ESA - not sure I filled in the form properly with enough information

[Talulaley]

I've applied for ESA and received the form to fill in regarding work capability assessment. I filled it in and sent it back, but have since read online a lot about filling it in with as much detail about a bad day as possible. I haven't given enough detail, nor have I given a clear picture of how bad it can be.

I'm waiting for an appointment now, but don't know what to expect at the assessment. Will they just go through what I wrote or will I have a chance to give more detail?

I suffer with depression and anxiety and also a few physical issues. I'm terrified about the assessment, I struggle to talk to people I don't know, to travel to unknown places, to talk about my depression and anxiety.

If I don't receive ESA and have to sign in for JSA I don't know how I'll cope, as I wouldn't be able to attend interviews.

Has anyone had a work capability assessment and can tell me what to expect? Is there any way of not having to go through with it in person?

I can't sleep, I'm worrying about it so much.

[Talulaley]

No one?

[Becca19962014]

It's difficult to respond. I read your op earlier but don't know what to say. I don't know if this will help. As I'm not well and v.tired.

The assessment face to face is 99% of the time essential -rare not to have one, you'll have a date/time given with location, you can cancel once without losing benefit, miss two and the claim is closed.

It's Not based on form it's based on computer questions. You wait n a room with others. You can take someone with you. Things like access issues/regular appointments so you can't attend then/need transport/need woman to do asessment should have been put on the form, if not then they will assume none of those are valid.

They assess one condition p, which they choose, not the impact of multiple -that's usually done at appeal.

In my centre(which is now closed) appointments were on two set days a week, 8am to 8pm. They could phone from
8am to 10m to arrange appointmet r cancel it. You'll need to take proof of ID as well.

I don't none if that helps or not. It varies massively from area to area.

[Talulaley]

Thank you Becca, that does help. I'm sorry you're not well, thank you for taking the time to reply.

I've cancelled one appointment, as the person giving me a lift couldn't make that day, and they are going to contact me with a new appointment.

So if I have several problems they won't take them all into account, but will pick one to question me about? So they may pick a less serious problem and declare me fit to work, although other issues stop me from working at present?

[Becca19962014]

Ok, you must go next time then or your claim will be closed.

Sadly no they don't take every condition into account. Sometimes it's the first you put on the form, other times, random. You can appeal if that happens.

I hope it goes well for you.

Hope this doesn't read too bluntly, sorry if it does it isn't intentional.

[Talulaley]

Thanks. I hope I don't have to appeal, I'm not sure I could handle the stress.

No, it's fine, not too blunt. Very helpful, thanks.

[Marchate]

All I know for sure is, if your claim is rejected you must appeal. A huge percentage of claims are accepted at appeal. Yes it's stressful but you really must accept that it might happen

Try to take care of yourself and don't let the stress grind you down x

[Talulaley]

Thanks. Do you know what happens during an appeal?

[Marchate]

Not in detail, but I do know that the first decision is based on nothing much more than a tick sheet. If you appeal a real person decides! You can submit more evidence too

I'll try to find a helpful link

[Marchate]

this

and this

[twistedlove]

Ive got depression and anxiety too, When i claimed esa i had to go for a medical assessment, they offered to come to my house to make it easier for me but i declined due to the fact i feel comfortable in my own home and thought they wouldn't see the full extent of my illness, which actually worked quite well as when i went to the interview i was totally out of my comfort zone and it gave the persom who was assessing me an insight to what im like in social situations and situations i find stresfull.

[Talulaley]

Thanks Marchate, that's very useful.

Twisted, thanks. I would feel the same I guess. What sort of questions did they ask?

[twistedlove]

They basically just asked how i copr with life, how i manage daily tasks such as, washing, tidying, cooking, shopping, socializing, if i had any hobbies ect, if i was on medication and how it made me feel, if i was getting counseling, what support i had at home, if i knew how/when the anxiety and depression started, if i had any triggers that would make it worse, if i had any coping techniques.

I was terrified but the woman i had was very patient and understanding, told me to take my time.

It really isnt as bad as we think its gonna be and it will help for them to actually see you face to face, take sombody with you if it'll make you feel more comfortable.

[AndNowItsSeven]

//www.benefitsandwork.co.uk this website is really helpful op.
Your have to pay for some info the give you an offer code on website so it's about £16 a year it is worth it even if you are skint if you can possibly afford it. The free info if you can't is also very useful.

[AndNowItsSeven]

If you are claiming for depression/ anxiety most important peace of advice is do not attend the assessment alone.

[Talulaley]

Thanks Twisted, that's really helpful, gives me an idea of what to expect. Can I ask if you were successful?

Thanks andnow, I'll have a look.

I'm planning on taking a friend, but think I'll go into the assessment itself alone, not sure I could talk freely about my problems with someone else present.

[AndNowItsSeven]

No , please don't go in alone it will be used against you, if you have anxiety I can almost guarantee you that.

[AndNowItsSeven]

You could take an advocate if you don't want to talk about personal things in front of a friend.

[Talulaley]

The only person I can take is my bf, but I don't want to discuss some of the stuff in front of him. I dont know anyone else in the area (moved recently). How would I find an advocate?

[Becca19962014]

You could try somewhere like mind. But not all of them will provide accompanyment to benefit medicals anymore as there are so many - you can be called twice in a year to reapply.

In my county there is no one who provides this service to anyone independently anymore, so it's friends and family or no one. I'm someone who must go alone. No choice.

[Becca19962014]

You could also try CAB if there is one.

[Talulaley]

I can't go to Mind - connection to a family member of bf. I guess I'll have to go alone.

[Becca19962014]

ok. I hope it works out for you

[Becca19962014]

Could you try saneline if you are in England link here they might know of someone in your area.

[AndNowItsSeven]

Op sorry I feel like I have caused you more anxiety now. It's more the travelling alone that goes against you. If you have your bf walk right up to the room with you and makes himself known to the assessor and signs in it should be ok.

[Marchate]

Look up advocacy service + name of your town. There might be something. Otherwise, as suggested, citizens advice would help find someone. Or phone your GP surgery. They might have a list. Try a local church! Are you in England? Even if you are not at all religious you are in a parish and they might be able to suggest something. I heard a radio programme about this. You are in the 'care' of local parish whether you are CofE, other religion or atheist!