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Advocates for adults going through ESA appeal.

Bloodheart

I'm re-applying for Employment Support Allowance in a little over a week. I'm on JSA again now and despite only having been on JSA for 4 days I'm already so anxious and stressed about new rules, job search when I can't even work, my next sign-on day, not being able to follow my job seekers agreement, being sent to Work Program while on JSA or ESA, and re-applying for ESA that I am physically ill and feel like I'm perminantely close to meltdown. I really cannot cope with JSA. 

Last time I was on ESA I was found fit-for-work and so I appealed, I had a tribunal but it didn't go well so I was refused ESA. The tribunal was horrible, for multiple reasons, but a big problem was trying to express the problems I face with my autism (worse given as they ask about general day-to-day problems, not work-specific problems), the doctor was asking far too vague questions that I didn't know how to answer, for example when asked 'how do you manage day-to-day?' my answer is 'okay'. I couldn't find a way to express to them the full range of problems I face in order to make it clear to them that they need to put me on ESA. 

I was told last time I should get an advocate to help me, but I had very little notice and because it was over the New Year trying to find someone in time wasn't possible - plus executive functioning and communication problems meant it was just hard for me to find out where to go to get help or actually get round to seeking help. 

I'd like to get an advocate next time to help with a tribunal, and possibly to help with the medial assessment beforehand too, but I'm really worried about any advocate not knowing enough about autism to be able to get from me the information needed from me...or as is often the case with those who work with people with autism; they ask questions face-to-face or insist on contact on their terms rather than recognising that it's best to communicate via email, and so they miss out on all the information. 

  • Can NAS provide advocates for this purpose, or is anyone able to give me details on how to get an advocate? 
     
  • Has anyone ever used any sort of advocate in general, or specifically when dealing with ESA appeals? 

  • Hi Bloodheart,

    Thanks for your message and sorry to hear the problems you're experiencing with ESA. 

    We have some infformation and support on applying for ESA here: www.autism.org.uk/.../employment-and-support-allowance.aspx

    You can also book a telephone appointment with our team by calling our Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104 (Mon-Fri 10-4pm) or by emailing welfarerights@nas.org.uk.

    Best wishes,

    Mike, NAS

  • the local council should have a welfare officer for people with disabilities, you may be falling into the trap of trying to deal with these shits,, get a letter from your doc, to tell them that you are struggling with this. You need to step back, because if you do not you will be pushed of a cliff by trying to hard. Everytime I half try in situation of state, the monster swallows me up, I have learned by pain and suffering, to just stop and do not go. If you can't not cope, TELL THEM SO, plainly, because to try and push through will be just be pain and will be trauma, refuse there trauma system. Get HELP.

  • Hi,

    The NAS don't provide an advocate I think however they can provide welfare advice over the phone from a Welfare Advisor. You would need to contact the support helpline and they will set an appointment for you. It may be in a few days time and will last for upto 20 mins, so you may want to prepare for this (i.e. have a list of questions you may wish to ask) These people understand Autism and the benefits system.

    Secondly I really do empathise with you on the advisors not being available however have you tried DIAL or look on Consumer Action Group or Money Saving Expert forums.  

    Citizens Advice may be helpful too and Local Councils may also have a welfare rights service.

    There are online pdfs written by experts on how to fill in the ESA50 forms, I could PM to you however they are a little outdated but may still help

    ESA has changed recently as they take physical and mental conditions seperatly on the new ESA forms. The new forms have jsut been released but don't worry as much of it is similar and that's why you may wish to have a look on the above forums I have mentioned.

    Also make sure to have support from your GP and any other health/social care professionals (even if its a support worker from a chairty etc).

     

    Things will get better.

    urspecial

  • You definitely need someone with you. I had a friend who has known me a long time at my medical assessment.  I also put on my form that I wanted someone who knew something about AS, and he was very good. It may be a bit late for that now. If you have a friend who could ring and ask I would recommend it. 

    If he/she asks vague questions tell him/her you need them to be more specific.  Have you got any examples from previous employment where work or relationships have been too difficult? It could be very small things. Think of as many examples as you can and write them down.  I ignored the idea that they had to be in everyday homelife and used everyday work situations. I imagine that they put that because some people have never worked and if you cannot manage everyday at home then you ar unlikely to at work.  The converse is not true. 

    Have you seen a AS consultant? If you can get an appointment then you can ask for a report and tell the assessor you are waiting for a report. If you see any professional or support worker with respect to the AS ask if they would write a letter.

    I know how really awful this process is and I sympathise, and wish you well.

  • Do you have a relative that could help, Bloodheart?