Have to go for medical - terrified

Hi Ali,
When I attended mine,I found the questions 'leading' and I couldn't give specific answers to many of them,they were then repeated a number of times but in a different format, I felt, as if trying to 'catch me out'. I feel that the questions asked were far too generalised, hence my having difficulty answering. Don't do anything you're not happy with and 'stick to your gun's'. I was asked ' to squeeze her finger as hard as I could',(which I now find amusing) suffice to say, I couldn't, as my finger's won't bend. The person appeared to have little knowledge of my illness which didn't help!
All the best!

Hello folks

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm really dreading this medical - but I will let you know how I get on.

I'm almost tempted just to end my application for ESA and re-apply for JSA instead - even though I know no-one will employ me at the moment, the way my health is.

Out of interest - if I am rejected for ESA - will I have to go through a whole new application process for JSA . . . or am I automatically put onto JSA? Also, would I need to reappy for housing benefit etc?

Thanks again

Alison

Ali wrote:

Hello folks

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm really dreading this medical - but I will let you know how I get on.

I'm almost tempted just to end my application for ESA and re-apply for JSA instead - even though I know no-one will employ me at the moment, the way my health is.

Out of interest - if I am rejected for ESA - will I have to go through a whole new application process for JSA . . . or am I automatically put onto JSA? Also, would I need to reappy for housing benefit etc?

Thanks again

Alison

Hi,

Even if your ESA claim is declined, it could be worth appealing the decision as you would remain on the ESA assessment rate pending the appeal.

If you do transfer to JSA, it is not automatic, you do have to apply over the phone but he claim should be seemless. It would be worth speaking to whoever pays your Housing Benefit, as the DWP usually let the local authority know if a claim is stopped and it can potentially stop your HB payments, hence let the local authority know what is happening.

Do though, if possible, stick at trying to get awarded ESA rather than concede and claim JSA as, for example, from 2013, as announced in the recent budget:

''2.54 Housing Benefit awards will be reduced to 90 per cent of the initial
award after 12 months for claimants receiving Jobseekers Allowance. This will
be introduced in April 2013''

So it is potentially worthwhile to stick with ESA.

Pete

Thanks, Pete.

Perhaps I should just go for the medical and get it over and done with. It might not be as bad as I think! I live in hope.