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Attending ESA interviews every 4 week Making Aspi Son ILL

tglancs

Hello everyone Tony here 54 year old dad of a 23 year old high functioning Aspergers son.

Frazer our son was placed in the work-related activity group and initially after being seen twice at the monthly interviews was not recalled for almost 12 month, it seemed that the interviewer realised the upset the meetings were causing and in my opinion acted accordingly.

However about 10 weeks ago he was summoned once again to an interview where the new interviewee was much more aggressive and less sympathetic towards Frazers needs. He has know attended two 30 minute interviews, "tortured" unnecessarly,not only on the day but way in advance with negative thoughts towards the upcoming meeting.

This not only makes him ill with serious IBS, not sleeping etc but also as a detrimental effect on both my wife and myself who of course feel deeply for him and not least worry who will be his voice when we have past away hopefully way into the future.

Can anyone give any help with this, we have always fought his corner and been his voice all through his life but this seems to be beating us.

The fact is rather than risk any harmful outcome that Frazer could be lead towards because of the stress he feels in this situation, my wife says she would rather he come off this wretched ESA and just give him a little pocket money from our meager earnings.

Although this would be a satisfactory conclusion regarding the stress Frazer feels it seems to me that the government would have won and saved a penny pinching amount from yet another disabled soul who gets a little independence from the funds the ESA pays him every two weeks.

Looking to the future there will come the time when Frazer will need an independent income when we are not here to support him, this is the main worry we have and would gratefully welcome any suggestions of help from anyone within these forums.

Sorry for the long winded post but felt the need to get all the points in.

Parents

  • I am so sorry to hear about Frazer's predicamant.  Unfortunately it's anything but unusual.  The way claimants are treated is nothing short of shocking.  I find it appalling for many reasons.  I'd check the nas home pg to see if there's any advice.  Also I'd contact CAB + your council's welfare rights/money advice section.  They may be able to supply an advocate to attend the ESA mtgs as well as giving advice.   I'd also recommend googling the Consumer Action Group who are well up on all things financial, inc benefits.  There is no charge.  They provide form letters etc as well as advice on line.  I'd write to my MP as well, esp if I thought he/she would be sympathetic.  I hope this is of some help.  The benefits system has changed dramatically over the last few yrs.  I think all they want to do is reduce the number of claimants - regardless of circumstances.  I know you'll do your best for your son, just as I do for mine.  Wishing you all the good luck in the world.Smile

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  • I am so sorry to hear about Frazer's predicamant.  Unfortunately it's anything but unusual.  The way claimants are treated is nothing short of shocking.  I find it appalling for many reasons.  I'd check the nas home pg to see if there's any advice.  Also I'd contact CAB + your council's welfare rights/money advice section.  They may be able to supply an advocate to attend the ESA mtgs as well as giving advice.   I'd also recommend googling the Consumer Action Group who are well up on all things financial, inc benefits.  There is no charge.  They provide form letters etc as well as advice on line.  I'd write to my MP as well, esp if I thought he/she would be sympathetic.  I hope this is of some help.  The benefits system has changed dramatically over the last few yrs.  I think all they want to do is reduce the number of claimants - regardless of circumstances.  I know you'll do your best for your son, just as I do for mine.  Wishing you all the good luck in the world.Smile

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