In light of the governments recent plans to cut ESA, I felt
it would be important to tell me story that is the whirlwind experience of
being lost within the benefits cycle.
Those with long term illnesses like myself are unable to
work at no fault of our own. However, when you cannot work you have no
earnings, you lose confidence and in some cases your condition can deteriorate.
Yet all of those factors considered you are forced to apply for benefits that
make your situation worse. When I applied for employment and support allowance
I had no idea what to expect yet didn't expect to be faced with such a horrible
experience. I was in the mists of finally getting a diagnosis but, as I
am sure you all know, appointments for specialists are very hard to come by and
even if you are referred the waiting period is endless.
I live at home with my family and as much as much as I may
be in a better living situation than others, at 22 I wanted to be able to pay
my own way and not have to rely on the generosity of my parents. This is what drew me in to ESA as I felt me condition was
progressively getting worse and I needed some sort of financial support to get
me by.
I phoned ESA and made my initial claim which consisted of a
series of somewhat unrelated question. However, in hindsight this was the
easiest step and did not prepare me for what was to come. After completing the 50+ page booklet that I had been sent
detailing different aspects of my health and how they effect me from day to day
the waiting game began. Unfortunately, at this point I had no evidence in terms
of necessary documents so my decision was solely being made from the booklet I
had filled in. Soon after this I had a medical assessment. Now at this
point I thought that I would actually seen by a qualified medical professional
but, oh was I wrong. I was sat opposite a young man who was quite clearly there
to just type and read questions that had been provided for him. It was so
reassuring to know that my benefit was going to be left in the hands of such a
“professional”. The medical assessment basically consisted of me re answering
the questions I had previously filled out and a test of simple movements such
as moving my arms, legs and bending down. I felt very intimidated by the whole
experience as I felt like I was being interviewed. They seemed to be trying to
catch me out as if I would pretend that I wasn't well enough to work.
Weeks after this the dreaded letter arrived in the post
stating that I had been awarded no points and was therefore deemed fit for
work. In all honestly in the eyes of these people if you can talk, type and you
look well you are the picture of health. I was gutted as I knew this was only
going to be the beginning. The medical assessment does not cater for those with
an invisible illness which makes it near impossible to not be overlooked. I had to then go through a mandatory reconsideration
detailing why I felt that those who made the initial decision were wrong and
hope that the original decision would be over turned. It was not.
Now my final stage was to then apply for a tribunal hearing.
I don't know how anyone else has felt in this situation but, I felt like a
criminal. I had no idea it would be so hard to get even the smallest amount of
support. Long story short sitting in front or the judge and qualified doctor
was a seemingly horrible experience. Any answer I gave to their questions was
torn apart and I was left with no leg to stand on. As the condition affects me
from day to day and brain fog can leave me unable to think clearly the judges
only response was that I would be capable of working a part time job as a
cleaner or receptionist as these jobs do not take any real intelligence. I was
upset and insulted by her blunt remark and at this point words had escaped me. Their
decision was not changed and all I was left with was a piece of paper stating
that I was fit for work.
Since then I have had to claim Universal Credit and look for
work even though I did not feel fit enough to do so. I managed to get to the
interview stage of a job funnily enough working at the job centre as a work
coach but, as the interview drew closer I was becoming more unwell and was
unable to attend. I am now in the process of applying for ESA again as I have
no other choice. I am in a slightly better position than I was the first time
around as I do have a diagnosis however, I still do not have enough evidence to
back up my case. I am hopeful that within the 13 week period I will be placed
in the support group and deemed unfit for work but, at this time I cannot
predict what the future will hold. I do also now have the support from a
Fibromyalgia group that I attend and the ladies that I have met have been so
helpful and supportive.
I feel that doctors are not fully educated in Fibromyalgia
and do not understand how debilitating and exhausting it can be. As they are
the first point of call when battling for a diagnosis I feel that they have
essentially jeopardised my chances of being able to claim as the essential
tests have not been done and the referrals are not being correctly made.
I never wanted to be on benefits. I would love to go back to
work and start building a career but, right now this is not within reach and I
am not well enough to do so.
I am happy to answer any questions that people may have and
I have added a list down below of some of the things online that I have found
so helpful during the early stages of reapplying for ESA.
No comments:
Post a Comment