ESA assesment at the Jobcentre Plus.

[kittyburke]

Hi,

I have been suffering with depression for many years but struggled on as best and I could trying to hide it from everybody. But last year it got so bad I finally picked up the courage to seek medical help. I am now on anti-depressents which help up to a point. I was out of work and on Jobseekers Allowance but after a while I decided the pressure of seeking work was making me worse so I am now on ESA (emplyment support allowance)

Today I received a call from somebody connectred with the JCP who said I need to have ‘an assesment’, she offered to come to my house or I could go to the Jobcentre. The call threw me and I didn't know which would be best. You see as part of my illness I haven't been doing any housework/cleaning at all for years, my house is flithy and unkept, I do not have visitors at all -I am too embarrased.

Anyway, I am worried about this assesment because I keep reading how they decide that you are fit for work (the government wants to get as many off benefits as possible) and will stop my money. I am already getting into debt because my benefits do not cover my out goings (it is a choice of heat or eat on many occasions)

I don't look after myself either, I only wash and dress if I have to leave the house, which is normally for a visit to GP or hospital (recently had hand surgery too)

Sorry I am rambling on –again a symtom of my depression, I find it hard to concentrate or remember things! So I guess I am asking you kind people “What is the best way to handle this assesment? Are there things I should or shouldn’t say or do?” “What can I expect to happen?” I have said I will go to the local Jobcentre but part of me thinks they should see how I live because no fully functioning person would live like this!!

Any advice will be appreciated, thanks.

KB

[attatel]

Hi

Is this an assessment by ATOS healthcare?

In any case, I would ask for a home assessment. I completely sympathise with your embarrassment, as I have the same problems with my house and also with personal hygiene. But it's for the best if the assessor sees your problems as they really are. Too often, people "make an effort" out of shame or embarrassment and hide the extent of their difficulties then end up being assessed as more able than they actually are. I know it's humiliating, but if you tell yourself that you'll probably never see that person again and that their opinion of you only matters to the extent that they make recommendations about your benefit, you can grit your teeth and get through it. Don't make any special efforts for the assessment - they are supposed to see how you are coping on a day to day basis. If you wouldn't normally bother, don't put on smart clothes or make-up, etc.

Do have someone with you, if at all possible as it's quite hard to remember what exactly was said at these interviews if you are stressed and anxious at the time, and anyway, it's much easier to get through these things if you have a friend with you.If you haven't got anyone you can ask,, try ringing your local branch of MIND and they might be able to help. If it's an ATOS assessment, you might be able to ask for the assessment to be recorded. If so, do ask for this, in case you need to appeal the decision.

There is a good website called Benefits and Work which gives excellent advice on dealing with this sort of thing as well as guides to filling in forms (you have to subscribe to get access to some of the info, though).

Very best of luck!

[kittyburke in reply to attatel]

Hi "attatel ", thank you that is excellent advice. I know it makes sense to have them here ...just hope I can go through with it. I don't have anybody who could be here (the only person I have been totally honest with about how I live/my condition lives over 200 miles away)

[attatel in reply to kittyburke]

It might be worth speaking to Mind, CAB or some other agency like that to see if they can provide you with support. From what you've said I don't suppose you've got a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) or that would be a good person to ask. All the best, and good luck.

[Jovialjoattimes]

What you have documented above is exactly what you need to tell them. That's what I did and I was awarded the ESA. Where you are interviewed is up to you but I think you should let them come to your home as your home is the way it is as a result of your depression and they need to see this. Hope all goes well and in time you will recover. Jo

[kittyburke in reply to Jovialjoattimes]

You are right Jo. That is just what I should do, seems so simple when put like that! Thank you. I will post on here when I have more to report. Thanks again

[vastopensky]

Hi, how brave of you to start seeking help after so long. I too hid my struggles. Like you I sought help and had an assessment for ESA in 2009. Although its a long time ago and although it challenged my pride to go through with it, I tried to be really honest with myself and with the people assessing me about what real effects my poor mental health was having on me and how it effected my daily living... I told them the reality even though it was one of the first times I put it into words. The Lady who assessed me was well educated and she understood what I was saying about how my health was effected (I think she said she was a qualified doctor though she said not all assessors have her level of qualifications or experience) The experience wasn't horrible, actually it was quite pleasant. I hope that helps you to feel a little more confident about it, be as honest as you can be and even tell them why you couldn't have them come to your home.

[kittyburke in reply to vastopensky]

'Thanks' hardly seems enough to show how much yours and others support and words of encouragement are helping me. Thank you.