downs son and esa

lulubell69

Just received a letter from DWP to say my 22 year old Downs Syndrome son is due to be reassessed for ESA. Do they really think that his condition can be 'cured'. They will firstly phone interview him then he will have a medical. My son will pass the medical with flying colours, he is very able bodied, but with severe learning difficulties, so it is going to be very interesting to see the outcome. He currently gets £110 week (approx) on" incapacity in youth benefit" (a little known benefit which is now being phased out) and if he gets transferred to ESA his income will drop by about half to whatever the ESA rate is. Any idea anyone ???
He also gets full DLA, however, he can walk fine but cannot go anywhere on his own so where does this leave him regarding the mobility component?
There is very little info about people with learning disabilities as opposed to us with physical disabilities. I have severe RA and my renewal forms are waiting to be filled in, hopefully I won't need a medical again, I think they are starting that next year.
Nobody tells you how stressful having a disability is, as if we aren't suffering enough.

take care
Les x

elainebadknee

Hi

I think by what youve said your son shouldnt be reassessed as you say his downs is never going to go away....
I have a nephew who is 14, looks more like 19-20, he has autism, not severe, can communicate very well, is able to be left on own in house as his parents work shifts so is alone for couple of hours several times a week, can operate and order from net, work washing machine, telly, dishwasher and is very strong...He does however get DLA and other familly members think this is wrong, he is very mobile and in fact just like most other teenagers....He does need certain things as emotions dont register as much with him, when his mother was very ill last year, he knew she ill but didnt seem to get that she was quite gravely ill....
This is just my opinion on a family member and I hope your son progresses with his appeal for his benefits...

All the very best

Elainex

lulubell69 wrote:

Just received a letter from DWP to say my 22 year old Downs Syndrome son is due to be reassessed for ESA. Do they really think that his condition can be 'cured'. They will firstly phone interview him then he will have a medical. My son will pass the medical with flying colours, he is very able bodied, but with severe learning difficulties, so it is going to be very interesting to see the outcome. He currently gets £110 week (approx) on" incapacity in youth benefit" (a little known benefit which is now being phased out) and if he gets transferred to ESA his income will drop by about half to whatever the ESA rate is. Any idea anyone ???
He also gets full DLA, however, he can walk fine but cannot go anywhere on his own so where does this leave him regarding the mobility component?
There is very little info about people with learning disabilities as opposed to us with physical disabilities. I have severe RA and my renewal forms are waiting to be filled in, hopefully I won't need a medical again, I think they are starting that next year.
Nobody tells you how stressful having a disability is, as if we aren't suffering enough.

take care
Les x

tkachev

This is going to be a big problem for lots of disabled people. You need to get specific advice regarding esa and downs syndrome.Have you got any local group support who could point you in the right direction.

My 2 boys are on the autistic spectrum but thankfully too young for these medicals.

If I find any relevant information I'll PM you.

E x

stickywicket

Have you tried MENCAP?