Frontal lobe damage

[Markhillchester]

Iam mark .5 years ago had 2 subdural hemmorage. In newcastle..after 6 weeks in intensive care. .2 weeks ago moved to chester.. then got a demand to go for a medical assesmenyt.. iam confused. Should i go alone. Have no care package. Did not follw me. ???

[cat3]

Is this a benefit assessment Mark ?

[Markhillchester in reply to cat3]

Yes . Yes. Medical assesment . For thr dwp. Buy atos.

[cat3 in reply to Markhillchester]

OK Mark, I've got the gist from your other threads that you don't have a GP in Chester and no one to accompany you to the interview.

All you can do is attend alone and be truthful about your health issues, and as Janet mentioned, be sure to emphasise how those issues affect you on a BAD day.

I don't know how soon the interview is but, in the meantime, maybe you could seek support from Citizen's advice. Depending on the area, they can be very supportive with benefit claims.

I assume you're claiming ESA which is under review anyway at present, and which may well be cut to the same level as Job seeker's allowance at this coming budget.

Just be truthful and if your claim is rejected there is always the appeals procedure, but let's take this one step at a time.

You could also phone the Headway helpline for more detailed information and advice should you get into difficulties. It's 0808 800 2244 9am-5pm/mon-fri.

I hope it's just a routine interview but please let us know how you get on. If any problems arise there is help available.

One step at a time Mark. Good luck.

Cat x

[EleanorS]

try to stay positive about this. tell them everything, even if you think it might not be relevant.

my cousin has cerebral palsy. her benefits were stopped. she contacted the local MP and her benefits were awarded back again. so it was just a longwinded way of obtaining the money.

however some people do get the right amount of money awarded .

people can and do contact their MP to help them, along with having supporting statements from doctors, which i am sure you know about.

a lady from welfare rights filled in forms for me, this seemed to add extra weight to the claim. perhaps you could contact welfare rights to see what they say?

there is a website called benefitsandwork.co.uk

i f you pay a small subscription fee, then you can see the downloadable guides for advice on face to face assessments which are very good.

in truth, the website is a little tricky sometimes to find your way around, so if you have any questions about it please ask

or if you do have any questions in general please ask. stay positive.

[EleanorS]

can you phone or get in touch with social services soon, ask them about your care package, say that you need the care package and ATOS need to be aware of the fact that you have this? and could you mention this to your GP?

at the face to face assessment i would take in a list of simple bullet points to remind me what to say.

stay positive.

[razyheath43]

good luck

[melissa85]

Hi mark. I agree with the earlier posts to seek advice. I'm an advice manager for the citizens advice... Although on extended unplanned leave owing to my pesky brain. The Chester branch is in the blue coat building ... Should have drop in Monday to Friday 9-4 I'm also going through the atos process so if you want help from either way give me a shout X