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]

I'm in Wales.

[Marchate]

Well it might be similar but obviously not CofE!

But definitely make sure you don't give the impression you can cope fine. If bf goes with you ask him to emphasise the caring gestures. You know in a driving test you turn your whole head to look in the mirror, so the examiner notices? That's what he needs to do. Nothing fake, just obvious

[Talulaley]

Andnow, not at all, I'm very grateful for the tip. However, I don't think I could face going with a stranger either, so I'll take my bf with me to the waiting room and hope that's enough. Any idea if driving will be held against me? I hate driving at the best of times and especially somewhere unknown, but it's difficult to get to and my bf doesn't drive.

[Talulaley]

Thanks Marchate, I'll bear that in mind.

[Lurkedforever1]

I'm not suggesting in any way you fake or exagerate symptoms, as that's not what esa is for. But don't whatever you do push yourself to be at your best. Lots of people with depression and anxiety are quite good at faking 'normal' behavior for short periods/ putting a brave face on, but this isn't the time to do it. So don't try and suppress any reactions or symptoms that come to you during assessment.

[Marchate]

Yes, all the advice you read is what Lurked says. Don't pull yourself together & show the world you can cope! If you don't feel like brushing your hair, don't brush it. Tell them it took you xyz time to get there because you find driving so stressful. That day, be the person you are, not the mask you put on to face the world usually

[Talulaley]

That's very true, about putting on a brave face, I do that all the time. I don't know if I know how not to.

[Marchate]

With practice!! We all do it, but on 'special occasions' it's necessary to let the mask slip

Hope it goes well for you

[Talulaley]

Thank you.

[Baconyum]

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

This is so true. I've also been reliably informed that the standard response is to reject all claims initially and that only the 'genuine' will appeal. It's also assumed that everyone is exaggerating (like drs all assume people lie about their alcohol intake and how much they smoke) so you must be clear on what your worst day is like and demonstrate that where possible. Without of course exaggerating or being at all fraudulent.

Certainly at one point the people conducting these interviews received a monetary bonus if the claim 'failed'.

Next time you have to complete a form don't do it yourself. There are key words and phrases flagged. Your local cab, mind, mental health advocacy service, patient advocacy service, church, mental health charity, benefits charity, debt charity, social services welfare rights advice service will all have experience of dealing with these claims. Get their help and advice wherever possible.

I'm an educated ex-professional but every time I go over the forms with whoever's helping me that time they point out things I've not included. The Mani thing I'd forget at the beginning was that although my main issue is mental health I also have physical disability which should also be noted on the form and all difficulties it causes.

Good luck

[Talulaley]

Thanks. I'm finding the whole thing so stressful .. I can't believe it's so difficult. Unfortunately it's too late, I've filled in the form, giving genuine answers. I did list the physical problems I also have.

I feel like just giving up and accepting they'll reject me

[Lurkedforever1]

Don't think that op. Apart from during the assessment when feeling your lowest is a good thing.

Also bear in mind they'll skim the best stuff. Eg if I met someone who made eye contact and spoke coherently I wouldn't think 'yes, perfectly fine'. I'd go off the fact they were dragging their eyes back to contact and otherwise constantly moving or staring at a fixed point. And that their body language and actual speech content, rhythm indicated they weren't actually 'fine'. An assessment won't do that, they'll just note the 'good' bits.

(Not a hcp or dwp employee btw, but do see mental health problems regularly in work)

[Marchate]

Think of the form as the first attempt, and be 100% prepared for the resit!

The system is rigged to work that way. You must appeal if you are unsuccessful first time. You are being put under severe stress, we know, but hey ho. That stress can be mentioned at the interview and/or the appeal. More ammunition!

[AndNowItsSeven]

No don't give it , the sad thing is many genuine claimants don't receive dla/ pip/esa for mental health reasons because the just can't face it.
The worst that could happen is you are refused and can then appeal. A high percentage of appeals are successful.
Also when you think you can consider applying for pip , you may well qualify.

[Baconyum]

A very high percentage of appeals are successful which just goes to show IMO that it's designed precisely to try and stop people claiming!

Don't give up, you'll be glad you didn't.

[Talulaley]

I've not looked into pip.

It's just very daunting. I haven't even got an appointment yet, but I'm extremely stressed about it.

[Scaredofmyownshadow]

I had to reapply for ESA, the CAB filled in my application forms.
My CPN and psychologist did a letter each to accompany the form explaining how going for a medical would be Something that I would really struggle with.
They only took 3 weeks to make a decision and put me back in the support group.
Not sure if the letters made any difference.
I hope you get on ok with yours.

[Talulaley]

Thanks. I didn't have a cpn or psychologist, just see my gp. I've no one to write letters or reports.