Benefits Advice

[Shyma]

Hello

 

I'm looking for some quick advice regarding benefits, from the top.

 

Last year I made a claim for ESA due to depression but was found fit for work by ATOS in December, because I have a predisposition towards letting people beat me down due to said depression I did not appeal and instead moved onto JSA.

 

Since that time my mental health has deteriorated substantially and I am now in a place where it is near all I can do to make it through to the end of each and every day. My advisor at my local job centre suggested that I should claim ESA again as my condition has worsened and so I did so on 1st May.

 

I have now received a letter stating that based on my previous WCA I'm not entitled to ESA, I called to express my surprise as I had indicated that my condition had worsened and was instructed to write to them to request an "emergency reconsideration" and include a letter from my GP describing how it has worsened. And even then they may still refuse it.

 

I have asked for help from CAB but that's not going to happen until Monday and as I've not had any income now for several weeks (my ESA was backdated so in effect I've had no benefits since 24th April) things are getting pretty desperate financially and this whole carry on is threatening to push me over the edge. (incidentally I'm apparently not entitled to any emergency financial assistance because my ESA claim was refused, it was suggested that I look to borrow from friends or family - kind of hard to do when you have neither)

 

The way I see it ESA is going to take a significant amount of time to sort out, if they even decide I can claim it, so the option of a rapid reclaim for JSA looks attractive. I suspect they will refuse me JSA also however as they already have my sick note declaring me unfit for work.

 

I really don't know what to do and all the stress of getting behind on bills and missing a council tax payment (as well as having not eaten in 4 days) is really getting me down.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mr.P]

I really don't know what to do and all the stress of getting behind on bills and missing a council tax payment (as well as having not eaten in 4 days) is really getting me down.

 

Contact your local council today - You need to make a nil income declaration which will entitle you to the maximum council tax relief. Discuss your financial situation with them now and explain the difficulties you are experiencing at present - they may be able to offer financial assistance, agree a repayment plan for any outstanding CT, sign post you to a local charity, or even refer you to the local food bank.

 

While you are resolving the council tax problem, others will be along later to give advise about your ESA claim.