Employment and Support Allowance

bankieboy

Hi all this is my very first post having just registered, although I have been a member of Arthritis Care for a good few years. I have had Psoriatic Arthritis for 30 years and am now 53 yrs old. I had to retire from work due to ill health 3 yrs ago and I am receiving Incapacity Benefit and Disability Support Allowance since then. I also suffer from early osteoporosis, dyspepsia, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, irritable bowel, MGUS ( blood condition with a possibility of deveoping multiple myeloma) and sleeping problems. I am now being assessed foe Employment and Support Allowance and I am dreading the process as I have heard a few horror stories and very few people seem to be assigned to the full "Support group". Does anyone think that submitting a Medical Report (either GP and/or Consultant) with the ESA application be of any benefit. I would be very grateful if anybody who has been through the full process give me any advice on how to make the process less daunting.

tjt6768

hi. Welcome aboard..
Firstly I would say that anything that you can send in to back you up will help. However, make sure that you photocopy EVERYTHING and send it registered delivery so it's to be signed for, they're buggers for saying things are lost etc..
Secondly, I wish you the very best.
I had to have my interview/assessment at home as I was really bad, as I usually am and could not get out of bed, had to get my GP to write to them saying I needed a home visit.
I've been placed in the work related activity group.. I'm appealing the decision though, apparently it's a long process as they have cocked up so many of us genuine folks.
Keep posting, let us know how things go for ya

bankieboy

Thanks for your advice. Cant believe they put you in that group, so good luck with your appeal.

tjt6768

thanks... I think my interview thing was back in march or something, can't remember. It seems ages ago. Had to go for the silly interviews at social but wasn't well enough to attend so did it via phone. They were quite nice actually. even they said they know this is a progressive illness.. Going to ring me again some time this month.
What a carry on though eh? Get all the scallies of the streets and into work.. All they do is sit around smoking weed all day :roll:
Sorry, almost started ranting then lol

bankieboy wrote:

Thanks for your advice. Cant believe they put you in that group, so good luck with your appeal.

elainebadknee

Bankieboy

Looking at your story and what ailments you have id say you would be a cert to pass the ESA assessment...However they are a species unknown previously to mankind and are beleived to be of the android bloodline....IE they are calculating, devious, uncapable of doing a decent job and appear to have sight and hearing problems when patients go to be assessed...
In al seriousness mate, yes get a GP's report and specilaist if they will too, you do need all your ammo and wits about you...

I wish you good luck with your application...

Elainex

bankieboy wrote:

Hi all this is my very first post having just registered, although I have been a member of Arthritis Care for a good few years. I have had Psoriatic Arthritis for 30 years and am now 53 yrs old. I had to retire from work due to ill health 3 yrs ago and I am receiving Incapacity Benefit and Disability Support Allowance since then. I also suffer from early osteoporosis, dyspepsia, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, irritable bowel, MGUS ( blood condition with a possibility of deveoping multiple myeloma) and sleeping problems. I am now being assessed foe Employment and Support Allowance and I am dreading the process as I have heard a few horror stories and very few people seem to be assigned to the full "Support group". Does anyone think that submitting a Medical Report (either GP and/or Consultant) with the ESA application be of any benefit. I would be very grateful if anybody who has been through the full process give me any advice on how to make the process less daunting.

bankieboy

Thanks Elaine nothing to worry about then!

elainebadknee

Hi

I didnt do the above to scare you, I was naive and thought if went and was honest and just me i would be okay and they would understand my ailments..But they didnt and they twisted eveything i said and did...

Sorry just telling it how it is and the amount they fail the assessments speak for themselves...
Arm yourself as best you can,....

Elainex

bankieboy wrote:

Thanks Elaine nothing to worry about then!