Studying for a degree and being sent questionnaire

Willow04 wrote: Hello,

I started studying with the OU towards a degree last year. A few days ago I received the letter telling me the dreaded questionnaire is soon coming my way. I have been suffering with agoraphobia and depression for several years now. The OU have been great, awarding me the disability students allowance which enables me to have a mentor and take any exams at home. It has been a struggle as on top of this it is believed I am dyslexic, still awaiting to be assessed. So Will studying go against me? Will they then say if i can do this I am ready to work? I know my doctor will back me up, but this does not seem enough with the new rules.

Just wondering on any advice on how to approach this.

Thanks

There is no specific reason why they should, however, there may be assumptions made about your capabilities as a result of this study.

So for example it is likely that you will be considered as being able to concentrate for reasonable periods of time, you can learn how to do tasks and have the ability to initiate and finish actions, you can probably cope with change, you may not have dexterity issues as you produce coursework which may involve you sitting for long periods of time.

All of these relate to the ESA Descriptors, so if the assumptions I used above, there may be others, are incorrect then you would need to point them out when you are transferred.

Again as an example, you do have dexterity problems and use voice to text software for your course work, you cannot sit and do you coursework lying down, etc.

Have a look at our ESA Claim guides for a better understanding of the Descriptors that might be relevant to you,

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

Gordon