Paranoid Schizophrenia and ESA

Unfortunately, my son became mentally ill and committed an offence whilst in a psychiatric hospital. The end result was that he was sectioned for over 6 years but is now living again in society but will be on permanent medication. He is also a diabetic and has high blood pressure plus he sometimes cannot walk well, his gait changed a few years ago. I am deeply worried about esa, he was never in trouble prior to becoming ill, in fact, he is a decorated soldier, and continues to lead a very law abiding life now albeit that he will be on medication for the rest of his life. If what is true regarding the new medical test, I fear for his mental health and his physical health if he is found fit for work. His social worker says not to worry (lol) his background is well documented...............Can somebody please give me some information, in fact, would be grateful for any information

Hi Mairit. Have you thought of contacting your local British Legion they are very good at looking after the welfare of former military staff, i think they also have welfare advisers who could help. Hope this helps. Best Wishes

The vast majority of people currently on IB will be reassessed over the coming years since there are very few exemptions with ESA compared with IB.

As someone whose own mental health problems heightened whilst in employment I also have significant worries over how the changes are going to be implemented.

It might be worth becoming familiar with the health descriptors re: WCA and ESA so that you have an idea of how 'points' may be assigned to your son, dependent on how his illness(es) affect him?

From my own recent experience there are many professionals (doctors, CPNs, welfare officers) who still do not know how this whole debacle is going to impact on many folk. To some extent it seems like it's just being made up as they go along.

Have you looked at the quick "test" to see if your son may be entitled to ESA that's on the right hand side of the home page? It includes all the relevant descriptors.

Unfortunately, the government is reviewing the descriptors. If it follows what Labour proposed, it will make it harder for people with mental illness to get ESA, but there is a chink of light at the end of the tunnel because it has suggested that it may restore the exemption from tests for people with severe mental illness. Only time will tell what will happen.

As for other help, in addition to Jeff's suggestion of the Legion, may I suggest SSAFA. www.ssafa.org.uk/

You might also like to contact his regimental association to see whether they can offer any help - some do, some don't.

Was reading something yesterday that stated that 33% of the people on IB are there because of mental health or behavioural problems.

However, if that 33% were to be exempted then the oft-mooted stats we've been seeing bandied about in the media of late would need to be significantly revised. Since it's just over 6 weeks until the IB migration trial begins in Aberdeen I'm hoping that there will be clarity sometime soon. I fired off a letter to the local MP last week asking for some clarity on a few issues, but I'll see if I get a reply sometime soon that isn't just a fob off.

Thing is, though, if people are aware that situations related to the working environment are likely to heighten and exacerbate their problems then have they not been acting with common sense by avoiding the problem scenarios? It's not just a case of shirking and scrounging off the state. Many people who find themselves claiming these benefits have been brought up initially to expect to be working, and they have the guilt and shame that's associated with the mental health to deal with in their everyday lives.

At the weekend someone speaking to me introduced themselves as a teacher within 5 seconds. What do I say? I'm on sickness benefits because of mental health issues? Ooh, gives you a warm lovely glow does that. No wonder I tend to avoid a lot of social contact nowadays.

At the weekend someone speaking to me introduced themselves as a teacher within 5 seconds. What do I say?

Fwiw, I tend to politely cold-shoulder anyone who appears to define themselves mostly as a job description.