What do i do stay on incapacity or esa not sure?

soraya
soraya Member Posts: 108
edited 9. Nov 2011, 14:34 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi dont know how to word this really so bare with me please, been diagnosed with RA and have sciatica on top of it all, i am currently on Incapacity benefit and have been for 2 years as ive had some mental health issues, i still have to go get sick notes as io was working fulltime in an opticians upto then, do i have to inform benefits about my RA as i find myself fearful and at the point of knowing i couldnt hold down a fulltime /part time job as i can never say when im going to get a good day and feel ok im really stressed about this as i feel my life and working will in my mind have to become a thing of the past, the only other option i have found myself thinking is probably volunteering for charity work if and when able any advice would be really appreciated thanks guys and gals

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,844
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Soraya

    at the moment you are on incapacity for your mental health issues an dmaybe sciatica am l right??

    If they are not yet approaching you to go on ESA you may be wiser leaving well alone?? is it more money or less sicknotes on ESA then?

    I am only basing this on those on here who have applied for ESA who have found it really stressful...in your shoes l would get an appointment with CAB before you rock the boat

    Love and hugs

    Toni xx
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    get advice before doing anything just to be sure it the right one val
    val
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Soraya

    Sorry you are going through all this and the worry and stress on top of the pain. I agree with Toni and Val about keeping quiet until asked then fight for your rights. CAB is a good idea when needed. Try and put it out of your mind for a while if you can.

    Love
    Yvonne x
  • soraya
    soraya Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    frogmorton yes am getting incapacity for mental health only, have just been advised by occupational therapist to apply for dla mobility i have applied and do currently receive middle rate care and low rate mobility due to mental health and care for the affect the meds give me so im keeping my fingers crossed, will heed all the advice and just stick with the sicknotes for now thanks to you all xxx thanks vonski and also thanks val xxx