Health Assessment (my journey) :-(

Hi guys

I've been on ESA with support since it began (i think it was just called income support before that).

A couple of years ago i was required to attend a assessment but i failed by a few points as the examiner falsely said i refused to have an examination.

This caused a six month appeal process and was eventually reversed by the tribunal.

The tribunal requested that i be left alone for a minimum of two years.

Well the two years are up and i'm now required to attend another assessment.

I really don't know how i'm going to cope with another six month appeal if i fail this one.

The appointment was meant to be for thursday but i have changed it to next week as i would need someone to take me.

Ill keep this thread updated as i go through everything in the hope it helps others.


I do have a few questions while i read through as much of the documents on here as i can before my assessment.


While i was going through the appeal the last time, i was told i would need to go on JSA as a stepping stone while the appeal was being dealt with but i wouldn't need to act as a job seeker as its just a stepping stone.

This started out ok but then the person at the JSA office changed and the new person said "if your claiming JSA then you will need to find work". Luckily the tribunal came to a decision before this happened.

Is it still part of the process to go on JSA while waiting for the appeal?


My other question is...

I read on here that how you travel and the clothes you wear have have a big impact on the points you receive at the assessment.

I understand the travel but i cant find anything explaining the clothes.

So can someone please point me in the right direction?


Thank you for any help given.

Gordon wrote: Stressed

As of today, JSA is no longer claimable as a new benefit, you can only claim UC during the MR stage but if you do then you cannot return to ESA even if an award is made although that award should be transferred on to your UC one.

If you don't claim UC and have to go on to appeal then you ask for your ESA claim to be reinstated at the Assessment rate while you wait for a hearing.

If your conditions mean that you either struggle physically to wash and dress or that you lack interest in your personal appearance then turning up at the assessment clean and well dressed will argue against you having these problems. ESA does not look at these issues directly but it will undermine the problems you have with some of the ESA activities.

Gordon

Thank you very much for the reply


I had a feeling things would have changed a bit by now, although the last time I was told by a phone call that I was going to be taken off esa and the person that called me said they had a sort of unofficial agreement the JSA to allow people to claim it wile they were going though an appeal.


Who would I ask to put me on ESA at the assessment rate?
Would it be the person that calls me to say that I will no longer be receiving ESA?


Thank you again

Gordon wrote: Stressed

You cannot ask for the ESA Assessment rate to be paid until you have requested an appeal, it is not payable during an MR.

Gordon

Thank you again for the reply.


So what would I claim while I'm waiting for the mandatory reconsideration?