I have been a Carer for my mother the last 12 years and my health has slowly suffered. I have gained stones in weight and as such now have mobility issues.

I stopped caring for my mother in the summer and was advised to fill in the ESA form but was constantly told I could only get the low income version as I would be moving in with my long term boyfriend. However, I found out on a leaflet I was entitled to ESA(CB)which I duly applied for and was turned down. To cut a long story short they never sent me a letter saying I could get the ESA(CB) but started paying it anyway.

I filled in the medical form explaining many of the physical and mental issues I am suffering, in great detail. I could only provide a 3 month medical certificate from my doctor as I think he was quite happy to get me off his books. I have moved area and although I have a new surgery I have no permenant doctor and they have not yet got my records. I was only able to get another 2 month medical cert from them as they said they knew nothing about me.

My issues with mobility are from my weight and arthritis. Some days I can move about with difficulty and others I can barely even sit or lie down without pain.

I don't know what they are going to expect of me and I am extremely anxious. I have also got extremely depressed as my mother is in a good home but over 30 minutes away from me. Having also had a very difficult and traumatic move, I am finding trying this all too much to deal with at this time.

Would anyone please be kind enough to please let me know what I can expect from the medical and what should I do to prepare? My brother will be driving and supporting me on that day but I am genuinely scared they will utilise the gap of a doctor who knows me well to either put me in the wrong group or try to find me fit for work.

Sorry if this sounds maony but any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.

Hello and welcome to the site. You will probably find this helpful

ESA medical – what to expect

LL

The following FAQ has details of the ESA assessment and what you will likely be asked

ESA Medical – What to expect

You might want to also have a look at our ESA Claim guides

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

Whilst the questions at the assessment tend not to be directly related to the ESA descriptors that you will be measured against, it may help to phrase your answers better.

If you have more questions, please reply to this thread.

Good luck

Gordon

Thank you for your help.

I have a low battery on my phone so will be brief. I had to wait an hour for the appointment and had a syrupy sweet person do my medical. However she tried tripping me up by asking curly questions and saying I had said things I hadn't. She made a remark about my weight by saying I wouldn't be able to use the couch as it wouldn't take my weight and made gasping sounds when I was on the scales. There were heavier people than me there.

I was very aware of being watched by people outside and I am not easily phased but I felt unnerved. I am aware I will no doubt be kicked off but am ready to appeal.

Will update more fully tomorrow.

They must get a real kick out of upsetting people. About 7 people came out in floods of tears.

LadyLuna wrote:You are entitled to be treated with respect during the assessment, so you may wish to consider making a complaint, see

Complaining to ATOS Healthcare

Gordon

Hi

I am pretty appalled by that Luna. I would strongly consider making a complaint. That is disgusting and no one deserves to be treated like that. Perhaps if more people kicked up they wouldn't get away with it.