I've been on ESA for 13 weeks for depression. When will I get my assessment?

[rivella123]

Also does anyone ever pass an assessment for depression? I can walk and feed myself which seems to be the criteria!

[Impatient]

It isn't the only criteria - you need to assume your worst possible day. When endo pain is affecting everything - and pain from adhesions too if you have those, and your ability to see and function on the meds. Use your worst day when everything is playing up - and use that as your starting point. Depression and the side effects of the treatment for that is but one aspect. You need to emphasise all of your medical issues as they caan all play up t the same time completely at random and impact on your employability and your ability to function.

Could you walk normally when your endo pains are hitting you - I doubt it.

Could you stay awake to shop for and prepare a meal and remember to eat it and remember to switch off the oven afterwards, when you are zombified on meds or in so much pain you cannot concentrate on anything but the pain or crashed out asleep with chronic fatigue - dead to the world ? Hmm doubt it very much.

And as you cannot predict these days - anymore than anyone else can, you have to fill in the form according to that scenario. Or the worst day you have experiences so far with your current diagnosis and the meds you re taking at the moment.

Very best of luck.

[rivella123 in reply to Impatient]

Thank you very much, its been very helpful your reply - and how true that there is no predicting the days when I know that I absolutely could not work. Not many employers would want a 'as and when employee!!'

[EJT01]

The DWP/ ATOS aim to finish an assessment within 13 wks but don't always manage it. If you are found incapable of work, the extra £ you get from either the work or support groups will be backdated to wk 14. ATSO are pulling out of the contract & I've heard that they are now only assessing new claimants. I won't worry too much about getting an assessment as if you are found fit that's a whole different stress.

[rivella123 in reply to EJT01]

Thanks - I filled a form out when I was first off sick in January but my symptoms have changed since then so I imagine that at a medical assessment they may think I have been economical with the truth. I just hope they don't send for me yet.

[EJT01]

Have you sent in the new info? Medical reports, list of new medication? If you have anything new to submit best send it in.

[rivella123]

No I haven't, I didn't know I had to. I will do now thanks

[Immunewolf21]

I have been waiting 7 months have done my upmost to get assessment even wrote to my MP and still waiting so don't hold your breath. I m sorry to tell you this but I have had such a hard time I thought if you know the truth you can prepare yourself xxx