ESA

snoopydog
snoopydog Member Posts: 10
edited 20. Jan 2010, 11:04 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi Peeps

I have my 6th interview with the job centre today for ESA, it will be by phone as i am too poorly to attend in person. I just wondered whether anybody has been put in the group where they dont have to work. I have been reading the ESA posts for months and dont recall anybody being put in this group. When i attended for my first interview the lady advised that when it was incapacity benefit because i am on high rate DLA i would qualify for IB permanently. But under the new ESA only people in a coma or terminally ill would qualify for this. I informed her i was going to appeal against the decision as i had a note from my doctor who would fully support my appeal. She told me not to appeal as it would be a wast of time.

I wondered whether anybody has appealed and been successful :!:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank ARC for all their hard work in fighting for arthritis sufferers and think they are doing a wonderful job. I wish i had found this site when i was going through all the emotions of coming to terms with my RA. Everybody on here is so supportive of each other, i have been reading your threads for months and have laughed and cried along with you. :oops:

Comments

  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, My neice, who has a neuro condition similar to MS, gets full esa and dosn't have to do more than fill in a form, well, she can't hold a pen anymore so we do it for her. She has been able to walk around the house until a couple of months ago, when a bad fall upset her. She now has an electric wheelchair and gets about in that.

    Shes not able to work, but never had any problems getting full benifits, she worked until a couple of years ago.

    Don't know if that helps, but although shes quite disabled, she is very, very far from being in a coma!!! FAr too noisy!
    Love Sue
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I'm on ESA and have been for over a year. I haven't heard a word from them since my last interview with Shaw Trust. I expect I'll hear from them once I've had my first operation. Not sure what happens after that. I haven't been re-assessed yet. I did think about applying for DLA but just don't seem to have the energy for it.

    It's all very confusing!

    Sharmaine
    snoopydog wrote:
    Hi Peeps

    I have my 6th interview with the job centre today for ESA, it will be by phone as i am too poorly to attend in person. I just wondered whether anybody has been put in the group where they dont have to work. I have been reading the ESA posts for months and dont recall anybody being put in this group. When i attended for my first interview the lady advised that when it was incapacity benefit because i am on high rate DLA i would qualify for IB permanently. But under the new ESA only people in a coma or terminally ill would qualify for this. I informed her i was going to appeal against the decision as i had a note from my doctor who would fully support my appeal. She told me not to appeal as it would be a wast of time.

    I wondered whether anybody has appealed and been successful :!:

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank ARC for all their hard work in fighting for arthritis sufferers and think they are doing a wonderful job. I wish i had found this site when i was going through all the emotions of coming to terms with my RA. Everybody on here is so supportive of each other, i have been reading your threads for months and have laughed and cried along with you. :oops:
  • snoopydog
    snoopydog Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for your reply Sue. I hope you hear soon about your ESA and are successful.

    I have had my tel interview and was advised that this would be my last interview. I advised that i am in so much pain i couldnt imagine going through the process of looking for work let alone holding down a job. She told me not to worry as i will not have to attend any more medicals or interviews but will continue to receive ESA. If my condition improves and i would like to look for work she will be here to help!

    Thanks for your reply Sharmaine, you are right it is all very confusing. I think you should apply for DLA i know it is a hastle but will be worth trying if you are awarded it. You could book an appt with the CAB and they will do all the work for you, if you are too poorly they maybe able to come and visit you at home to fill the form in.

    Luv Julie :P