Esa decision makers phone call tomorrow

[Adybear]

I could really do with some positive vibes, I am apparently getting a phone call from an esa decision maker tomorrow and I am dreading it. Has anyone else had a phone call and had good news? I can't eat or rest I feel physically sick at the thought of this

[Photogeek]

Sorry as I can't help as I live in Ireland and it's a totally different system here. You must be very worried and stressed, I'm sure there will be members on later who know the way it works and can help you.

Try and distract yourself and rest if you can, what's the worst that can happen? I use this technique when I am v. Worried and it helps to calm me down. Sorry I'm no help, but I just wanted to reply to say that you have my sympathy.

Best of luck anyway.

Hannah 

[Adybear in reply to Photogeek]

Thanks hannah x I really appreciate it xx I am so worried I have done nothing but cry the worst that can happen is that I get forced back into work where I know i will have a breakdown and embarrass myself

[Photogeek in reply to Adybear]

Oh Addybear I'm so sorry you poor love, that's a heartbreaking situation to be in. COughalot may be here later and she is really helpful about these type of situations. 

Try and make yourself. Cup of teA and rest a bit. I know what's it like to be pressured into going back to work, when you know in your heart that you are not ready because you are ill. I was n this situation once not from the GOvt. side but my boss was pressuring me.it was horrific and I too was nearly suicidal, so my heart goes out to you.

Thank God I'm retired now, listen Addy I'm lighting A candle for you and I going to pray for you that things will work out. Message me any time and know that you are not alone. That's what this ;Forum is a great support in times of need.

Hopefully Cough will be here later, she does tend to come on after 11pm so please check back.

Sending you a warm Irish hug.

Hannah 

[Adybear in reply to Photogeek]

Thank you xx you have just made me cry xx but in a good way xxx u don't know how much that means to me xx

[Hidden in reply to Photogeek]

Sorry Hannah can't help as still in  bad place myself

[Stilltrying_]

Thinking of you and hoping the call is a good one. Try and rest as much as you can in the meantime . I know how stressful the whole thing is, I do understand as have been through it. xx

[Adybear]

Are there any instances where getting a call is a good thing? Xx

[Stilltrying_]

To be honest I don't know how their decision making works, but do come on here again if you need to as the time must be approaching now. x

[Adybear]

I scored 0 points and being taken off of esa

[Photogeek in reply to Adybear]

Hi Adybear, just read this now and I'm so sorry for you. Being in Ireland I unfortunately know nothing about the UK system. Except to say it sounds terrifyingly harsh. 

Surely your Dr. Should decide if you are fit for work, not a faceless person on the phone. Is there an appeal system? God I so sorry that I can't help you, but you have my sympathy.

Cough a lot should be around later and I will ask her if she knows anything else. Have you looked online to see if there is an appeal. ? 

That is terrible and I'm thinking of you today.

Warm big hugs

Hannah xx

[Photogeek in reply to Adybear]

Adybear I found this online have a look.

benefitsandwork.co.uk › esa-appeals

Hannah

[Adybear in reply to Photogeek]

Thank you xx

[Stilltrying_ in reply to Adybear]

That link is great. (benefits and work)  You need to put in an appeal straightaway as soon as you are able and get as much medical evidence as you can to support it. I am so sorry to hear you are being put through this.

[angelite in reply to Adybear]

Dear Adybear, this appears to be really common, being refused first time round - many people have to appeal. It is particularly common in the case of more 'invisible' disabilities - those which are not immediately obvious to the eye. For example, my physical probs are there for all to see - no denying they exist but my cognitive ones ( memory/concentration etc ) do not become apparent until you have spent a while with me ! I actually suspect that the system is geared up to refuse as many as poss and the invisible disabilities group are an easy target. Since you need a chaperone most of the time, no way will you score 0 points. Something, somewhere does not add up ! Citizen's Advice are helpful with these things, wondering also if you have a 'Mind' centre near you ? You can do a mock test here :

benefitsandwork.co.uk/med2/...

If you need accompaniment and struggle with social engagement, then you already score over your required 15 points to qualify on these questions ! At the very least, you would be in the work related activity group. Please seek advice and consider an appeal.

Angela x

[Adybear in reply to angelite]

I can't even sit in a crowded area, my safe placeside are my car and my house!!! I had someone with me and she was finishing some of my sentences, it was mentioned that it was clear that there is some mental health issues but none that would affect my daily living?????

[angelite in reply to Adybear]

Well then you are clearly not ready for work at this time ! ! ! ( Bad ESA assessor - should  go directly to naughty step ! ) Please appeal and also look into any medical/therapy treatments that may help you, if you are not already receiving them. Get as much medical evidence from doc/therapist as you can. Best of luck x

[Adybear]

Thank u x I just feel like giving up on everything if I am honest 

[angelite in reply to Adybear]

I know - it's utterly disheartening to be made to fight for your rights when reserves are at such a low. I know how head battering tons of paperwork is too !

I 've just remembered to look up the PIP questions - don't know if you are already on this, it's not based on income like some benefits. I'm applying for this next. From what you have told me, you should score at least 8 on the daily living component ( engaging with people and following journeys ) :

benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/i...

x

[Hidden]

Hello Adybear

How did you get on with your telephone call. ???

It is so very cruel out there.

BOB

[Adybear]

I have been awarded 0 points so I have to come off esa

[Hidden in reply to Adybear]

Sorry about that will you appeal ???

BOB

[Adybear in reply to Hidden]

I am going to call citizens advice tomorrow as I can't sit in a crowded place and see where I go from here 

[Hidden in reply to Adybear]

Good Luck for tomorrow

BOB

[Adybear in reply to Hidden]

Thank you xx it's just so frustrating, I want to actually work, I hate being dependant on anyone and ur treated like a liar

[BettyA]

It is just 'normal procedure' in the U.S. to be denied Disability or Workman's Comp, the first time you apply... Sometimes even the 2nd time... A letter from your Dr (here) usually helps speed things up... I'm sorry you are having to go through this... Just know there IS Light at the end of the tunnel!! Take good care!. I'm glad you got so many encouraging posts!! Betcha it will do the trick!!

BettyA