ESA.

welshgooner

Hi everyone, I'm new here and thought I would post on this subject today.
I have had chronic RA for about 10 years. I have been on various medication including Meth/Sulfalazine/and more recently a couple of the bio drugs. Embrel worked well for me for about 2 years then last year began to break down, I have started on Humira, not great to date. I find it very painful everyday and life is not great. Anyway, I had back my DWP letter this morning telling me I was being placed in the work related group for 12 months. I am astounded! I haven't been accessed by any medical pro from the DWP. Before I was forced to give up work my wife and I ran a small business, I would love to work again but just can't. A few questions. If I appeal will my money be stopped while the appeal takes place? Also after 12 months on this benefit what happens then? I really can't work and even when I'm not in pain the heavy duty painkillers make it difficult for me to concentrate. Any advice would be welcome, thanks for reading this rambling piece.
Den.

tjt6768

Hi, and welcome to the forum.
Those ESA sh1t$ are causing so many problems for so many of us on here..
I'm currently appealing after also bring placed in the work related activity group, my benefit has carried on being paid as normal, I've been told that the appeal process is a long one as they are so behind with everything.
I'm not sure what happens after a yr, I think it may depend on circumstances. I know a friend had his money stopped after a yr, but he gets a private pension and his partner is working, although he is only on a low wage.. :shock: However, my friend has appealed to be placed in the support group as we are and his money has started again whilst the appeal goes ahead..

I hope that helps a little.. It's a farce, the whole system is based on results and therefore, they don't care about us genuine people that are affected.. Stress can be a major factor with RA flare ups etc.. Think they give a crap though?
Sorry, started ranting then..

I wish you the very best of luck with the appeal, keep posting, let us know how you go on?

justinbarrow

I would appeal as they will keep you on some sort of payment until your appeal comes up, Did you fill in any forms (esa 50) It seems ridiculous that they have put you in the work related category when they haven't even sent you for a medical.

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you but I am sorry that I cannot help with the ESA question. I am struggling to carry on working but I am in the lucky position of being self-employed so I can tailor things according to the state of play with the arthritis. I too am on humira, meth and sulph and I agree with you, they don't seem to do a lot for the pain but I do know that my PsA is reasonably well controlled - it's the OA that is a ******* at the moment!

I hope you find the forum a source of support and information, I am sure others will spot your question and will be along to answer but I know that many on here are fighting battles with these idiotic healthy officials who appear not to have the slightest clue about lives which are nothing like theirs. DD

tjt6768

yeah, you're right Justin. I forgot to mention that bit..
I thought that everyone had to go through one? Someone I know had one over the phone :shock:
I had a home visit as I was in a pretty bad way (pretty much as I am now :roll: ) and they still put me in the WRAG...
Bunch of idiots..
Den, do you have access to citizens advise or D.I.A.L?

justinbarrow

Hi Tony, I think they go by what's on the form to decide if they send you for a medical I have yet to hear of someone who has not had to go for one though but there will be a small few.

Going by the original post I am amazed they have made a decision without any medical evidence or examination, and like you say there are so many people appealing there is a huge back log.

Then there will be even more appeals from next year when they scrap DLA and bring in the new P.I.P payments there are going to be lots of people having medicals twice over one for the ESA and then again for the new P.I.P Payments.

They must be spending an absolute fortune on all this.

tjt6768

spending a fortune is right, and all into the pockets of a private firm who know nothing about medical conditions..
I'm dreading the pip thing.. Another bloody hoop to jump through, not easy when your knees don't work eh?
I'm very close to having a massive rant and probably getting myself into bother so, I'll calm down now lol..

welshgooner

Many thanks for the replies everyone. I too expected to go for a medical. I went onto a site that deals with the ESA and I filled in their form which is exactly the same as the one I filled in. I answered the same and that site is advising that I should be in the support group. I will appeal, seems to me as if they are wasting more money on these private companies than they are saving! It makes me sick to see the full time scroungers get away with it all the time. Thanks for your help everyone.
Den.

justinbarrow

welshgooner wrote:

It makes me sick to see the full time scroungers get away with it all the time. Thanks for your help everyone.
Den.

This is what was said from day one, the genuine ones will suffer while the ones taking the mick will get everything going hassle free, keep us posted how you get on and like Tony said try and see someone at your local citizens advice they will help with any appeal or concerns you have.

tjt6768

Yep Den, they never target the right people eh?
Makes my blood boil...

Take it easy and the best of luck