ESA

[Taurion]

Today I received the letter notifying me that ESA will no longer be available to me as of 03.05.2018. I had my medical review a few weeks ago & I scored 0 points.

I’m unsure where I go from here, do I appeal? Visit my local job centre & apply for JSA? Or do I go into full - time work & pray that I don’t exceed a weeks worth of sickness within the first 3 months of full-time employment?

Decisions, decisions hey 🤷🏾‍♀️

Signed

A very confused lady, who is slightly worried about what the next few weeks will entail.

[fabwheelie]

omg, so sorry to hear this

I'd appeal the decision (firstly it has to go to "mandatory reconsideration" before a full appeal process) ..., Particularly ask if they have given "enough weight" to fatigue and pain and how symptoms affect your ability / lack of ability to "do" things...

Fatigue, pain, and whether you can do the "tasks" / "descritors" they ask you about to "an acceptable standard" , and/or "repeatedly", and/or "reliably" should all count when they assess you, so things like if you can actually physically walk/ mobilise, reach, stand and sit etc may actually be that you should be assessed as if you can't (and therefore score enough points) once fatigue pain , repeatedly etc etc are taken into account. You may also be able to appeal if medical assessor said things like you "were observed walking" "you didn't appear to be in pain" "you manage to go shopping" as Lupus symptoms in general fall under "invisible disabilities"

Try see if your local council have a welfare rights officer (in my council they are under social services) as they can be a big help, particularly if it does go to appeal

If you are a member of the charity Lupus UK you can also get free access to guides by the organisation "benefits and work" which are very useful too ... lupusuk.org.uk/benefits/

I'm not really sure how you gop about getting income whilst waiting for reconsideration / appeal ... welfare rights can probably advise

Good Luck

[Taurion in reply to fabwheelie]

Thank you so much, I’ll look into all that you’ve suggested x

[silverback]

Appeal they do this to most claims hopping you just except the decision ! check out claimsandbenifits.co.uk

[Taurion in reply to silverback]

Thank you

[tiredmum]

I am reapplying for ESA myself at the minute and am very worried about it as there is no way I am well enough to work.

You must appeal , you can’t make yourself worse by forcing yourself to work and hoping for the best. The stress alone will put you in a flare.

Citizens advice can help you. Don’t give in x

[Taurion in reply to tiredmum]

Thank you, I’ll be going to see them tomorrow x

[kt11]

I think you should appeal, all the best x

[Taurion in reply to kt11]

Thank you

[Buffy14]

Definitely appeal and go to welfare rights for help , they always do this they try it on , if you have no other income you will have to claim job seekers allowance while you wait for the appeal it's a joke they make you sign to say you are fit for work and you have to prove you are actively looking for work .

[Taurion in reply to Buffy14]

Thank you buffy14 I’m round here stressing about my rent & bills... I’ll check in with my local job Centre along with citizens advice x

[Buffy14 in reply to Taurion]

Did you tell the dwp you are appealing because you need to , they should have asked you if they phoned you with the decision , don't worry about your rent you will get jobseekers and get your rent paid because you are on that , ring the dwp today to tell them you are appealing and in the meantime you will have to claim job seekers , I had all this a couple of years ago it's very stressful but I won in the end with the help of welfare rights . I was put back on esa for two years , that two years is up in August and I will have to go through the same thing again and no doubt they will stop it again even though I still have the same condition , they waste thousands of pounds doing all this and make people more sick , I had two flares last time I went through it , it's disgusting the way they treat people who are genuinely sick and prove it with medical evidence , they know you are sick they just don't care all they think about is trying to save money getting people off benefits and they must lose more money than they actually save in appeal fees etc . Try not to get too stressed if you can , I know that's easier said than done .

[rlupus]

Definitely appeal and try and supply them with all your medical evidence and hospital appointments and medication . good luck keep fighting .

[Taurion in reply to rlupus]

Yes, I will it just all feels so overwhelming right now. Thank you x

[Buffy14]

You need welfare rights at your local council not citizens advice they are a nightmare to get through to , you can speak to welfare rights on the phone initially and make an appointment to see them in person , they go to the appeal with you aswell which citizens advice don't do .

[Taurion in reply to Buffy14]

I’ve just come off the phone to welfare rights and as off last month, they no longer help with these situations. The lovely gentleman I spoke with suggested I speak with CAB.

[Buffy14]

Oh no that's not good I wonder if the dwp have done something to stop them helping .

[fabwheelie]

I don't understand why welfare rights can not help, perhaps speak to your GP as you may have to get it refered through "the system" to get through to social servives help

[Fredabooboo]

Can you find me on Facebook messenger..Louise Rigney..in Beverley.. my picture is me and a hippo..I've been through this but will only talk to you privately as I believe the professionals come on here and I don't trust them ..please find me I think I can help you through x