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Any tips for ESA assessment?

Kasha

I've an assessment coming up and I'm concerned I'll be found fit-for-work - this is a reassessment, I've had two previous ESA assessments, with one appeal, and had two previous PIP assessments (not granted). 

I'm Autistic with ADHD (I also suffer depression and anxiety, which includes not being able to use a telephone) so there's a MASSIVE difference in my ability to function from one situation to the next and it makes finding suitable work very difficult, not to mention I can't even get voluntary work right now due to lack of references! There's no ASD or ADHD services locally so I've no proof of disability other than ASD diagnosis and DWP seem to think because I can't get help that means I don't need help so I'm fit-for-work.

If not on ESA I've no other options as I can't get a job and they won't let me apply for JSA as I can't follow job seekers agreement - it's a joke they argue I'm not disabled enough for ESA, yet I'm too disabled for JSA. 

I obviously won't fake disability but I'm scared about all the ridiculous judgements they make, like if I look too clean or well dressed they'll take away points, also I'll have someone with me but don't want them to see how bad I could get. I'll not save spoons or try to pass for NT like I'd normally do when I leave the house, so I can try to show a more reasonable example of what I'm like, but I hate the idea of not saving spoons in case I have a meltdown or become suicidal...sure it *might* help pass the assessment but I'd also be at risk! 

I'm so worried if found fit-for-work I'll have no income over Christmas...I'll have to try to appeal, and if I don't get my appeal I risk no income at all until I can re-apply for ESA again but I'd likely have to have the lower rate so I'll still be in trouble!

Parents

  • Hi,

    I'm sorry I don't understand how anyone gets it. The system is ridiculous. I've even heard of blind people & people with down's syndrome being refused PIP.

    I was awarded ESA in 2013. But the process itself left me unable to leave my flat for a year. I'd previously been able to go out very briefly once a week, getting a taxi to collect my child. 

    Ironically DWP/ATOS making me agoraphobic allowed me to skip the ATOS interview then. With good reason. It took lots of letters to DWP & my GP to explain I was now completely housebound. I didn't see my GP & only wrote to him. They even allowed my GP to write monthly sick notes until my claim was successful. And I was put in the support group, with severe disablement premium. But this was in 2013. The system was bad then, but is even worse now.

    I'm basically in the same situation again. With my DLA switching to PIP. Despite a recent DLA letter claiming my DLA award expires 2018. It expired 2 weeks later when my forced PIP claim was refused, as I was unable to go to the assessment. I'd explained in my  application & reason for not going that I have ASD. And that this prevents me going to new places or seeing anyone new etc. The mandatory reconsideration upheld the original refusal.

    This leaves me at the seeking a tribunal stage now. I was told people who attend the tribunal are more likely to win. And going did get me low rate mobility in 2012. But this time I'm much worse & wouldn't be able to go.

    A recent bout of physical illness has left me extremely agoraphobic again. I now can't go out at all. My PIP claim says I go out once a week. This has come at the worst time ever. 

    It makes me so angry when I hear of others who also can't work, always being negatively discriminated against.

Reply

  • Hi,

    I'm sorry I don't understand how anyone gets it. The system is ridiculous. I've even heard of blind people & people with down's syndrome being refused PIP.

    I was awarded ESA in 2013. But the process itself left me unable to leave my flat for a year. I'd previously been able to go out very briefly once a week, getting a taxi to collect my child. 

    Ironically DWP/ATOS making me agoraphobic allowed me to skip the ATOS interview then. With good reason. It took lots of letters to DWP & my GP to explain I was now completely housebound. I didn't see my GP & only wrote to him. They even allowed my GP to write monthly sick notes until my claim was successful. And I was put in the support group, with severe disablement premium. But this was in 2013. The system was bad then, but is even worse now.

    I'm basically in the same situation again. With my DLA switching to PIP. Despite a recent DLA letter claiming my DLA award expires 2018. It expired 2 weeks later when my forced PIP claim was refused, as I was unable to go to the assessment. I'd explained in my  application & reason for not going that I have ASD. And that this prevents me going to new places or seeing anyone new etc. The mandatory reconsideration upheld the original refusal.

    This leaves me at the seeking a tribunal stage now. I was told people who attend the tribunal are more likely to win. And going did get me low rate mobility in 2012. But this time I'm much worse & wouldn't be able to go.

    A recent bout of physical illness has left me extremely agoraphobic again. I now can't go out at all. My PIP claim says I go out once a week. This has come at the worst time ever. 

    It makes me so angry when I hear of others who also can't work, always being negatively discriminated against.

Children
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