Can't find anyone to go with me to assessment

Hi,
I have an ESA assessment next week and I don't have any family or friends that can accompany me. I asked my GP about this and she gave me a contact number of a local disability group but they can't help. I've been in touch with other local disability groups and CAB but none are able to help.

If I do go alone will this be taken into account and possibly be used against me when deciding whether I can claim ESA? I do have issues about having to go out of the house, especially on my own which I described on the ESA50 form but I always relied on my husband to take me places in the past. However, we have recently separated and are in the process of getting divorced so that support I relied upon is no longer there.

Should I mention the situation with my husband at the assessment as a way of explaining why I have no-one with me?

I am profoundly deaf in both ears and have long term depression and anxiety so am dreading this assessment but if I have to go alone, I know that there's nothing I can do about it. Does anyone have any suggestions of which groups/organisations might be able to help with finding someone to accompany me?

Hi Bea

you are in a difficult situation - sorry about that.

Have you tried the sensory unit at your local hospital - they might be able to suggest someone to help. Failing that, have you tried the DWP to explain your problems and ask if they could not arrange a home visit.

If you explain that you would have to travel on your own, because your usual carer isn't available and you can't find anyone else, and are fearful of travelling by yourself, (and can persuade your GP to confirm this by letter,) it might be possible.

Hope that is some help. Maybe other mods will have other suggestions?

Sorry to hear you not able to find anyone to go with you. I strongly advise you to contact your local CAB, am sure they have lists of local organisations who would be able to help.

I was having counselling from MIND & they arranged for someone to go with me, but am sure they would not turn you down if you asked for help. They help with lots of things.

I had arranged for people to come with me on 1st, 2nd, 3rd appts but they were cancelled on the day. On my 4th appt I had to go on my own as everyone was booked.

I was very anxious for days before & during assessment, about going on my own but because I did, I was found fit for work. One of the reasons I failed assessment was because I did go on my own & didn't show any signs of anxiety.

I wish you well.

There is a need for "travel buddies". Can you afford to pay an agency for a care-worker for two hours? Any links with any places of worship, often containing helpful people? Could Rethink or Mind national help-lines help you? Could you phone/email your local councillors, asking which department of your local authority will help you with your problem?

Hi B,

See : This Topic in the Spotlight Area above the forum for potential sources of advice and support.

bro58

What a good idea Bearer. Approaching an agency for a care-worker. Though I suspect it would be longer than 2 hours.
Susan