Jump to content


I have been released from the Bear Garden to come ask advise on ESA.


SOD'EM
style="text-align: center;">  

Thread Locked

because no one has posted on it for the last 4555 days.

If you need to add something to this thread then

 

Please click the "Report " link

 

at the bottom of one of the posts.

 

If you want to post a new story then

Please

Start your own new thread

That way you will attract more attention to your story and get more visitors and more help 

 

Thanks

Recommended Posts

Hello everyone,

 

I have spent a couple of days reading through these threads and am disgusted by the way some people have been treated by the DWP and the likes. Rather than hijack threads, I have decided now to start my own, with my own dilema.

 

A few of you will know me from the Bear Garden and Techy Forums (and others, but mainly them two) as being the joker in the crowd. I do try not to take life too seriously and hope I have made a few people smile.:D

 

Unfortunately, I have not been smiling myself inside and have plucked up the courage to tell my story and see if I can get some reassurance. I too feel myself in the very near future being screwed by ATOS and the DWP.

 

I'm sorry if this drags on, but it only makes sense to start at the beginning.

 

 

3 years ago, I was attacked by around 10-15 youths because I couldn't give them a cigarette (I didn't even smoke and would usually give anything to anyone who needed it, provided I had it). The result of this attack was a fractured skull, an orbital blow out (fractured eye socket) and a completely collapsed zygoma (the 4 bones that make up your cheekbone). I had a 7 hour operation to have titanium plates inserted and all my nerve endings on the right hand side of my face had to be severed to operate. Since then (and for the rest of my life) I have horrible pins and needles sensation to that side of my face.

 

I lost my job because of the time I was away from work so I applied for Jobseekers Allowance, which i received. I went for JSA because I felt fine up until about 6 months ago.

 

For some reason I started getting chest pains and felt really anxious. I lost my confidence and just didn't want to move or do anything. I didn't want to go out of the house and I just wanted everyone (and I mean everyone) to leave me alone. The CAG and television was fine for me.

 

I turned 40 at Christmas and knew that I should not be feeling this way. I should not be getting pins and needles in my arms, or chest pains. I should be able to go out of the house of a night time, not just mornings and early afternoon. I should be able to walk up any street instead of going the long way round because I can see hoodies and the like further up the street which I want to walk down. Then I was hauled into the Jobcentre and put on a New Deal Scheme which just made me feel worse. There was no way I could concentrate on getting back to work, although I desperately needed to. I confided in my Jobcentre Plus Advisor who could see that things were not right, and I was really anxious. She had worked there for 40 years and she knew that I wasn't faking it.

 

She advised me to see my GP (can't stand doctors), but reluctantly I made an appointment. When I went to my GP, the first thing she done was take my blood pressure which was (even after 3 tries) 183 over 116:shock:. She immediately put me on medication and also (after talking to me for a while) recommended that I speak to a help group called Inclusion Matters. Because of my blood pressure I was also asked to go for the usual tests (bloods, urine etc), which I did. She advised me not to do anything that could make matters work which included working. She gave me a medical certificate for 1 month which I gave to the DWP. They where pretty sympathetic when I explained to them. The doctor also wanted to see me after 4 weeks to get the results of my bloods and check my BP. After leaving the GP's, I immediately contacted Inclusion Matters and they agreed to talk to me on their next available appointment (26th May:shock:), so I agreed.

 

A month later, I returned to my GP (a different one this time), and my blood pressure was the same. The first doctor gave me 1.25mg of Ramipril but that hadn't touched the sides. So this doctor put me on 50mg of Losartan. Because I have had a dry cough for over a year, she also put me down for a chest x-ray. She too gave me a Medical Certificate for 1 month.

 

Shortly after this, I was short of breath (this was a few days later on Easter Saturday) so I went to A&E. The Triage nurse took me staright in (irregular pulse rate) and the next thing I knew, I had wires and needles and stuff sticking out of everywhere. My pulse rate and blood pressure were extremely high. After being in A&E for a couple of hours, they put me on the Medical Assessment Unit to be seen by a consultant. Gradually over the next 24 hours, my blood pressure and heart rate came down (they were still high, but not dangerously high), so they let me go home. They knew I was due to go back to my GP anyway.

 

In the meantime, I filled in the Yellow Pages sized ESA form for the DWP and explained to them to the best of my ability why I don't think it would be wise for me to work at this moment in time. I couldn't give them anymore as I am not a doctor/psychiatrist and was awaiting results of all my tests.

 

(Now may be a good time to tell you that my father had a cardiacharrest when he was 43 and he has had 8 heart attacks and a pacemaker fitted since:shock:. His brother died of heart disease when he was 51 and my grandad had to have a quadruple bypass when he was in his 40's, so that tells me that there is a history of heart problems in my family).

 

Anyhow, I received a phone call from ATOL saying that the DWP have asked them to make a medical assessment of me on 24th May. I also yesterday had an appointment with an ESA advisor at the Jobcentre Plus (which I attended). She actually said to me that I would probably pass the medical and be deemed fit for work as that is the result of most examinations (this is where I think all the problems are going to start). If the DWP are saying that most people get told they are fit for work, then I can guarantee (no matter what 2 GP's, 1 professor and 2 consultants have said), I will be deemed fit for work. She actually said "Don't worry about passing the examination as most people pass, and then you can just appeal against the decision. The appeal process can take 3-4 months and in that time we will not be pressuring you"!!!!!!!!????????. You will also still get your £64 a week during this time.....WHOOP DE DOO!!!!!!

 

 

What's all that about!!!!!???????

 

Anyhow, I have since seen a professor who checked my blood pressure and it was higher than the first time (yet again) so he doubled my medication to 100mg a day. I think that is the highest they can give you. The scary news was he gave me the long awaited test results. My bloods and urine were fine, but my chest x-ray shows that I have an unusually large heart (I am presuming that this has been caused by undetected high blood pressure over a long period of time). He has now told me that I have to go to hospital and see a cardiach specialist for a more thorough examination. (this has only made me even more anxious, as I know my families history of heart defects). He then gave me another 1 month certificate.

 

I am still waiting for my hospital appointment and still feel the same (if not worse) than I did a couple of months ago. But I still have to attend this stupid ATOS medical knowing that I will pass as fit for work. Of course I can tie my shoe laces and pick ten pence off the floor. I can even make my own way to the assessment. These are not the problems. I have an enlarged heart and extremely high BP which can result in heart failure/stroke at any time. I have been told to take it easy and not do anything physically or mentally too stressful. (would this include not attending this stupid assessment?). The reason I say stupid is because I don't beleive that these people are medically qualified enough to make a decision on who is fit for work or not.

 

Of course I want to be fit enough to earn money as soon as possible, but untill I have everything done (and spoke to the councillors) I don't think I can. I thought that it was all in my head, and that's why I was feeling this way. But I can't fake my blood pressure, and I certainly can't fake the fact that I have an enlarged heart and a huge family history of heart disease. Why can't they just contact all the specialists I have seen up to now and use their opinion to make their decision?

 

How can they possibly make an informed, professional medical assessment when they don't know all the problems. As far as I know, they don't have any medical equipment to do any tests either. All's they want to know, is if you can walk. If you can, then tough. Back to JSA and the pressure they constantly apply to the unwell (we don't all try to play the system). I have decided that if they say I am fit for work and I lose the appeal, I will just tell them to stop my benefits rather than go back on JSA. I will just have to struggle with nothing for as long as I can. I have worked ever since the day I left school and have never asked for anything.

 

ATOS is just like a wheel clamping company. The more wheels you clamp, the more money you get. Hence, the more people who get passed as fit for work, the more money they receive.

 

I think it's ridiculous.:mad::mad::mad:

 

Any advice will be muchly appreciated, and I am back off to the Bear Garden now until I get a reply.

 

Thanks for reading, and sorry for the essay:(.

Edited by SOD'EM

 

 

If all else fails, kick them where it hurts and SOD'EM;)

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 178
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Thanks SOD'EM, that's quite a tale...

I was thinking 'post traumatic stress disorder' until I got to the heart of the matter, so to speak.

The problem we have is that ATOS now send out and receive back the ESA50 as well as decide who needs an assessment. [Guess that'll be everyone then ...]

The system is computerised and highly slanted in favour of the DWP. And ATOS will also lie when they complete the assesment write-up.

The chances are you could well fail - you may pass of course and there may well be pixies living at the bottom of my garden - you then appeal and are kept on at the assesment rate of ESA. When you appeal include all the documentation you didn't include with your ESA50: GPs letters, consultants findings etc etc. A DWP Decision Maker will review the decision [Or it could be ATOS again for all I know] and they might reverse the decision. If not, you go on to a Tribunal. The whole process can take up to 9 months and you would more than likely win your Tribunal. ESA premiums are then back dated so you wouldn't have missed out on any money. Eventually.

My advice would be go to the assessment in the certainty you will fail. That way, no pressure or stress. Anything else would be a bonus.

Take care and best wishes.

Rae

  • Haha 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

hello SOD"EM sorry to hear about all your medical problems and the worry that you must be going through >...

 

Not experienced enough to give you any practical advice I'm afraid ( or indeed any reassurance that your fears are unfounded :x ) been through all that myself ( like Hundreds /thousands of others on here! ) but at least you are prepared for it?...

 

"Silly old me" me thought that after having 3 major operations in nine months with more to come...taking tons of medication....going the hospital two/three times a week for check-ups...Consultants telling me that I had to take things easy and not overstrain myself....doctors prescribing tranquillisers and sleeping tablets...etc etc. would have been enough for them!! BUT NO!!! I HAVE A PULSE which equates to being fit enough to work! according to ATOS

 

THE WHOLE SYSTEM STINKS SOD"EM....PREPARE YOURSELF!!

 

GOOD LUCK I WISH YOU WELL!!

 

Regards

 

countmein X

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Rae,

 

That's where the problem lies. I don't know if it's PTSD or a physical illness. Or both even. I don't know whether it is the PTSD that has caused my high blood pressure and the enlargening of my heart, and neither will ATOS. I only put HBP on the ESA50 form as I filled it in before I got the (verbal) results of my chest x-ray. So I will obviously inform them of this at the assessment. Unfortunately, I have nothing in writing to this affect. I will gladly give them permission to check my medical records and speak to anyone that has already assessed me. But I don't think that will happen, do you?

 

I have already resigned myself to the fact that I will lose on this assessment and will inevitably have to appeal. I still feel more anxious about that ordeal. I think the DWP told me (I should be able to remember because she only told me yesterday, but short term memory loss is another of my faults) that if I am refused, then during the appeal process, I have to attend back to work sessions with other people and classes and stuff. I just don't think I could handle that at the moment, so will have to surrender any entitlement to benefits whatsoever. My heart is more important to me than DWP forcing my BP so high that it explodes:p.

 

I will just have to suck it and see and keep you informed.

 

Thanks again Rae.

 

SOD'EM

 

ps. Scales duly tickled:)

 

 

If all else fails, kick them where it hurts and SOD'EM;)

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Not sure about the back to work classes. When I appealed on to tribunal, I just had to attend a meeting every three months or so with my Pathways Adisor. As we get on like a house on fire they were always something to look forward to!

Please don't stress too much. Easier said then done, I know, but you'll remain on ESA for a period equivalant to a pregnancy before JSA can even be thought of [if it ever is] ...

PTSD is getting far more recognition then ever. Including by the DWP:

 

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? - DWP

 

Have you brought this up with your GP? There are helpfull websites about. Heres a link to a personal webpage. Don't be put off that it seems to be all military. The guy whose page it is will help answer queries and talk about it...

 

ptsd.org.uk Home Page

 

Also, have you considered Disability Living Allowance?

 

Best wishes

Rae

 

Thanks for the tickle - I appear to have picked up a light green thingy :eek:

Edited by RaeUK
just because I can...
Link to post
Share on other sites

Take Rae's advice and expect to pass the assessment, as you still have a head, (despite the thugs best efforts), which means you can work. You will have a good chance at any tribunal, so really do try not to worry too much about things (I know it is easier said than done).

 

Re your heart problems, I too have a not too dissimilar family history to you and I have an enlarged heart, though not the blood pressure problems, although I do have a resting heart rate of over 120 - 140 beats a minute. There is light at the end of the tunnel and the best thing for you is to try not to get too stressed out. Whatever they decide at an assessment, or at a tribunal is not going to change by stressing out over it. You will get lots of advice on here from a lot of people who have been there, read the book and are wearing the t shirt............. some have even starred in the movie. So there is a lot of help to help guide you through the next few months.

 

Sadly many many people have taken the p out of the system, which I think is causing government to review the welfare system, in light of how much it all costs. As a result a lot of people with genuine problems are suffering but hopefully it will all turn out okay for you in the end.

 

Keep on smiling!

:)IF YOU ARE BORED WITH LITTLE TO DO:)

My Story - Simon -V- The (SH)Abbey - :!:WON / 19 November 2007:!:

 

SKY TV and the penalty charge - how far will it go?

 

Me V Its4me and Close Premium Finance:!:WON / 28 November 2007:!:

 

IF I CAN HELP, I WILL, IF I DO, THEN PLEASE CLICK ON THE SCALES ON THE LEFT

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Sod'em,

 

Poor you. I cant believe what you have been through over the last 3 years, and if thats not enough in itself, you are now faced with the delights of ATOS and the DWP!

After reading everything it sounds very much like post traumatic stress. I am by no means an expert or a medical professional, but I am a 3rd year psychology student. (that does't make me an expert.) Aswell as your physical symptoms and family history, stress can affect the body in some really physical ways. I know you hate going to the doctor, but maybe when you feel strong enough you could see your GP about PTS. Have you been offered any counselling or Cognitive Behavioural therapy since your attack? Something like that would really help you manage your fear of "hoodies", youths and big groups of people.

 

As for the ATOS assesment on the 24th. Just go with an open mind and the thought that you are likely to fail, and like Kelcou said anything else is a bonus! I am awaiting the results of an assesment, its been 5 weeks now, and Im not holding out any hopes. What coming on this forum has done for me, is show that Im not alone and there is always someone out there to give you some advice and cheer you up.

 

Keep as positive as you can. Best wishes

Squeezyweezy xx :)

  • Haha 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks SOD'EM for your post, it wasn't too long by my standards, I'm sometimes accused of long-windedness and writing my own (expletive self- deleted) essays on forums. The details which you gave would suggest that you aren't a faker, i.e. the enlargement of the heart as shown in the X-ray would be recognised immediately. IMHO I would advise you to consider the possibility that PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is present and worsening the risk of cardiac problems. Keep getting your G.P. to sign you off. PTSD can appear long after the causal event and six months later or several years later are a consistent time-scale.

The ATOS medicals are an absolute farce designed to fail as many claimants as possible, you rightly point out that the "healthcare professionals" qualifications are below the standards we ought to expect from someone making decisions which have life changing consequences for the claimant. This isn't news to anyone who reads these forums or searches the web for "ATOS ESA medical exams".

I've been on I.B. for the last 10 years and the prospect of ESA has caused me many sleepless nights, I intend to fight these iniquitous welfare reforms. To begin with - you cannot refuse the medical exam, however if attending the medical centre is going to worsen your condition (I'm thinking mental stress, losing sleep for days in a row, these having a worsening affect on the cardiac symptoms) YOU CAN ASK FOR A HOME VISIT ASSESSMENT. They will probably contact your G.P. for a supporting statement before agreeing to this.

The tort of negligence is a wrongful act against an individual. Liability can be based on a breach of statutory duty. The motive of the defendant is generally irrelevant.

There is statutory and case law that suggests that DWP, and through them Atos Healthcare, has a duty of care to patients subject to the actions defined by the Welfare Reform Act 2007.

When my time comes to move onto ESA I will insist on a home assessment which I will secretly record to be used at the tribunal, half of these tribunals find in favour of the claimant. I'm advising everyone to appeal their ATOS medicals if they have good cause. Sadly alas, it seems that the DWP don't pay backdates greater than the 13 weeks, if I wanted evidence that ESA is a cost cutting exercise then this one screams injustice. Also, because my illnesses are quite severe and I could get £8/week extra in the "support group" the DWP haven't moved me to ESA even though my review was supposed to be 3 months ago.

Edited by loan_ranger

I'm not a qualified welfare rights adviser, but I'm planning on becoming one. I'm no substitute for more competent advice from trained CAB and welfare rights workers - [URL="http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/127741-benefits-advice.html"]see this post[/URL] by Joa, great advice and links! I've been running a Crisis Loan campaign and help since Jan 2007 . See my annotations c/o "theyworkforyou". I'm also currently interested by the recent DWP Medical Services reform and the effect this is having on valid claims, seriously - someone needs to be keeping a suicide count.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sadly alas, it seems that the DWP don't pay backdates greater than the 13 weeks ...

 

Good post LR, but could we just double check the above? I'm under the impression it is backdated to the point of the 13th week where the assessment phase would normally have ended. We might be talking at cross purposes as I'm referring to ESA...

Best wishes

Rae

Link to post
Share on other sites

Cheers Rae, I think you're right. I get carried away with my ESA stinks agenda.

I'm not a qualified welfare rights adviser, but I'm planning on becoming one. I'm no substitute for more competent advice from trained CAB and welfare rights workers - [URL="http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/127741-benefits-advice.html"]see this post[/URL] by Joa, great advice and links! I've been running a Crisis Loan campaign and help since Jan 2007 . See my annotations c/o "theyworkforyou". I'm also currently interested by the recent DWP Medical Services reform and the effect this is having on valid claims, seriously - someone needs to be keeping a suicide count.

Link to post
Share on other sites

No worries, LR. I was really livid when I lost my tribunal because their 'medical expert' wasn't. 15 months back dated payments down the swanny. Just glad all that anger hasn't been wasted! :D

Best wishes

Rae

Link to post
Share on other sites

WOW!!! I can't beleive the response I have received, and I am truly grateful to you all. I receive ESA now and have doen for 8 weeks or so. I didn't realise that the amount changed at all (even after the assessment). I just thought that you were given a bit more leaway and not pressured as much into finding work until you felt able to. I cannot afford for this to be long term, I was hoping just for a few months and maybe things will brighten up.

 

My doctors are aware of my injuries in the past and are not discounting PTSD as the cause of the high blood pressure. Unfortunately, my GP's has about 10 doctors in it. I have just made another appointment for 2 weeks time because I will need a repeat prescription and hopefully another medical certificate. The problem I am worried about is that I have been given a different GP to see evry month. I have asked for the same one, but they are never available at the time I need them. I though giving 2 weeks notice would guarantee an appointment with the same GP. The medication/s they are trying are just to see which one works, as no of them have lowered my blood pressure yet. Maybe when I go to the hospital, the consultant there will know better. At the moment, I just feel like a guinea pig getting different medications and results with different doctors all the time. For instance. The Professor that I seen 2 weeks ago said he wanted to see again me in 4 weeks time. I have just tried to make an appointment with him, but he won't be available until 2 weeks after I need. So I have had to make an appointment with yet another doctor who has not yet met me and may not understand the underlying problems regardless of the enlarged heart and high blood pressure.

 

 

 

 

Kelcou........All your green blobs from now will be paler. Right up to the magic number 11 (that's the most you can get). I have been helping out in the debt and techy forums and have a few blobs myself:D.

 

It makes you feel that you have really helped someone when they thank you with a rep.

 

Thank You All.

Edited by SOD'EM

 

 

If all else fails, kick them where it hurts and SOD'EM;)

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

PTSD........Depression.........Is there even a difference.

 

I think that I have my doctors baffled because it is highly possible that I am suffering from depression ( I have all the symptons that show on the leaflet I received from the DWP), but it could also be anxiety, stress,hypertension or even just all caused by my enlarged heart and high blood pressure. But seeing a different doctor every time does not help matters at all (I don't think so anyway). One may think I need one thing, the other may think I don't.

 

I'm starting to feel like a hypercondriach here but I am even confusing myself by not thinking straight. When I try to put it to the back of my mind and relax, it seems to get worse:confused:.

 

 

As for counselling, I have been referred (and have made an appointment for the 26th) to a group called Inclusion Matters. They start off with a telephone assessment and then take it from there.

 

 

The only similarity with all my doctors visits is that they have all told me while I was there to calm down.

 

 

96777.jpg

 

 

If all else fails, kick them where it hurts and SOD'EM;)

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

There is a disability premium attached to ESA, SOD'EM, which - iirc - is either £25 per week if you may be able to work but need a lot of help [that's the group I want to be in, can't remember the name] or £30 per week if you can't work at all.

It must be a pain seeing different GPs all the time. I'm fortunate I've been seeing the same one for the last decade or so and it's a big help.

Best wishes

Rae

 

ps: As you now know, ESA and ATOS are very hot topics just now. They'll attract a lot of interest!

Link to post
Share on other sites

OOPS!!!!

 

I forgot to say. They are not telling me to calm down because I get aggresive or anything. It's just that they can see that I am not coping with things too well. I speak to them too quick and sometimes (and have never done before) stutter slightly. I can't keep my fingers or legs still either:confused:. Nobody will sit on the same couch as me as it is always shaking:p.

 

 

If all else fails, kick them where it hurts and SOD'EM;)

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

... It's just that they can see that I am not coping with things too well. I speak to them too quick and sometimes (and have never done before) stutter slightly. I can't keep my fingers or legs still either:confused:. Nobody will sit on the same couch as me as it is always shaking:p.

 

Can't quite put my finger on it, SOD'EM, but I get a little feeling your assesment may not be so bad...

 

Best wishes

Rae

Link to post
Share on other sites

PTSD........Depression.........Is there even a difference.

 

I think that I have my doctors baffled because it is highly possible that I am suffering from depression ( I have all the symptons that show on the leaflet I received from the DWP), but it could also be anxiety, stress,hypertension or even just all caused by my enlarged heart and high blood pressure. But seeing a different doctor every time does not help matters at all (I don't think so anyway). One may think I need one thing, the other may think I don't.

 

I'm starting to feel like a hypercondriach here but I am even confusing myself by not thinking straight. When I try to put it to the back of my mind and relax, it seems to get worse:confused:.

 

 

As for counselling, I have been referred (and have made an appointment for the 26th) to a group called Inclusion Matters. They start off with a telephone assessment and then take it from there.

 

 

The only similarity with all my doctors visits is that they have all told me while I was there to calm down.

 

 

96777.jpg

PTSD is a condition, depression is a symptom, anxiety, night terrors (really bad dreams), avoidance of perceived threatening situations and panicky feelings are all symptoms which are common to many conditions. I'm no expert but even I can see that you aren't a hypochondriac. Statistically one in four people will experience mental health problems during their life-time.

I'm not a qualified welfare rights adviser, but I'm planning on becoming one. I'm no substitute for more competent advice from trained CAB and welfare rights workers - [URL="http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/127741-benefits-advice.html"]see this post[/URL] by Joa, great advice and links! I've been running a Crisis Loan campaign and help since Jan 2007 . See my annotations c/o "theyworkforyou". I'm also currently interested by the recent DWP Medical Services reform and the effect this is having on valid claims, seriously - someone needs to be keeping a suicide count.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Right before this turns into an ESA bashing love fest :eek:

 

As well as moral support you need advice.

 

1st read up on all the ESA processes and how they work

 

Decision Makers' Guide - DWP

 

Chapter 8 and (also chapter 9 Chapter 53 – WFHRA, WfI and Disqualification)

 

You also need a decent set of descriptors (how it's scored) and an explanation of them.

 

Can anybody provided these as mine are from that pay site which helps with ESA/DLA claims Benefits n Work? ;-)

 

Seriously you must read up on all this and familiarise to the point you can quote it chapter n verse (well at least understand the basics). It looks difficult and very confusing and at 1st it is :mad: After a bit of reading you'll be able to figure out what is going on and ask directed questions, that will enable you to get better help :-D Also by knowing what is happening and why you'll be prepared for anything (almost) that happens.

 

Your Council & CAB will be able to give you the contact details for Welfare Right and others who can help with the forms, gathering evidence and appeals.

 

You may also be entitled to DLA benefits these folks can help with that to :grin:

 

There will also be forums/groups with people who have similar problems who can offer you assistance find them. Here's a good start but it may not be specific enough for your needs.

 

Things to remember;

1, you will be told different and conflicting information on what is required.

2, most people on the internet are here to complain about something

 

Prepare for victory and don't stress about the experiences of others. If you lose a battle you can still win the war. i.e. get your head round the system and back up from the above then plan your strategy. You'll be less stressed and able to cope better as you'll be more in control.

 

If you fail appeal :eek: As well as re-instating your ESA payments it will take time - lots of time months in fact. This time can be used to build your next case just incase the appeal fails. The 6 months before a new claim (due to worsening condition or new evidence) is allowed runs from the date of the original decision not the appeal. A lot of people are finding their appeals are lasting this 6 months so bang in a a new ESA application if that goes against them straight away. Same rate as JSA but no signing on so what have you got to loose ;-)

 

Lastly you considered learning Yoga, meditation &/or breathing techniques to help with the anxiety?

  • Haha 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Cheers Speedy, I've just got to research my facts and find the current descriptors and the new ones which are due October 2010. Anyhow we all agree that ESA stinks and is a cost cutting kick the poor disabled process. I'm not a big punk rock fan, however I predict a riot, the likes of which hasn't happened since the poll tax.

 

Best regards, Paul.

I'm not a qualified welfare rights adviser, but I'm planning on becoming one. I'm no substitute for more competent advice from trained CAB and welfare rights workers - [URL="http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/127741-benefits-advice.html"]see this post[/URL] by Joa, great advice and links! I've been running a Crisis Loan campaign and help since Jan 2007 . See my annotations c/o "theyworkforyou". I'm also currently interested by the recent DWP Medical Services reform and the effect this is having on valid claims, seriously - someone needs to be keeping a suicide count.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't think I am well enough for a riot just yet:D.

 

Thanks to both of you.

 

Speedfreak, there is some exelent info that I have been looking for on that link you have provided. I will read and read for the next 11 days until my assessment. Thanks very much.

 

 

If all else fails, kick them where it hurts and SOD'EM;)

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

On the subject of the descriptors, here's a file I downloaded when the eminent erikaPNP of the site team informed everyone. These new descriptors aren't law until October 2010, if wonderful erika can remind us of her news this would be appreciated. When I find the original website I'll change the link but in the meanwhile I've only got my server and website.

http://loanranger.no-ip.org/penury/av/work-capability-assessment-review-addendum.pdf

Give me a minute to check the link.

Best regards and thanks to all the kind caggers, Rae, Mazbck, Antone, loopin, and more than I can mention now,

love, Paul.

 

Edit: P.S. The current descriptors can be found here:

employment and support allowance activities,descriptors and points - Factsheet F33 (pdf format)

Edited by loan_ranger
added P.S.

I'm not a qualified welfare rights adviser, but I'm planning on becoming one. I'm no substitute for more competent advice from trained CAB and welfare rights workers - [URL="http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/127741-benefits-advice.html"]see this post[/URL] by Joa, great advice and links! I've been running a Crisis Loan campaign and help since Jan 2007 . See my annotations c/o "theyworkforyou". I'm also currently interested by the recent DWP Medical Services reform and the effect this is having on valid claims, seriously - someone needs to be keeping a suicide count.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Sod'em. I've seen your username on the other forums and have always rather envied it. Wish I'd thought of it first. Welcome to Benefits. Are you really suprised at the responses? We have some great people here.

 

Please can I add my sympathies and outrage about what's happening to you? The physical things sounds capable of being understood even by Atos, but I've been there too and I would suggest as others have, that you view it as the first step in a campaign. No-one knows what Atos's agenda is exactly, but I have a jolly good idea what I think it is.

 

Having experienced mental problems myself, I would encourage you to seek specialist advice, probably a consultant psychiatrist to start with, who may refer you on to the appropriate professional. But having a consultant on your side is worth something for you appeal, and should aid you on the road to recovery. However nice your GPs are, they don't have the right qualifications. Mine would have prescribed me the wrong medication completely if I'd let them. I don't suppose your professor has a colleague in psychiatry he could talk to for you? Otherwise, you would go through your GP.

 

I'll have a look around for the descriptors which you'll need later if you appeal, will be back later. If I go and try to come back now, this post will disappear.

 

We're with you all the way on this.

 

HB x

Illegitimi non carborundum

 

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

While I was typing that, Lone Ranger seems to have posted what I was going to look for. Paul, I think you know more about future changes than I do, but if you need an extra pair of hands to google, I'm your man. Well, very nearly.

 

HB x

Illegitimi non carborundum

 

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice one, the link is working from what I can detect. If you have any problems then I'll e-mail the file.

Forget stiff upper lip, you've paid your N.I. and they're stiffing you, over my dead body will they get away with this.

Best regards from Paul, I'm not Mr. Angry, too mild - I'm Mr. Livid.

I'm not a qualified welfare rights adviser, but I'm planning on becoming one. I'm no substitute for more competent advice from trained CAB and welfare rights workers - [URL="http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/127741-benefits-advice.html"]see this post[/URL] by Joa, great advice and links! I've been running a Crisis Loan campaign and help since Jan 2007 . See my annotations c/o "theyworkforyou". I'm also currently interested by the recent DWP Medical Services reform and the effect this is having on valid claims, seriously - someone needs to be keeping a suicide count.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Recently Browsing   0 Caggers

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Have we helped you ...?


×
×
  • Create New...