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Despair
- Maggie
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6 years 9 months ago #192355 by Maggie
Despair was created by Maggie
Got a terrible shock today. Crying & shaking, hysterical.
A ESA50 04/17 from Maximus on the doormat. Last ESA50 last July, decision for support group August on substantial risk (mental health) grounds. Last time I had 3 years between assessments. They (both PIP & ESA) know I am having harrowing psychotherapy. Had to go through PIP Sept- Dec. It made me so ill I had to have diazepam & sleeping tablets as well as my usual strong meds. I haven't recovered.Had to get the MP involved. I was self harming; this is life threatening for me.
Trouble is my GP is on sick leave & the surgery is short staffed. The local GP committee has told them not to give out letters for benefits. I had to beg my GP for the PIP evidence letter & pay for private work. My counsellor is also away but hasn't written more than a letter confirming she's treating me.
Without a letter proving substantial risk & proven inability to manage a F2F I don't know where to turn. Can I use last years letters & the PIP evidence? I was awarded enhanced care & mobility for 10 years/ongoing.
I really don't feel I can fight on anymore: I can't live with this harassment & oppression.
A ESA50 04/17 from Maximus on the doormat. Last ESA50 last July, decision for support group August on substantial risk (mental health) grounds. Last time I had 3 years between assessments. They (both PIP & ESA) know I am having harrowing psychotherapy. Had to go through PIP Sept- Dec. It made me so ill I had to have diazepam & sleeping tablets as well as my usual strong meds. I haven't recovered.Had to get the MP involved. I was self harming; this is life threatening for me.
Trouble is my GP is on sick leave & the surgery is short staffed. The local GP committee has told them not to give out letters for benefits. I had to beg my GP for the PIP evidence letter & pay for private work. My counsellor is also away but hasn't written more than a letter confirming she's treating me.
Without a letter proving substantial risk & proven inability to manage a F2F I don't know where to turn. Can I use last years letters & the PIP evidence? I was awarded enhanced care & mobility for 10 years/ongoing.
I really don't feel I can fight on anymore: I can't live with this harassment & oppression.
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6 years 9 months ago #192371 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Despair
Susie
You can use the old reports, but Substantial Risk really needs up to date evidence if at all possible, however, it is what it is and you can only provide what you have.
You mention that you are/were receiving psychotherapy, would the people involved in that be prepared to provide you with a letter or report in support of your claim.
Even though your normal GP is not available I would certainly raise the issue with their nominated replacement, if no other reason that their helping you with your health while you go through this process. It's an opportunity for you to explain how badly you are currently affected so that if they are contacted by the DWP, they are up to speed with your problems.
Gordon
You can use the old reports, but Substantial Risk really needs up to date evidence if at all possible, however, it is what it is and you can only provide what you have.
You mention that you are/were receiving psychotherapy, would the people involved in that be prepared to provide you with a letter or report in support of your claim.
Even though your normal GP is not available I would certainly raise the issue with their nominated replacement, if no other reason that their helping you with your health while you go through this process. It's an opportunity for you to explain how badly you are currently affected so that if they are contacted by the DWP, they are up to speed with your problems.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Maggie
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6 years 9 months ago #192404 by Maggie
Replied by Maggie on topic Despair
DWP doesn't seem to have done a pre-board check before sending the file to Maximus. As it is barely 6 months since DWP marked my file as vulnerable & requiring additional support to comply with DLA to PIP have I any grounds to complain? I know they DO talk to each other because they stopped my ESA without telling me because the clerk made a mistake typing in my address at PIP1.
No GP appointment available until 11th. No counsellor until 12th. Both part time doesnt give time to send form in by 28th. How stupid of me not to find out how long the ESA award was: but DLA/PIP arrived the day before.
Only help I can access is Samaritans: how am I going to get through the night. Can't bear this.
No GP appointment available until 11th. No counsellor until 12th. Both part time doesnt give time to send form in by 28th. How stupid of me not to find out how long the ESA award was: but DLA/PIP arrived the day before.
Only help I can access is Samaritans: how am I going to get through the night. Can't bear this.
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- Gordon
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6 years 9 months ago #192407 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Despair
Susie
If this is where you find yourself then ignore the assessment for the moment and if you need help then get it by contacting the Samaritans tonight if necessary and your GP tomorrow, you should be able to get an emergency appointment.
Please place your health first.
Gordon
If this is where you find yourself then ignore the assessment for the moment and if you need help then get it by contacting the Samaritans tonight if necessary and your GP tomorrow, you should be able to get an emergency appointment.
Please place your health first.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Maggie
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6 years 9 months ago #192589 by Maggie
Replied by Maggie on topic Despair
Managed to survive the weekend on diazepam & got to talk to someone helpful at MIND. .As ever Forum & guides are helping me to hang on. I don't know if the MH crisis team would help or hinder me. Can anyone comment please?
I could do with stalling the ESA reapplication so my GP can support me( on sick leave until late Aug/Sept). Also my counsellor is away on holiday. I'm hoping Age UK can help do the form which they did with PIP. She said it was better not to come over as too articulate if you have MH!
I'm aware you can't get an extension for ESA- why not? I need help filling in the form accurately. But what grounds do DWP accept for late return of the form please?
Also wonder if my MP might help again: he managed to help get a paper assessment for PIP given very the detailed GP report & my current specialist non-NHS counselling which I've had to wait along time for.
As ever many thanks to you all: there is a little hope.
Susie
I could do with stalling the ESA reapplication so my GP can support me( on sick leave until late Aug/Sept). Also my counsellor is away on holiday. I'm hoping Age UK can help do the form which they did with PIP. She said it was better not to come over as too articulate if you have MH!
I'm aware you can't get an extension for ESA- why not? I need help filling in the form accurately. But what grounds do DWP accept for late return of the form please?
Also wonder if my MP might help again: he managed to help get a paper assessment for PIP given very the detailed GP report & my current specialist non-NHS counselling which I've had to wait along time for.
As ever many thanks to you all: there is a little hope.
Susie
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- Gordon
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6 years 9 months ago #192590 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Despair
Susie
I'm afraid the ESA legislation only allows four weeks to complete and return the ESA50 there is no provision for an extension to the time. You can return the form late but doing so risk your claim being closed and whilst it is a Decision that you may able to overturn, it will take you time and undoubtedly be stressful.
There are considerable delays in the assessment process at the moment, so my recommendation would be to return the form by the required date and then provide additional information for any activities that you have missed.
If your MP has helped in the past then it is definitely worth contacting them again.
Gordon
I'm afraid the ESA legislation only allows four weeks to complete and return the ESA50 there is no provision for an extension to the time. You can return the form late but doing so risk your claim being closed and whilst it is a Decision that you may able to overturn, it will take you time and undoubtedly be stressful.
There are considerable delays in the assessment process at the moment, so my recommendation would be to return the form by the required date and then provide additional information for any activities that you have missed.
If your MP has helped in the past then it is definitely worth contacting them again.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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