I’m in the support group for ESA, for mobility and mental health problems including issues with memory and attending appointments, remembering deadlines etc. I’m in a wheelchair and my carer is at university and only able to help me part-time. I’ve been on ESA since 2017. Due to the nature of my disability I ended up sending in the assessment form late this year (it was on time when I made the claim).
I was supposed to have a reassessment appointment this Thursday, but I’d been made homeless the week prior and have been bounced around between temporary council accommodations until Tuesday this week, when I was placed in a long-term hostel for adults with mental health and addiction issues. I completely forgot about the appointment with the stress of it all. My carer has the letter asking to explain my absence but I’m worried DWP won’t accept homelessness and temporary accommodations as a “good cause”. I’m very worried about losing ESA as the council will stop paying for temporary accommodation then and I have nowhere to go.
Is there anything I can do to strengthen my excuse for missing the appointment?
All you can do is explain what happened. If you have problems with dealing with Change and scored for this the last time that you were assessed then you should also mention this as it would help to explain why you missed the appointment.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
