ESA Assessment

[sammie62king]

Hi Can anyone tell me what kind of questions are asked at the Health Assessment for ESA. My friend has cerebellar ataxia and struggles very much with walking (cannot walk unaided) and he also has a stammer which gets worse when he is anxious. He wonders what type of things they asses you on.

[claire01]

I have just had mine and aĺl she asked how do ya spend ya day,with me also unable to walk unaided she còuld not apolpgise enough about me havìng to attend...hope it goes well ☺

[Hidden in reply to claire01]

Good luck if you are good at university challenge and an assort course!!Go with an advocate!!Through scope (they are ace)They made me cry ..I had enough illnesses to fill an encyclopaedia I can't walk in a streight line more than enough broken bones and I am 40 just(she didn't or refused to tell us what her specially was??Never go by a good day..My friend who has epilepsy as I do as well had got worse she went as far as a judge with a barrister (it was lowered)Its not a recognised medical condition before I tried to stop my indefinite DLA I had less conditions but they where likely to relapse and did Anorexia and Epilapsy diagnosed,as well as others (They Mark you down for mental and physical health??)I on the advice of my friend asked to have it recorded ?You have to take your own stuff?Capable of making two copies ?Who has that!I didn't at the last minute they tried to cancel (I got both I was apparently lucky 🍀 I would any day rather have my mental and certainly physical health returned)But I realise I am bloody lucky I know of people with Cancer in remission that get 0 and have long term damage.And worse people with arthritis so severe they can't go out this is not a horror story just be ready go by your worst day never a good (I wish I had one and don't dispare dispite all this I was lucky I got both until 2022..My illnesses a list as long as your arm none of which I want or chose will not get better so they are waisting time causing distress to many.Scope disabled people helping others and don't be as terrified as I was or my friend.But don't take a friend or carer if necessary delay your local advocate will take you and bring you back let them sort it!!Your GP,Specialist etc!They asked me for X-Rays and dates of last apt??I had changed GP had no clue and who has copy's of X rays??Even my new GP had trouble getting them!!😊❤️you will be ok !!!Let me know Scope are ace!!

[ddmagee1 in reply to Hidden]

Good advice. Best to you.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I agree I was anti-Parkinson for ages with eyes closed I have an essential tremor had it years caused by the medication!Anyone been told they are "Complex"I going to change my name to # complex it's not helpful makes me feel worse!!And certainly gives my family no answers (I am not worried about myself beyond that it's my little boy I worry for what he has to face I have no desire for him to see me like this or worse!However even at my worst he has kept me going.Without him I Would give up!!Plus everything focuses around him!I never get sad in front of him I save that for my Dad and brother's!I look at a child in his class with lukaemia and that's awake up call.Rather me than him any day..He makes me proud he has been through more than me I was thankfully oblivious to most of this.But not now!!!Anyone getting mrandom pins and needles that are getting worse and complete numbness?At anytime of day but no pain?

[Hidden]

I have broken back 3 places!!2 broken ankles 1 beyond repair ,An open fracture of 1 wrist that won't fix and another fracture of the other wrist!!You can get it but keep me posted and anxiety not a bad sign it's natural..I was terrified to even open the envelope let alone the Spanish Inquisition!!To carry a cup??Imposable on crutches wash unadded I do out of dignity we have a sit down shower (my Mum paid for it all out of Her Mums legacy it's all gone,)I couldn't get in the bath for a year!We have grab rails everywhere but I grab the heated towel rail which is not helpful I have a few burns and badly burnt my Mum (carrying or attempting to a cup of hot tea..)She even had a massive blister!!She will needed it soon if this gets worse (My Dad 78 is main career )My mum 71 washer,looking after an 8 year old.And making food for us all.If we don't end up all in a lunatic assuylum we will be lucky!!My family and friends great never give up light at the end of the tunnel!!!And don't let your friend read this or shut your eyes if it's you!!Is anyone else really badly anemic??I am on every vitamin going normal weight but covered in psoriasis , and bruises up legs with no hitting them??Phone a friend if In need it's a lot for family and I wish more than anything my parents and son not dealing with this...

[ddmagee1 in reply to Hidden]

I had a fractured vertebrae, and can understand. I, also, am anemic, and have been for over a year. The Doc has me on iron pills. I think I have as many ailments as Carter has pills! Ha! Ha! Seizure disorder, migraines, Ataxia, Parkinson's-Just to mention a few. So I can relate. Hang in there. We are here to support one another!

[Hidden in reply to ddmagee1]

Dear above beginning with D!!You have understanding!!Probably sending these back to myself!!"Complex not helpful"My new title I said to neurologist who was a waist of PIP money I have a name not Complex!£400 lighter in cash!!I await in a long queue an MRI I not had one since 2004 and EEG the thing on your head see if they find a brain cell left!!I got a few but only from the past to be able to sound out words aloud would help (I can read them no problem)And adding up a major bug bare ..Pins forgotten phone numbers not put in the phone properly anti-Parkinson's and anti-spasm drugs gone!!Focusing on my son and family and friends keeps me going-an essential tremor long time caused by drugs etc for depression started this bloody ball game!!I have left tempreal lobe damage (I know that been on every drug Going could ditch them all given the choice!!#Complex minus £400 cash to the neurologist privately next day rather than 18 week wait# peed off😊But been worse only I didn't know!The anti convulsants make your teeth fall out so beware get them checked !Dentures at 40!!IAt the moment clinging on to them!!But perscrption toothpaste and mouth full of ulcers!!!Think of your family and friends it's worse for them!!I can't be fixed but want the best for my son!!❤️❤️A lifeline who makes everything worth fighting for.😊

[ddmagee1 in reply to Hidden]

Hidden, I'm so very sorry to hear of your really hard to live with physical difficulties. It's really hard to realize, at some point, that maybe some things can't be fixed. I'm very fortunate because, in my family, my son-in-law and daughter are both well respected medical professionals, and they and my wife and grandchildren are very supportive and good to help me. Take care and you are so right, a lifeline that makes everything worth fighting for.😎

[FFNick]

Only went for one interview for PIP. Apply for PIP even if ineligible.

After PIP said yes, got call from DWP, EESA rang me up and confirmed I was alive and automatically awarded EESA and put me on "don't hassle him" list, due to PIP, which will annoy DWP who wanted me off their lists.

DWP = Department of Work and Pensions (foe)

EESA = Enhanced Employment support allowance (paid 2 weekly)

PIP = Personal Independence payment (paid monthly)

After phone calls, DWP confirmed everything in writing.

HTH

[sammie62king in reply to FFNick]

Thanks FFNick. My friend was awarded the enhanced rate of PIP in February, for Living and Mobility. It was the CIB that said he could probably claim ESA as well. He even had to go to the job centre this week and when the guy saw him and the way he was struggling, he sent him straight home and said that he should not be there and told someone to mark him as though he had attended the session. He doesn't know why the Job Centre needed to see him, as he has not yet had his Assessment for ESA, nor has he been told he has got it yet, so they won't know if he is capable of working (which he definitely isn't !) I think it is a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. I will keep you posted. Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to FFNick]

Me to I also for the first time got full mobility aspect a blue badge with a mug shot!Once you get one you tend to get the other I was terrified by my £10 Xmas present I thought it was another form (If you get full for PIP )You should also get severely sisabled element of ESA?I have it we chose the car option my Dad thought there was a catch (So far there isn't only he can't get used to me charging the phone and my music coming out!!Or my son's a bit of epic (Uptown funk)It sometimes comes out wrong classic FM when he has been messing with it we have earplugs for the phone to avoid arguments!!The air con Is a relief as well our old car was on its last legs kept cutting out so this is great!!Its a privilege to be able to actually get in a comfy smooth cat that doesn't collapse.I also if you have epilepsy get free medication that's about the only bonus of having that it means I can't drive my Dad can🤞🤞It's easier to park as well just everything feels like mission impossible!!

[auntiesally]

he will be asked if he can raise his arms above his head, how far he can walk, tell him to describe his worst times, like getting out of bed

[Hidden in reply to auntiesally]

Just keep on trekking if you can .I am switching off.I ve had one of those days right now I could do with medication,bed and a recharged body and brain so if anyone has a few rechargeable batteries stick them in the post with a box of Kleenex a bulk box!!🤧🤧😭😭