Going to lose my ESA now, aren't I? Do DWP call handlers have health info on screen?

[ICantTakeItNoMoreWantToDie]

I did something stupid. I have severe mental health issues, including complex PTSD, (background of severe abuse) and other related issues including OCD, BPD/EUPD, and I have been suspected of having autism but haven't been able to find a professional able who will assess me as they say my symptoms are 100% trauma related .

I am unable to work these days due to severe physical issues including fatigue, and a neurological disorder affecting movement and muscle stiffness, dystonia etc.

Well I was having OCD about my benefits being stopped, so I phoned the number to check the payment was going to be paid. Four times the artificial system wouldn't recognise my bank details or date of birth . This made me worry they were stopped. I am a bit dyslexic and have suspected dyscaluclia but wasn't diagnosed as child because my parents didn't believe in it, said it was attentions seeking and they would thrash it out of me. So I said on the phone as an excuse for checking my benefits that I'm a bit dyslexic

The thing is I never have claimed for dyslexia and have no formal diagnosis . Now I'm paranoid that the call centre handler is going to remember what I've said and look at all my health details on my notes and notice I'm not officially dyslexic . She might think I'm lying about everything else .

Now they will stop my benefits and investigate me . I don't know what to do . If they do that I won't have anything to live on and may lose my home . I don't see a future for myself .

Do the call handlers at DWP have our health information on screen?

I'm not sure if anyone (or many people anyway) claim for dyslexia so I don't think it's going to be seen as that strange to claim for some conditions but not to mention dyslexia. If you phoned up and said "I don't have ptsd - it was just a joke" they might be a bit puzzled. But saying you have an additional condition doesn't negate the ones you've claimed for. Try not to worry.

Not an expert but I agree with the previous poster. Not likely to be a red flag for them.

You sound as if you are in a rough patch with your OCD/anxiety at the moment. Hope that you are able to get some support to see you through this patch and back onto a more even keel.

Sending best wishes

You saying you're dyslexic was you trying to explain a difficulty there and then and I honestly don't think the call handler will take it down.

I really wouldn't worry. I do understand how nerve wracking it is making these phone calls through.
It really depends on the day, how you're feeling and how the reaction by the call handler goes.

Don't think about it anymore. Xxx

Agree with the PP. I really think you can relax and not worry about this minute detail you feel you may have overshared.
You are most definitely over thinking it 🙂 Pop something on TV or put some music on and forget about it. X

It will be fine. You are overthinkinking it.

Ignore it now and distract yourself..

That is your OCD thinking.

You honestly have nothing to worry about here, the call handler isn't

Actually, I'm not going to reassure you with reasoning, just remind yourself this is OCD, not reality.

It's fine, just forget about it. You might have a host of other conditions, but you're claiming on the basis of those that prevent you from working.

It's fine, just forget about it. You might have a host of other conditions, but you're claiming on the basis of those that prevent you from working.

It's OK.

They won't think anything of it.

I don't think there will be any action on your benefits. Try to put it out of your mind - hard as it is.

Former benefit decision maker here. No-one gives a toss about dyslexia. It does not have any impact on your claim. The call handler certainly won't have time to trawl through your health info, and are unlikely to have access to that data anyway. They have no legitimate reason to if your call was to check payment dates.

A call handler is not a decision maker and they are there to answer phones. Throughout their shift they have endless calls patched through from a waiting line which is hours long. They would barely have enough time to go to the toilet, never mind trawl through your notes for no reason.
It's more worrying that you have intrusive thoughts about your benefits being stopped which is what prompted you to call in the first place. Might it be time to book a medication review appointment with your GP?

I mean this so kindly, as I know what it's like, but I really think you're overthinking, spiralling and obsessing. Have you found anything that helps you get perspective in situations like this in the past? It sounds like a throwaway comment to me that no one will think twice about except you.

I do have dyslexia. Diagnosed at school many many years ago. I don't need to claim benefits but have no idea how I'd actually prove it anyway. Honestly don't worry about it lots of people say it in humour anyway x

Thanks everybody. Well I eventually phoned DWP, and fortunately the AI robot this time understood my security answers. The A1 just told me my benefits are being paid as usual on Friday. So I assume that's the end of it .

I spoke to my therapist, she and I are working on ways to deal with Catastrophising and the toxic cognitive distortions by challenging them. I did DBT some years ago and need to back to the skills. We agreed that my lack of sleep and general poor health is affecting my moods, so working on sleep hygiene.

I feel grateful for this thread and those who kindly and patiently responded.

I'm so pleased to hear it has all turned out ok, and that you are feeling less unsettled.

Thanks so much!