodbon

It all sounds like a sick joke. How can you be fit for work if your GP has signed you off. No employer would be allowed to take the risk and employ you if you'r unwell and signed off. When you go back to work before a docs cert runs out they have to sign a certificate to say your fit to work. I had to have one for the council when I went back to work last year! I'm so sorry for you, at this time you need to relax and rest, not worry and try going about to get help.

Hope you keep well. Love Sue

jenzie06

Thanks for the replies. I'm not losing any sleep over this as its not worth it. I will be appealing again. I've decided to follow the rules and jump through every hoop they ask me too and when they turn me down again I can then kick up a proper stink. My MP is already involved and has promised help when I've followed the process through.

I would love a full time proper job. At the moment I'm volunteering for 2-3hrs a week at my local museum in order to keep myself from going insane at home. To be honest, some weeks I can't even do 2 hrs which is a bit poo.

I'd like to see the medical assessment people today as I'm having a flare up and being taken care of by my hubbie. I've even got it affecting my jaw (its either RA or lockjaw!) so I'm having trouble speaking and eating. Haven't had that for a few years! And I was really looking forward to my roast dinner, had to suck most of it!!