ESA - Reassessment after a year in support group

I am hoping I can get some advice, as I feel like I am banging my head against a wall.

I have been on ESA for a year now. Initially I was put into the work group, but I had a hell of a fight getting into the support group because I suffer from severe depression, anxiety and agoraphobia, and therefore would not be able to attend work focused interviews, which would have then meant I would lose the ESA that I had been awarded. I even asked if I could have the interviews at home, as I would love to be able to work, and if they can help me in anyway to work, it would be a dream... If they could find me a job working at home where I don't have to deal with people, then I would be one less person having to fight for their right to a little bit of help. Sadly, I was faced with brick wall after brick wall. In the end I had to appeal. It didn't go as far as appeal, as the DWP changed their minds. I passed the medical, but as with most mental illnesses, their doctor put down that it would likely fluctuate, and it does... some days I feel able to open my back door and breathe some fresh air, as long as there isn't anyone around or too much noise. The ASOS doctor stated on my report that I should be reassessed after 6 months *sigh*, so I suppose I have been lucky to get away with a year of not having to panic or stress over something I shouldn't have to keep proving. I would love it if they would come and live with me for a while, just so they can see the effect it has on my life and that of my family. How they can ignore GP's, everything that is written on the ESA50 form, and make the decisions they do in a very short assessment interview is beyond me.

In the last year my health has deteriorated more, to the point whereby I don't even get to doctors appointments, and have to have telephone consultations. My GP is very supportive, and has voiced his frustrations with not only the DWP sending him a letter to tell him not to provide me with any more sick notes, to which my husband had to take a copy of the ATOS doctors report in to him, for him to photocopy, as none of us could understand why the DWP would insist on such a thing, as I clearly need the help, but also his frustrations with the mental health services lack of funding, so that they can effectively help people who need longer term care. I am on meds, which make me very tired, but at least they help ease the suicidal thoughts. I was under the mental health team, but had so many panic attacks when I was pushed into going out, as they repeatedly told me that they only offered their service for 6 - 12 weeks. I gave up as there was no way I was ready to step outside. I had expected things to happen very gradually, and felt almost bullied

The last time I went through the ESA process, was a nightmare for me, and I had to fight every step of the way. Even making calls to ATOS and the DWP, and having to talk to complete strangers there, who frankly don't care about people who are genuinely sick, and tar everyone with the same brush. I was in tears on the phone at one point, and I think they realised that they were putting me under a lot of pressure and that it was affecting my mental health more, to the point where I felt like giving up. My husband had to write to them to make them aware of the mental anguish I was in, about having to deal with strangers, and warned them that if anything happened to me because of their behaviour, that he would hold them responsible.

I have recently had to fill in another ESA50, and received a letter from ATOS this morning saying I have to contact them, as the DWP want them to carry out another medical assessment in relation to my claim/appeal for ESA. SO yet again, I have to fight the battle of getting a home visit. The fact that I am not currently under the Mental health team, and don't manage to get out of the door to see my doctor, or anyone else, which I could at least do on occasion a year or so ago, I feel is going to go against me.

I am aware of the scoring system, and as I see it, I should get the points allowance to be in the support group for a number of things, including the fact that I can not leave my home and struggle to interact with people.

Why am I being asked to go through all this again? I know I am not alone, and it maddens me that people who are genuinely struggling are put through so much. I am just beginning the slog again, and can only hope that I won't be pushed to the limit again by these people. It all got too much for me last time, to the point where I have retreated much more than I did before, just to avoid people and the panic attacks.

Is it worth me contacting my local MP, and if so what help can they offer? Are there any advocacy services for people like myself who struggle to talk and interact with strangers, and are there any laws that can be quoted to the DWP, regarding harassment, causing mental anguish, and making my condition worse etc.

I am trying very hard not to panic (in between the tears. They certainly know how to make people feel guilty for daring to be sick. For genuinely sick people and people with Mental Health problems it is a terrible system. It is almost like forcing people who can't walk, to walk just to get a little help, that they are entitled to, and then telling them they can walk so they are fit, despite the pain they have to suffer whilst enduring all their tests. It is an absolute disgrace

Any help, advice or support would be greatly appreciated.

You may qualify for legal assistance from Community Legal Advice

CLS

You could also seek advice from your local CAB (if they're not too busy!!) or your local welfare rights officer in your local council.

It may also be worth writing to your MP making them aware of the situation you are in and your experiences.

Thank you Gareth. I have just sent a message via the CLS website. Fingers crossed someone will be able to help.

Hi kj-just read your post above.I was really sad and angry about how disgracefully you have been treated.In addition to what dwp are putting you through (dont get me started!!!!!!) It also reminded me of just how poor funding is for mental health services in the UK and the results of this are that people like yourself are left to cope alone unless they progress at the rate the service needs?wants!It just doesnt happen like that does it? I have mental health problems( a lot less severe than yours )and I have found that the most important things were time, support, and gentle encouragement to do things if/when I was ready.You are clearly not getting this from mhservice.I hope things get better for you soon, vicki.

Hi KJ,

Yes, it's an absolute disgrace how you have been treated. I know exactly how you feel about all the hounding. My husband has been hounded as well, became unfit last July, WFI at Job Centre Aug/Sept, Medical November, WFHRA December, WFI January. I rang them and asked them could they please wise up as my husband was waiting on an operation and didnt need or deserve all this hassel.

They agreed to suspend WFI for two months, he had his operation on 10/3/10, all his WFI now complete last on was just last week, and this Wednesday, he is off for another medical.

I can see just how this all has affected my husband at first hand, his condition was physical but I can honestly say that purley as a result of all this pressure, his Dr has had not only to put him on Antidepressants, but double up on his Blood Pressure medication because they could not get his pressure down. He has been told that he will probably be on this higher dose the rest of his life.

How in the name of God can anyone suffering with a severe mental disorder like yourself be expected to cope with all this, when even those trying to cope with physical conditions begin to become affected more mentally, DIRECTLY as a result of pressure being put on them when they are not fit.

I wish you all the best KJ, and hope it all works out for you.

Kathy x

hi kj it is harassment and i do hope steve or gareth can tell me that it is against human rights to be harassed like this the dwp needs a kick up the a?s to stop this ill treatment of us