Asking for help

Hils

Hi everyone,
I have decided to bite the bullet and make a claim for ESA (contributions based) : . After all the problems i read people are having with this, i am reluctant, but have been stongly advised to follow it through.

I have also applied to social services for an Occupational Therapy asessment for help/equipment advice for my home.

Does anyone have any practical advice for me such as does and don'ts regarding either ESA or OT assessment? I like many others suffer from anxiety and depression and am particularly worried as to hope i will cope with the ESA procedures.

tillytop

Hello Hils

I can't help with your query but I know that others will be along soon with good advice. Good luck with it!

Love Tilly xxx

dreamdaisy

I haven't been through the ESA process so no, I cannot help, but I do wish you well - be kind to yourself, take things one step at a time, perhaps ring the helpline here for advice, or contact your local CAB or DIAL.

As for OT help etc., I did contact our local Social Services, many moons ago about getting some help with things in the house: the girl who came to see me was very kind, quite thorough, thought about things that had not really occurred to me and was, overall, very helpful. I ended up with new handrails for both flights of stairs (can now only do the first flight really, the second does finish me off!) a raised toilet frame/seat effort and a bath board (which I must return as I don't use it - thank you for the prompt on that. :oops: ) DD

coco67

hi hills,
ESA....apply for it you have nothing to loose,you have to send is sick notes from the dr untill medical, ive just had my medical(took several months to get it but got paid the lower rate whilst i waited) and awaiting the outcome.eventually they will send you a medical form, fill in your forms as if its one of your realy bad days. get someone to help you and brain storm over it. get them to fill it in if you have trouble with your hands or they will say your fit for work cose you wrote your own form.

once you get to the forms give us a shout and we will help you your not on your own.

seamonkey

Hi i just wanted to say My OTs have been absolutely wonderful. the aids they have given me mean i no longer have to ask my children for help all the time. I can get out of bed put socks on go upstairs etc by myself. Any problems you are having tell them and you will be surprised that someone has come up with an aid to help you. They have made all the difference to my daily life and she even phones to see how my scans etc have gone. My doctor refered me to them as an urgent case and they were here in no time at all. I even have a stool and rail made just for my shower. Any problem no matter how small you think it is mention it and see what help they can give you.
All the best and i hope it goes well, I too have just applied for ESA on the advice of the CAB. So fingers Xd for the both of us. Its not a nice prospect but needs must.
Seamonkey

barbara12

Hi
Sorry I cant help with your question, but you go for it, dont ever be put off because other have been refused.
I know a few people on here have had to appeal but they got there in the end
Good Luck with it, and please let us know how you get on
Barbara x

tjt6768

Have just posted on another similar thread the only real advice I can give, and that is to photocopy all forms and send them off recorded delivery, I have always done this, have heard of many others who's forms have been 'lost' and have to start from scratch..

Best of luck