ESA Medical again!

woodbon

Hi Just when I thought I could relax, last week I had medical form through from DwP to fill in for the famous ATOS, to reassess me for ESA. I sent it back and today, I got an appointment through for the 1st of July, to have another medical. At first I lost my temper a bit, but then whats the point of that? Its only letting them get to you. So, if Jerry can get the time off I can go.
its about 15 miles or so away, across the other side of the city and much further than I can drive these days, besides I need someone with me to make sure I go! Its only 6 months since the tribunal, what a waste of money.
I know that they have to keep an eye on people but, I feel fed up and worried. We can manage without the money, which if they stop it, we'll have to as I'm not able to sign on as fit for work at the moment, I have to see several people at the hospital to get a care plan and I haven't got an appointment yet and their is still the chance that they will change their minds about surgery. I want to work, I'm fed up here on my own but I can''t go back to my old type of work as its too physical and the council have retired. My documents from them say that they will not employ me in any capacity as I am not considered 'safe'. Oh well, I'll stop moaning, it doesn't help. Love Sue

madwestie

Oh Sue what a nuscience and a waste of your time.
You would think they would look at these things reasonably and think you have only been assessed 6 months ago I am sure there are people who should be reassessed before you.
I will be thinking of you I am sure you will be fine. Can you take all the paperwork from your tribunal with you it may make them sit up and think if nothing else.

You are right it is not worth letting them get to you but it is difficult isn't it.
Sending you Hugs

Tracey

traluvie

Hi Sue...

Sorry to hear you have to go again.. I suppose they are just checking to see if there is any change in your condition..I'm sure as soon as they see you they will decide that you are still not fit enough for work yet..I know it's a horrible experience but you are genuine and they should see this..
Try to put it to the back of your mind, or even write all your anxieties down,, you don't won't to be fretting up to your appointment, it will not do you any good..
Hope you feeling bit better about things soon..

jenzie06

I was in the same boat!!

Two months after tribunal I was sent the stupid form again then sent a medical appointment. Decided to give up as I didn't have the energy to go through it just to get my NI credit paid.

I had been put into the support group too! I thought they left you alone if you were put there.

Crazy process but will the people who make the decisions listen - NO.

Good Luck!

Jen xx

woodbon

Hi, Theirs something about the way the system is being run at the moment, treating people like criminals and makeing some of us feel guilty, for having something that I can't control. Its not a life choice for us, its something that changes our lives taking AWAY a lot of the plans we have. Anyway, we have to live with the system the way it is, however unfair, so Ill stop banging on and go to back to the Hanging Shed, don't worry its a book I'm reading, I'm not fit enough to get into the shed!!! Thank you for listening Love Suexxxxxx

lorica

Hi Sue,

Im sorry to hear they have called you in for another assessment. I have had a visit today from an ATOS registered GP. I have felt so ill all day at the thought of his visit.

I think its safe to say we all feel for you, and we can all empathise with you. Just dont let them beat you.

Take care

Mark

dreamdaisy

If your appointment was for 3rd June you've missed it (it was a Friday) if it's the 3rd July also check it because that's a Sunday. Would they really work on Sundays? They should (it's called clearing a backlog I guess, tho this seems like generating work to me) but please, woodbon, check the date. DD

frogmorton

Hi Sue

we will be with you lass to support you all the way, but let us know the date and time.

All will be well they will know you won at tribunal...Jen it is dreadful to hear that you have given up :x

Love

toni xx

woodbon

dreamdaisy wrote:

If your appointment was for 3rd June you've missed it (it was a Friday) if it's the 3rd July also check it because that's a Sunday. Would they really work on Sundays? They should (it's called clearing a backlog I guess, tho this seems like generating work to me) but please, woodbon, check the date. DD

Sorry DD my brain seems to have gone into mush :shock: I've just changed it on my post - its the 1st of July! I don't know whats wrong with me, I keep making mistakes like that.

dreamdaisy

We all do, hon, that's why I raised the matter. I had part 2 of the Challenging Pain course on Monday, 10.15 to 1, and another apppointment at 11am the same day in a different town. I was quite happy about that for a few days! Needless to say I cancelled that latter but it took a while for me to realise that even I, being the Wonderwoman I undoubtedly am, could not be in two places at once. I am glad you checked. DD

justinbarrow

lorica wrote:

Hi Sue,

Im sorry to hear they have called you in for another assessment. I have had a visit today from an ATOS registered GP. I have felt so ill all day at the thought of his visit.

Mark

Good to hear you had a home visit - How did you manage that they usually want you to go to them only to be told the appointment has been cancelled.

justinbarrow

Hi Sue,

Try not to worry (I know its difficult) and it annoys me that genuine Ill people are treated like this while people who have a drug/alcohol addiction are exempt from these types of medicals.

My father in law had a valid sick note which he sent to DWP for 12 months but just 4 weeks into it with 11 months left he had the forms to fill in and a medical appointment arranged for him to attend you would think that if your GP has given a 12 month sick note that they would of left him alone until near the time it runs out but no. Its like they are contradicting what a patients GP`s opinions are on their own patients illness.

Is a disgrace and I am sure we are all thinking of you but try not to let it worry you.

woodbon

Hi Thank you all for the support, it really does help. I've been looking around and it seems that a lot of people are being re-assessed at the moment. i'm glad that its not just me, I was begining the think the postman had reported me for being well enough to answer the door!!! :oops:

Something I've picked up bits about, but can't find a proper informative piece about is the changes which may result in ESA being stopped for people who have been on over a year, as from next April. All I've found are bits of stories about how everyone will be able to work or claim benefit if they don't have much income. Has anyone heard anything more coherrant than that? Love Sue

julie47

Here I am sue....ready to back you all the way.

Will be in your pocket on the 1st (you did say 1st yes...don't worry you did)

Take care
Juliepf x

justinbarrow

woodbon wrote:

Something I've picked up bits about, but can't find a proper informative piece about is the changes which may result in ESA being stopped for people who have been on over a year, as from next April. All I've found are bits of stories about how everyone will be able to work or claim benefit if they don't have much income. Has anyone heard anything more coherrant than that? Love Sue

I think if you are placed into the work related activity support group of ESA and after a year or so in the group if either have not made an effort to find a job or found one then the ESA gets reduced I dont think it stops but not 100% sure.

I have also heard that if you are on jobseekers and claim housing benefit then they are trying to make it so you have to pay 10% towards the cost of the rent if after a year you are still out of work which does not make any sense to me as your situation would not have changed in terms of money coming in.

I think these changes are radical and then after all this in around 2015 they are scrapping the lot and bringing in a new benefit called the Universal Credit which is designed to simplify the system, only time will tell if it will or not :roll:

One thing is certain all this change will be costing an absolute fortune to put into place.

joanielinda

Hi,im a newbie to this forum but glad i found it. I too have been to an esa medical,then a tribunal. Im so fed up as i too have to do it all over again on july 1st. I am in pain all day every day like most people with this awful illness. Its just not fair to be treated like criminals,why send us to medicals so quickly after going through it such a short time ago. 6 months in my case. Why arent our g.ps and hospital consultants being taken seriously? All this stress doesnt help. Im really worried and dont know how i will cope if i have to go through another appeal. What work can i do when sometimes i cant even get up off of the toilet and my 17 year old son has to help me get dressed! Leave us alone this illness does not suddenly get better. Im so fed up....

woodbon

Hi It really does seem mad! I can see the benefit (no pun intended) of having one universal benefit, with special allowances for people with kids or special help that costs them money like if you need more than 2 medications on prescription, or pay someone to do ironing or take the kids to school. How much are all the changes costing and then when they change again more expense. Strange world! Love Suexx

woodbon

joanielinda wrote:

Hi,im a newbie to this forum but glad i found it. I too have been to an esa medical,then a tribunal. Im so fed up as i too have to do it all over again on july 1st. I am in pain all day every day like most people with this awful illness. Its just not fair to be treated like criminals,why send us to medicals so quickly after going through it such a short time ago. 6 months in my case. Why arent our g.ps and hospital consultants being taken seriously? All this stress doesnt help. Im really worried and dont know how i will cope if i have to go through another appeal. What work can i do when sometimes i cant even get up off of the toilet and my 17 year old son has to help me get dressed! Leave us alone this illness does not suddenly get better. Im so fed up....

Hello, I'm glad you've found us, as I think this is a great site, but sorry you need to. Sounds as if you've been through a lot. I had my medical just after Christmas and now I have to have one on the 1st of July! Its called a reassessment and supossed to help know what I can do and what I can't so I can go to work. I wish I could go back, I miss it, but have, like you a lot of pain and medical appointments. I hope yours goes well, thinking of you, Love Suexxxx

joanielinda

woodbon wrote:

joanielinda wrote:

Hi,im a newbie to this forum but glad i found it. I too have been to an esa medical,then a tribunal. Im so fed up as i too have to do it all over again on july 1st. I am in pain all day every day like most people with this awful illness. Its just not fair to be treated like criminals,why send us to medicals so quickly after going through it such a short time ago. 6 months in my case. Why arent our g.ps and hospital consultants being taken seriously? All this stress doesnt help. Im really worried and dont know how i will cope if i have to go through another appeal. What work can i do when sometimes i cant even get up off of the toilet and my 17 year old son has to help me get dressed! Leave us alone this illness does not suddenly get better. Im so fed up....

Hello, I'm glad you've found us, as I think this is a great site, but sorry you need to. Sounds as if you've been through a lot. I had my medical just after Christmas and now I have to have one on the 1st of July! Its called a reassessment and supossed to help know what I can do and what I can't so I can go to work. I wish I could go back, I miss it, but have, like you a lot of pain and medical appointments. I hope yours goes well, thinking of you, Love Suexxxx

Hi, well ive been to the medical again and i dont know how it went ,just that ive come home and had a good cry.I think its a crime making genuine people feel guilty.I worked over 20 years full time and need help now as i really cant work.I would love to work i hate the pain and the loneliness of being at home on my own.Im just hoping that the decision maker gets it right this time.We all know there are fraudsters but most of us are not.I have to wait 2 weeks till i know the outcome,so i will be back then with the news.Hope all goes well for you. Joanie

joanielinda

Well suprise,suprise my money is being stopped and i have to apply for jsa. I was awarded 9 points because i have difficulty walking,standing and sitting.I have a lady helping me get to doctors or hospital apointments etc.maybe i can get a job with her tagging along? Im in the home 24/7 and have help with my housework and shopping.For goodness sake what job can i apply for? Im devastated where is the fairness of this medical system? I wish i was fit and able,i dont even have a social life because of this awful arthritis! So now its appeals and tribunals again,how much is this all costing??? Im off now i cant see through all my tears. HELP!

dorcas

Hi joanielinda

I'm so sorry you've had such bad news regarding entitlement to ESA.... the 'Work Capability Assessment' is such an inadequate and poorly administered method of assessing people's health needs.... it has come under such criticism from the major disability charities and forums; yet they persist in using it!

It is appalling that you have to, yet again, consider going through the process of appeal and tribunal, which in itself is stressful. :roll:

...some notes of my own that might help you:

You have the right to

1. ask for an explanation of dwp's decision. (either in writing or by phone)
2. ask for a copy of the ATOS medical assessment. (you will need this!)
3. ask for dwp to 'Reconsider' their decision. (this is a step you can choose to take before going to appeal.)
4. appeal. If after reconsidering the decision dwp have not changed their decision about your entitlement to ESA you can then still appeal and go to an appeals tribunal.

With steps 3 & 4 I would strongly suggest you attach any medical reports, physio, ortho, GP reports etc and take the time to go through the ATOS medical assessment line by line noting areas of disagreement and saying why you think that these elements are wrong. Attach all of this information to your letter asking for Reconsideration/ Appeal Application.

I contacted my MP and he was incredibly supportive... so maybe you could enlist the support of your MP too?
thinking of you....

Iris xx


ps...you are entitled under the ESA regulations to continue to receive ESA while appealing and until the matter is heard before a tribunal

joanielinda

Thank you so much its nice to have support from someone who really understands,i have elderly parents who i dont like to worry.Unfortunately my dad has altziemers and mum age 77 is looking after him,it upsets me as i cant help her as much as i want.Your advice has been very helpful to me even though this is my 2nd time going through this.I keep thinking why me? There are so few jobs for able bodied people,im so worried as i know that with the assessment test as it is i have no chance of succeeding.This is all making me so depressed.Sorry to pour out my problems but i somehow feel better sharing them.Thanks again, Joanie

frogmorton

Hi Joannie

i am just back from my hols and reading your post and fuming!!!

l've come back and there are two of you :evil and no doubt Sue woodbon too though l hope not.

the advice you have already been given is 100% sound - l just want to add my support to your battle.

Love

toni xx