Employment and Support Allowance

[Beetzart]

I hope I haven't mentioned this before, but has anyone here managed to claim ESA for depression?  It's just that the chap I see from the Shaw Trust keeps mentioning that I should at least apply even if unsuccessful, because I may get it at a later date and it would be helpful having a record on file of past applications. 

Cheers

x

[Zaf]

No sorry but it seems a good idea

Z x

[Buttercup]

I tried but didn't have enough credits or something

[mamalou]

I tried and didn't have enough NI contributions. Obviously, that would be because I haven't been working for such a long time and hence I was applying for ESA. A bit of a farce if you ask me ?!

[Beetzart]

It does seem like a minefield for any illness, from what I have read.  If a depressed/anxious person puts down that they can't go out or face other people this will be contradicted as you will have to travel to a medical.  I doubt they would take into account the awful fear experienced by such a trip.  I do want to get back into employment eventually, but I am terrified of being forced to do a job that I know will cause me more problems psychologically, like working in a male dominated environment (it really doesn't help being shy), like that I have just come out off.  I've done my stint at manual labour (over ten years) and would really love something were I can use my brain and not come home filthy every night.  That's not too much to ask, is it?  When I say 'using my brain' I mean even working in a small shop doing basic accounting or ordering, things like that.

[Sweetpea]

I had the same not enough NI contributions in the last couple of years, even though I worked full time after leaving school and part time through all 3 of my pregnancies and back part time after having them.  Makes me mad.

S x x x x

[mamalou]

Same with me Shaz. I worked full time for 13 years from leaving school and part time through pregnancies and having 3 children ! What a total joke ! And the amount of stress it takes someone with depression to apply is something they will never understand !!

[Munchroom]

It IS a minefield and it doesn't make sense and it WILL make you tear your hair out in frustration, but is is worh applying.

I have been on it for around 18 months - ironically just I phoned up today to close my claim as I'm going to be working over 16 hours a week, but I'm not sure how we would have financially made it trough the last 18 months without it.

If they decide you are eligable then they should start paying you something before you go for a medical. They use a french company calles ATOS for these medicals but there is a massive backlog so you may have to wait 6 months or more. You can take someone with you to your medical.

I went through a lot for my claim, it went to tribunal because of the simple fact that it IS geared towards physical illness and not mental illnesses. But you are as entitled to it as anybody else that can't work because of their health so if I were you I would go for it.

Sorry if its a bit garbled, I could write an essay on ESA. Pm me if you want any help.x

[mamalou]

We are barely scraping through. My husband earns a small salary and we live a very frugal life. Only the essentials. Hard for us all. But they denied my claim because I hadn't paid any NI contributions. ???????? It adds alot of guilt to my already overflowing guilt - I am far too ill to work but I worked for years and paid my taxes etc.  £*$

[Sweetpea]

I know these feelings only to well mamalou, I have often said to OH how guilty I feel about me not earning a full time wage.  I do a few hours a week now, but for a time when I was really bad I couldn't do anything.  It just adds to how bad we feel  .

S x x x x

[mamalou]

Thanks Shaz. Just feel like a useless lump ! x x x  !£!

[Sweetpea]

You are not alone Mamalou  _+_

S x x x x

[Buttercup]

I feel useless as well Mamalou  _+_

[Ezel]

It's not so easy to get and the 'rules' have changed.  The government is making it harder to get different benefits but it is worth trying.  It may be worth getting the CAB to help with the form as they will have someone in the office that deals with benefit forms.  If you get turned down it's still contacting the CAB to help with an appeal.

[mamalou]

Yes you are probably right Pip. I will see how much energy I can muster.

By the way - everyone enjoying the new smiley faces etc.......  +-_