Advanced Search

Hi,

I`m sorry if this has been asked before, but I`m stressed right now and cant think very clearly , I suffer from CFS/ME , I`m on the esa support group for over 10 yrs, and got a letter saying i have to migrate to UC, they say i have to apply for UC by july 31st.

1 . Will i be asked to fill in a FULL UC form when i migrate? I heard you don't have to prove you cant work ,if migrating from the esa support group, so this has left me confused. I wish there was an example of this, showing what to say on the forms such as "i dont need to fill in this i`m migrating from the support group of ESA" or would that be enough to say?

2. i`m very concerned about proving my ID, i don't have a passport or photo ID. will i defiantly have to take bank statements into a jobcenter to prove this? will they question me on spending on my bank account 3 months? I have a recent broadband contract info, and benefit tax forms, and other bills.

3. it says you can apply for a loan during the 5 weeks migration wait, but will I be able to do that, if I cant prove my ID straight away?

4 can i fill in form partially before starting claim...?

Stuart

The point you mention, re suspecting fraud, is what I read on the gov website. Individual transactions can only be asked for if they suspect fraud.
As I said in my original post, I don't have an issue with them checking for fraud, but I do have an issue if a) they're overreaching their powers or b) if they suspect me of fraudulent behaviour but haven't been upfront about that, stating this was merely a general assessment for UC, in our original telephone conversation.

It's frustrating, because the old me, prior to anxiety, depression and ME\CFS, would've had this straight in no time. I've supported a number of people through similar experiences. But, now it's me, and I live an isolated life alone, my head's all over the place.

Apologies for the offload, but I'll review what I've read online, tomorrow if brain fog allows. And then attempt to bite the bullet and deal with it 👍

This is a really well thought out response.
I have cfs/me for 25 years. Eventually I got enhanced/enhanced with 10 year light touch. I’ve been quite lucky with the assessors but I really think it’s pot luck sometimes, but the good news is you have several goes at getting it put right. You won’t find better guides that from benefit and work, I’ve used them in all my applications and renewals. People often with nil points get overturned to maximum, but I suspect complaining about the assesor is a lost cause, as it’s always difficult to fight an opinion. Good luck from a fellow sufferer.

Hi CarolsB

I'm sorry that you find yourself in this position.

Unfortunately, your question is outside the remit of this forum. We cannot give you any legal advice, nor are we able to point you in the direction of any.

Here are some observations. The support for the disabled has always been an imperfect system and from time to time governments have introduced changes under the guise of wanting to offer better support, when in reality they want to cut costs and get people back to work.

The PIP system has helped some people, but as far as claimants are concerned, the entire system relies predominantly on luck. If you are currently receiving hospital treatment, take lots of medication, you are able to understand the PIP process and avoid the pitfalls, and most importantly, you get a decent assessor, you have a better chance of getting an award than anyone missing out on just one of those things.

You missed out on the 'decent assessor'. I use that term loosely. In my view one of the great scandals of the system is assessors who think they have superior knowledge to GPs and hospital consultants and simply ignore the corroborated evidence people send in - in the form of letters and reports. I believe I'm not speaking too harshly because 67% of PIP Tribunals are won by PIP claimants - which suggests that when people were assessed a lot of information which was available at the time of their assessment was ignored. You seem to have had a health professional who has no understanding of what severe CFS is like - and appears to know better than your GP.

I admire you wanting to fight the system and it's up to you what you do next, but I would implore you to use your limited energy on your case and not think you can fight the system. It's important that you get the support you need and you keep a roof over your head and not put yourself in any financial danger.

If I understand correctly, you are putting in an appeal. Do everything you can to win that Appeal. Once you have won - and if you still want to fight the system, do so. Have a good look at our Guide to PIP Appeals, Supplementary Guide - Claiming for CFS/ ME, How to challenge a PIP medical report and I would also consider filling out a diary if you can as part of your evidence. You ca see an extract under PIP Diaries. I would check that in your evidence, you understand and have included the 'reliability criteria." This is going to be a key point for someone with severe CFS. You will find the information on page 17 of the Guide to PIP Claims and Reviews. Carry on until page 24 because it also includes the information about aids. You may say that you have already included all this information, but I would advise you to go through it with a fine-tooth comb and check that there wasn't anything that you missed out in your original information or that you could describe differently.

I know you're mad right now and feel that the whole system is a discriminatory one and frankly, I don't disagree - but I would suggest - fight your own corner first and then if you want to take on the system you can research whatever avenues there might be.

BIS

I've encountered an "unreasonable" decision regarding my PIP award.

In her Justifications the HA has stated a range of treatments that I am not recieving, and then concluded.........
"....suggesting aids should be sufficient in managing her fatigue" And that's exactly what she's done.
In every activity that I've scored points, she's awarded the "aids and appliances option".

She's even done so to the exrtent that in one activity it's entirely inappropriate for my condition.

I have evidenced to the DWP that i cannot provide futher evidence because I cannot access treatment. the DWP have attempted to suggest that this is indicative of a low level of disability.

There is a background to this. I have Chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS sometimes known as ME)
The condition has a long history of being medically politicised, and there have been I think 5 Parliamentary hearings and recently a Ministerially led enquiry resulting in an interim report detailing the way forward for treatment; produced in December last year.

It is widely recognised that availability of health services for CFS/ME throughout the uk is sparse and missing altogether in many areas of the UK
The matter has been further complicated by the release in 2021 of the National Institute of Cinical Excellence (NICE) guidance which stipulates the requirement for clinicians providing health services to CFS patients to be "specialists".
What was intende to improve treatment for CFS patients has become a means of refusing requests for referral.

I have been refused 4 requests for referral into the NHS since 2017/18. some citing "lack of specialism"

I have evidenced this to the DWP, I have also provided a GPs letter confirming there is no treatment in this area.
I have included a response from my area Health Trust in response to a FOI request stating that there is "no treatment path for these patients. Patients will be managed at primary care Level".

As you are aware the DWP are empowered to disregard the evidence of a GP in statute. And they have done so with the letter from my GP above and stating that i have symptoms of severe CFS.

The only response that I have had from the DWP is to tell me that complaints about the Health Assessment must be referred to the providers - MAXIMUS.

Also they have changed the allocation for one activity attributed points in the "aid or appliance" option, as I pointed out that the selection was ridiculous, but they have only changed it to a more defensible selection (from their position),which allocates the same number of points. And are relying upon evidence form a second opinion of a HA which has in her conclusions stated what is appropriate for "her CFS", in confirming the original decision. the seond HA appears tohave unilaterally decided the level fo severit of my CFS, and also what activities are commensurate with it.....I've never so much as spoken to her.

The admisitration of PIP appears to me to be legally fuzzy and open to biased exploitation and sloopy procedure by the DWP. It MUST be challenged.

As far as I can ascertain, statute enables the DWP to deny or limit an award if there is a" failure" to provide evidence.

Whislt "legally", the DWP can apply the failed to provide principle, clearly I cannot provide what is not available and this is unjust.

There doesn't seem to be any case law related to this "unreasonable" application of the law.

I am in the process of appealing to a FTT, but that will not provide a remedy to this issue. I and others who fall foul of the DWPs method of interpreting the statute will continue to be subject to this discrimination. Indeed my PIP award is up for renewal in 2026.

I had thought that if I can somehow get the case referred to an Upper Tribunal, I could get some case law clarifying this matter. But on researching UT decisions the best that I am likely to achieve is a referral back to a FTT to re-hear the matter, and I have to find a POINT OF LAW on which I can reach the upper tribunal.

I don't feel I can let this administrative prejudice stand. But I can only raise about £4k, and from what I've read, a Judicial Review costs around £20k, and if lost I become liable to costs, which effectively means losing my very modest home.

This matter is probbly going to become much more prevalent, as the Govt have endorsed and financially incentivised Health Trusts to "rationalise" their waiting lists. they are empowered and incentivised to reduce waiting lists by not accepting and rejecting previously accepted referral requests; forcing patients back onto primary care - their GPs who as stated the DWP are empowered to ignore. In fact many Trusts have been doing this for some time.

This must be resolved and with some urgency. How can i proceed? Desparate for legal advice.

Many thanks Carol

Hi all,
Diagnosed with CFS (2018), depression (1996), and anxiety (2016), I’ve been fighting for PIP since a 0-point assessment (Nov 2023). My evidence is I believe robust.
My tribunal has now faced two adjournments:
• March 19, 2025: DWP failed to provide evidence (LCWRA, PIP 2017, ESA). This delay worsened my anxiety/depression.
• June 5, 2025: Postponed due to an incomplete panel / judge illness.
I requested a DWP settlement pre-June 5, but got no response. Delays are causing financial stress (CCJ, supporting wife and four kids). I’ve sent an urgent hearing request to HMCTS, citing my crisis. Any advice on pushing DWP or expediting the hearing? How long for an urgent request decision?
Thanks,

Hello
I normally receive an update in March about my PIP award which is for lower rate daily living allowance only.
I have not been asked to resubmit a claim for quite a few years now, since having an at home WCA.
I did not receive an update letter this year and I was just going to accept it and not rock the boat by contacting PIP but now I need proof of my PIP Award for a legal matter.

I have post viral CFS/ME plus other neurological problems so I am wondering if they are letting it run on withour review since there has been no change for over 10 years. I am under pension age, by the way.

If I ask for a copy of this year's update...or an explanation as to why one has not been sent....will this trigger a query/review of my claim?? I have just gone through a transfer from ESA to UC and can't really cope with too much contact with the DWP at the moment! Even though the transfer was successful and the staff were remarkably understanding about my difficulties and stress levels.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Many thanks.
Ostia x

Hi

I got a letter today from DWP .
looking into my claim . Changes in law to do with engaging face to face .

it says i have looked at your award before 28 April 2022 and is not affected.

It refers to case law MM v DWP.

Now during covid , i got a call from DWP and it mentioned a change in law and they thought I was affected. But at the time , i just couldnt face talking to the DWP , ive had to appeal every review and gone to Tribunal twice, taken to the wire , twice ..

Is there anything I need to look at to see if Im affected.

I suffer with Depression and Anxiety along with Arthritis Fibromyalgia CFS Chronic pain and do not socialise much at all and suffer anxiety in crowds etc , all of which was in claim . However , last review , again had to appeal , day before Tribunal end date , got the DWP call .
After much to ing and froing I sucessfully got 12 points on both , but scored 0 on Avctivity 9 , which I let go .

Anyone else had this? and is it worth pursuing? given I do have evidence to support this , but you know what they are like , they continue either dismiss pain or MH .

any thoughts ?

Hi Bis
Thanks very much. Good advice. I’m in two minds about the representation- I just wanted to do the best for my daughter- and for us as we are currently funding private counselling for her which we can’t sustain forever. I am a competent report writer but the prospect of tribunal is a little daunting- to be honest, more from a physical perspective as your guides advise that you can sit for hours before being seen and I have CFS.

However, you are right, we are the experts and I suppose we need to remember that the panel do not want or require legal arguments, only straightforward genuine testimony and sincerity which addresses the nonsense in the assessment.

Thank you for now, but I’m sure I may come back for more support later, if that’s ok. If so, should I add to this thread or start another???
Kind regards

i have struggled to gain 1 point, so now I have to do an appeal. Any advice greatly appreciated for someone with Fibro/? CFS, Confirmed Osteoarthritus in all limbs,Shoulder,Ashma,IBS,Rota cuff partial tear.

Hi selinacfs

I wish I could answer your question. Perhaps someone else has already experienced this.

My immediate thought is that, because this is a new system, you should ring and ask the question. It is perfectly possible that in order to simplify the process, which they promised they would do, they just want people like yourself who have had lifelong health issues to confirm there is no change and that all you need to do is tick a box.

BIS

Can anyone provide an address to send my documents. it will be sent recorded delivery, the only thing i can find online has 2 different addresses,depending if its sent by free post, or recorded mail. with 2 completely different address. they are impossible to deal with.

i quote "The Universal Credit Full Service Centre's postal addresses are: UCFS Post, Canterbury BC, Nutwood House, Chaucer Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1ZZ for signed delivery and recorded delivery, and Freepost DWP UNIVERSAL CREDIT FULL SERVICE for all other post. You can also contact them by phone at 0800 328 5644. "

My husband and I are both disabled and we just moved from NI to England. We have to claim universal credit but we didn't have two forms of ID for an online verification (it wouldn't accept NI Driving Licences), so they will call each of us. I have agoraphobia and he has CFS/Fibromyalgia. Will we have to go into the Job Centre? Or can we ask them to come to us? Or can we ask to be seen right away at the job centre? I'm just not sure what we can do to make this easier for us. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My partner has CFS/fibromyalgia. He has been turned down in the past for PIP. So it's taken considerable effort to get him to try and reapply. We are at the assessment stage and due to his fatigue, we have asked for a phone assessment. (As reasonable adjustment.) I have two questions about this.

1) What can we do to be ready for this, I know that they will be trying to see if what is stated on the form is accurate or not, so will have a copy with us.

2) Can I advocate on his behalf, if he gives consent? Ie answer their questions? I'm just really aware this is going to stress him beforehand, and this will cause fatigue. Which will cause him to struggle with answering the questions. Whilst I appreciate this may support his claim, I don't want him to spend the next few months in relapse!

Many thanks for you help

K

Hi folks,
Any advice would be appreciated. I'm so confused.
My husband and I are moving to England from Northern Ireland in two weeks for medical treatment. We are both in receipt of PIP and currently get the Severe Disability Premium from Income-Based ESA. I have received conflicting advice from citizens advice. We both care for each other but we don't claim carer's allowance. He is the primary applicant on our ESA form. I was told that if we apply for universal credit, only he will be considered LCWRA- I would have to provide fit notes or report to a work coach. I won't have my doctor anymore when I move and as my issues are primarily mental (PTSD) I don't know that I would find a compassionate doctor quickly enough to provide one in our new town. I am on PIP- enhanced daily living and standard mobility. I spend all my time trying to survive and care for my husband who is in worse shape than I am (CFS). Will I actually be considered able to work? The advice I received was that I could claim the carers element and I won't be asked to do work related activities- but I haven't been able to get an unchanging calculation from them for that and EntitledTo suggests that we would lose hundreds of pounds a month if I claimed it from the start. I feel caught between a rock and a hard place. Will we seriously not both be considered LCWRA??
Best,
Bri

Hi there

I have a question about the PIP descriptor "Engaging with other people face to face." Can this apply to physical health conditions?

I have ME/CFS, and engaging with others significantly worsens my fatigue and pain symptoms for hours afterwards. Would this descriptor apply to me, or is it strictly for mental health conditions?

Thank you

My UC migration letter has arrived. I am contemplating applying for my NHS pension early on ill-health grounds. I was reading a thread on here from 15 years ago on the same subject which was allowed so hopefully this will be too. I am 3 years away from claiming my pension and it's only just under 14 years accrued so only a third of a normal pension (40 years)pension. It will be slightly more than what I get with ESA support group with income disability guarantee.

In the 15 year old thread members with CFS/ME were unsuccessful in their applications, even when supported by GP and consultants. I am hoping things have changed as we have medically progressed since then.. The fact I will only claim for 3 years ill-health and only a third pension should hopefully go in my favour somewhat.

Has anyone successfully claimed an NHS pension on ill-health grounds or heard of someone who has. Your replies will be gratefully appreciated.

Hello there,

I am a complete newbie on this forum, so apologies in advance if I have made any errors in posting this question, or if it is outside the scope of your forum's advice topics.

I am currently in the process of completing both the UC50 questionnaire for the WCA, and PIP claim - both at the same time. Lucky me. Unfortunately, just days after initiating the PIP process, the UC50 form also arrived. Owing to the effects of my health conditions (ME/CFS, Depression, Anxiety and ADHD - to be clinically assessed next week) attempting just one of these forms has proved to be overwhelming, let alone both. Thankfully, I have managed to get an extension of one more month, for my PIP claim. Meanwhile, having contacted the UC50 assessment provider (Serco, in my area) I have been advised that although an extension cannot officially be given - my health conditions mean that I am in a category of claimants for whom my UC will not be stopped due to late or non-return of my form. I have been advised to "just get it back as soon as I can".

So I am now beavering away at these forms - in between bouts of fatigue, dizziness and generally struggling to take care of myself. However, at least I have more time now.

Given the complex rules (and pitfalls) that apply to both these assessments, I am using both the main B&W guides to help me answer the activity questions. I am also using the B&W PIP guide for specific health conditions too. Along with these, I have also downloaded some other key/useful guides, such as the official DWP guidance / handbooks written for HCP assessors, and those compiled by relevant charities & advice providers for my specific conditions - such as the ME association, and the Mental Health and Money Advice website.

While this may all seem like overkill, I am under no illusions about the need for arming myself with knowledge about each process (including the complexities regarding the PIP assessment, and the rules around how UC claimants are assessed for their work capabilities).... being vital, if I am to stand any decent chance of being assessed correctly - and fairly, in both cases. Not only that, but in doing so, to reduce my chances having to face a mandatory reconsideration or appeal process for either claim.

Not surprisingly the whole business of reading through the information, and compiling my answers (especially with cognitive processing issues, and a perfectionist streak - connected with my ADHD), has significantly impacted my physical and mental health over the past month. However, I am taking it 'one descriptor at a time' and trying to complete two questionnaires that will hopefully do me justice - along with various sources of supporting evidence I am trying to obtain from my GP and various health professionals, to submit with my claim. It is exhausting ....

If you're still reading (thank you!) - the main purpose of this post today, is to ask your moderators / advisors about how the 'Moving around' descriptors differ, between the PIP form and the UC50 form.

Incidentally, I am aware of the different functions of the two assessments, and that despite some overlap between a few descriptors, they are not assessing abilities in exactly the same way. However, given that the mobility questions on both forms seem very similar - yet also different, with regards to things like the moving distances required for each score - it is difficult to easily compare and tease apart the 'meanings' and definitions - so that I can answer both questions effectively. I am mindful of the fact that, although PIP and UC50/WCA are assessed separately, it is not entirely impossible that assessors may at some point be able to compare both my questionnaires (especially with proposed changes to these two processes being discussed in government right now) - so the bottom line is, I'm aware that I need to take great care with my answers, overall - but to these two seemingly similar activity questions, in particular.

Given that I suffer with ME/CFS symptoms that fluctuate, and involve after-effects - the job of explaining my ability here is not straightforward. I could manage to move 20, 50, 100 or even 200 metres one day, but not be able to repeat any of these distances that same day - or at all the following day. Due to both descriptors (annoyingly) using different distances, for their point scores - it seems a better, safer option overall that I tick the 'It varies' box in both cases - and explain 'why' in their respective 'Use this space' boxes underneath.

However, I've picked up in the DWP WCA handbook for assessors a line that states this UC50 descriptor '... is intended to reflect the level of mobility that a person would need in order to be able to move reasonably within and around an indoor environment.' . Meanwhile, the PIP 'version' of the 'Moving around' activity seems to indicate only 'outdoors' being the environment being assessed. I have found no other explanation about this point in any other advice guide - so I want to ask if anyone here knows, and can help clarify this point?

It seems to me, that the UC50 descriptor 'Moving around and using steps' activity is assessing indoor and outdoor environments (from the examples shown in the DWP WCA handbook for assessors, at least) ... while the PIP 'Moving around' activity seems to look mainly or solely at 'outdoors' - although I've read guidance for this too, that refers to 'moving around shops', so it confusing.

Certainly for the majority of the time, I'm never able to reliably repeat any of those given distances in the same day/or following day, due to the constant, though variable after-effects of chronic fatigue upon my ability to perform this, or other activities later. All I can 'reliably' repeat (without suffering consequences during or afterwards) is moving shorter than 20 metres-a time distances around my 2-up 2-down home - which I assume, is relevant for the UC50 question - but not for the PIP question?

Sorry if this seems like splitting hairs - but I'm aware of the need to split them, given how DWP assessors are very likely to!

In terms of other differences, I note that both these descriptors seem to be interested only in physical symptoms, rather then any mental or cognitive issues. That makes it tricky with ME/CFS which encompasses all three areas. Along with fatigue, vertigo and dizziness, I do also experience anticipation anxiety about suffering any symptoms whilst outdoors / in public spaces. Added to this, I have problems with sound/noise intolerance, and various cognitive 'brain fog' issues, stemming not only from ME/CFS but also ADHD traits (and also being post-menopausal) all of which can affect my ability to move around reliably, albeit in indirect ways, mainly the fatigue it all causes - rather than any 'obvious' symptoms like lower-limb immobilities, which I do not have any problems with. It may mean that some of the examples I wish to give, are better placed in the 'Going out' activity for UC50 and the 'Planning and Following a Journey' activity for PIP. Thankfully, one clear difference between the two - about 'using steps' (UC50 includes this - PIP doesn't) is not relevant to me, as I can repeatedly cope with moving two steps.

Phew! Having written all that, I feel exhausted. Hopefully this hasn't exhausted any readers too (apologies if it has).

The rest of the activities on both forms are all complex too, making it hard (on the brain!) to accurately interpret and answer them (even with the various helpful, detailed guides at my disposal - and perhaps because there IS so much good advice to read and take in). However, it is this 'moving around' question, which I find particularly tricky, and just want to make sure I don't get the aims /parameters of these two questions mixed up, in my attempt to answer each of them - well!

Many thanks for reading, and for any help and advice out there, about my question today.

I have no idea whether to sign off using my real name or 'something else' - I will use the latter!

'Bonny'

Hi Beatrice

I would say that you can't, but be careful that you focus on your CFS, which is the reason why you can't. If you say that you eat a couple of times a week to be social, there is a risk that the assessor will say that you can take nutrition, but you choose not to. So I would be careful how you say something like that.

BIS

Hi, i am back again. I wasn't sure whether to start a new topic or not but decided to add here instead...

Update...

I finally submitted my form for migration from ESA Support Group to UC last Monday 3rd March. I thought I had successfully confirmed my ID online as a page came up saying "you have answered the security questions successfully for Credit Reference and Uk Driving Licence" which I took a screenshot of. And my UC journal said (and still says) "3 Mar 2025 at 3:47pm
Confirm your identity completed". The online ID process was not easy or straightforward for me so i was worried it was unsuccessful. I also agreed to a basic claimant commitment online, my journal says "3 Mar 2025 at 3:57pm
Accept your commitments completed".

However, I was unsure that everything would go smoothly so as Citizens Advice suggested I added a note to my journal asking for reasonable adjustments to be made, just in case. This is what I put...

"I wish to request that reasonable adjustments are made for me.
Due to my Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), anxiety, and because I suffer with dizziness and nausea as part of this long term illness, I find travelling and walking any distance extremely exhausting and it also makes me very feel sick. Any travelling, walking and face to face appointments would also be extremely stressful for me due to my anxiety, and would cause my condition to worsen greatly. I therefore request that as a reasonable adjustment my ID and claimant commitment are verified online, or by telephone if absolutely necessary. I cannot cope with the stress and exhaustion of getting to the Job Centre, 25 miles away, or seeing someone in person. Please note that I am in the ESA Support Group. Thank you.
I am hoping that my ID was verified online successfully."

Yesterday I received this message in my journal and I am EXTREMELY stressed now about a home visit...

"Thank you for your messages.

Regarding your identity verification for this new claim for Universal Credit, I can see that the online verification process was not successful. We have also looked at using the 'telephone' identity verification process for you, but similar to the online process, this was not successful. This means that we need to verify your identity another way. Please do not worry about this.

We will not ask you to travel to our local Jobcentreplus but we can arrange for a DWP Visiting Officer to come to meet you at your address.

The Visiting Officer will view your identity documents and gather the verification information we need.

I will pass your details to the Visiting Team today. They will contact you to arrange a suitable appointment time.

They may take up to 10 working days before they contact you.

Kind regards, Kathleen"

They have not tried to confirm my identity by telephone at all and I don't understand why they can't. I am very very stressed about this whole process and I am looking for more information about these home ID checks.
1. Can I have someone here with me even though I live by myself?
2. Will they be here long and will there just be one of them?
3. Do they ask questions re:health or my situation etc.?
4. Do they report back what they see or are they purely checking ID?
5. What ID will I need to show them?

I have nothing to hide but I cannot go through another WCA - I only had one Feb last year and it nearly finished me off. I am worried they will report me to have another WCA. I am not well at all but my home is neat and tidy. I do very very little housework or cleaning but i don't don't do anything during the day to make a mess cos I am not well enough to do anything - I am on the bed and sofa most of the day, my parents cook for me at their house (I eat at theirs in an eve and my mum gives me homemade soup to reheat at home for lunch) and they do my clothes washing and drying at their house. All of this was stated in my last WCA, my mum wrote a letter telling them what they do for me. Any small amount of mess I make here during the day is tidied up more or less straight away as I CANNOT live in a mess, it is very stressful for me. I am worried that all of this will be used against me if they visit to check my ID.

Assurance and advice is needed as I am super super stressed which is making me paranoid!
Citizens Advice advised to leave another message so i have left I reply in my journal asking them to reconsider doing my ID by phone. I'm finding this all very overwhelming. Sorry this post is so long, I hope it makes sense. Thank you