Have my first appointment since award of ESA at the job centre today. Already stressed my ESA didn't go into bank so little sleep whilst waiting for 8 am to come got through straight away, turns out computer glitch!
What can I expect from this appointment, taking a friend for support.
In no way ready to go to work! I only had my contract in work dismissed on ill health grounds in February. Any help or suggestions or experience would be great.
Hi there,yes definitely take someone if you receive pip and have been sent capability for work questionnaire try to keep same information on both,is it a capability for work appointment?
Yes it is for the work related group.
Thank you for the advice and pointers, much appreciated.
Hi there nice to meet you 
I am sorry i can't offer any advice I have never had ESA but I would like to wish you Luck.
I noticed you have left your post unlocked. You may be happy to leave it like that and that would be fine. But for privacy reason you may like to lock it. So only this community will read your posts. Also it does tend to generate more replies when members see a locked post. if you would like to lock this and future posts this link will show you how.
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Momo
Thank you...
Hi there.I was dismissed from work too in June due my back problems,I had spinal decompression surgery and I am not better at all.I am going for assessment on 25 this month for work related capability assessment so waited 14 weeks,hopefully it will go easy and will they put me in support group as I am not able to do any work because of constant pain.So cross fingers for you and me too.😏😏😏
Aww bless..I know how stressful OH and HR appointments are...
It was ok...next appointment in the new year...
By the way I waited 9 weeks after the medical assessment for decision..but it varies where you live..I cried when I opened the brown envelope and was awarded ESA...so I hope it all goes well.
I would contest the work related group, no employer will take you on at an interview when you explain your illness, you would be a fire risk if the building had to be evacuated, I stressed this at my ESA assessment, when your money come thru it will be backdated, something went wrong with my payment recently and i called and an emergency payment was sent in 2 hours, speak to dwp hun they are not monsters who do our payments.
Hi..yes it was fine...I asked if there was a toilet at the start asked me what my condition was and let me use DWP toilet and she just waited outside. I did get emotional and that was ok...few questions about my health and questions relating to that...but we didn't discuss anything about a plan for work. Initially she did say I would be allocated a work mentor could be her but wasn't sure. By the end of it...which was around 30 mins probably..she sa8d she'd see me again in the new year and said it would be her. I was relieved and pleased there was no pressure or expectations...Hope this helps.
Thank you....the job centre advisor suggested I claim for PIP...so thinking seriously didn't know if I can face anymore...
Be aware Advisers don't necessarily know about PIP criteria and sending you off to apply for something means you have something to do and look forward to. They say stuff like, PIP was designed to help people like you. It's likely rot. PIP was designed to be hellish difficult to get. Even the assessors will say, it was designed for people like you, but is means nothing.
Dont get your hopes up, be prepared to appeal, be prepared for nil points. and get help appealing. How do you turn nil points into qualifying? A good adviser will maybe come up with a plan? be prepared for it to take forever. Then if you do get good news it will be a bonus!
The most important thing is to attend every Job Centre appointment or they will sanction your benefits. If your GP is still signing you off work, you can give the Medical Certificate to the Job Centre. That makes it hard for them to insist you go on the Work Programme or Training Courses or Preparing for a Return to Work courses.
You must claim PIP. You will find a good guide that is Free here
drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw...
The best Guides are from Benefits and Work. Contact Janet the Fibro Action Benefits Adviser for more help. Her details are on this site somewhere.
I have been put in wrag group after being in support group for 3 and a half years. I am bricking the brown envelope with first appointment. can I take a friend with me for support. I can no way go to work. I was in support group for mental health, I now been diagnosed with debilitating fibro and I can barely function. what is going on? ridiculous. xx
Yes take somebody with you..no problem
Claiming ESA & subsequent placement into work related or support group questions.
ESA Work-focused interview help 
Work and being off long term sick
Awaiting ESA Group Decision
Voluntary work
