Polymyalgia Rheumatica and ESA benefit?

canarybird
canarybird Member Posts: 2
edited 17. Sep 2010, 14:01 in Living with Arthritis archive
I am new to this forum and would very much like feedback from any other PMR sufferer who has managed to claim ESA benefit. I have been claiming jobseekers allowance but as my health has deteriorated thay are now stating that I should be applying for ESA, what problems am I likely to face?

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I cannot help but an informative thread may be the one started by dorcas entitled 'ATOS-DWP and ESA' (I think). Many people around here are experiencing problems with ESA applications. I iwsh you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,792
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I agree with Dreandaisy - you need to look at the thread she named - it is a bit of a nightmare getting it, but it CAN be done if you are determined.

    Good luck from me

    Love

    Toni xx
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Canary

    I have both PMR and GCA but have never needed to claim benefits. My previous employers (I retired at the end of March this year) were extremely understanding of my condition and allowed me to take time off/work at home as my health fluctuated.

    However, if you look a little further down the list here on this forum you will see a thread called 'Limited capacity for work' by Penfactor. On it is a very good clear explanation of how ESA works by Dorcas.

    I hope this is helpful and if I can help in any way - I've had PMR for approx 9 years - please do contact me me either via the forum or with a PM.

    I hope you are getting all the medical help you need with this somewhat misunderstood condition.

    Love
    Annie
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 17. Sep 2010, 11:06
    Got the wrong head on today - I'll bump the thread up for you. Sorry. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think Toni means it's a nightmare getting ESA not looking for the thread!!

    Hehe
    Janie
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi canarybird and welcome to the forum :D

    I have PA and have recently been through the procedure of applying for ESA .....and have just come out the other side of the assessment process! I've copied my post to penfactor which I thought you might find useful.....

    so.. here's my beginner's Guide to understanding ESA & ATOS

    1. When you first apply... if you meet the initial criteria for ESA then you are awarded ESA at the 'Assessment Rate'.. this is what we are all placed on while the dwp assess our medium to long term eligibility for ESA. The assessment period is 14 weeks.(I think?)

    2. You then attend a 'Pathways to Work' Interview within 6weeks of being granted ESA ....and told at that interview that you will be called to attend a Medical Assessment in the near future. (some people don't have to attend a medical if they are terminally ill for example)

    3. You will also be sent a Self Assessment Questionnaire to complete and send in to ATOS.

    4. You attend the medical assessment at one of the ATOS medical centres. The medical assessment has to be done prior to the end of the assessment period of 14 weeks to determine whether you continue on one of the two levels of ESA ....OR are refused and told you are fit for work & to apply for jobseeker's allowance instead.

    5. You then receive the decision letter from DWP.(can take 2weeks to get the decision letter)

    There are 3 possible outcomes to an ATOS medical

    5.1. That you do not fit the criteria for ESA (people who score less than 15 points in the medical assessment) and are 'Fit For work' and should apply for Jobseeker's Allowance or get a job.

    5.2.that you have been assessed as having 'Limited Capability for Work' and will receive ESA at the 'Limited Capability 'Rate. (people who score at least 15 points in the medical assessment) The letter will tell you you have been placed in the 'Work Capability Group' and will be obliged to attend and to 'fully participate' in further 'Pathways To Work' interviews where you will have to show how you're managing your condition so as to work towards a return to the workplace. You do not have to hand in any more medical certificates.

    5.3. that you have been assessed as having 'Limited Capability for Work' but it is of such significance that you cannot be reasonable expected to work in the longer term and so are placed in the 'Support Group. People who are placed in the 'Support Group'will receive ESA at the highest rate and do not have to attend any further interviews or hand in any more medical certificates.

    People in the Support Group are those with a terminal illness or 'significant mental impairment or physical disability'
    I hope that's helpful for you canarybird :wink:

    Applying for ESA is such a complicated bureaucratic process and the literature isn't all that clear.

    Good luck!

    Iris xx
  • beowolf
    beowolf Member Posts: 88
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi canarybird

    sorry i'm no use to you at all :(

    i have oa and don't claim esa.......no help to you there but just wanted to welcome you to the forum :D

    as DD will tell you, you will find wise women (and a few wise men ) who will shower you with pearls of wisdom

    ok that sounds a bit painful but you know what i mean :D

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