Hello, I was a member before but couldn't login, so have made this account ... a new hello to everyone, and I share the current concerns I can see everyone having about benefit changes. Good that there's a community and organisations that DO care about the disabled, and who are voicing the clear need to treat ill people with decency and compassion. 99.9% of us would love to be well and take part in life and work, and that's obvious to any reasonable human.
Just wanted to say that 1st, as it's awful seeing the upset being caused by what the government and media are saying.
Today an assessor was due 9-10am. I waited until mid afternoon before calling the advisory service number on the letter. They said the doctor had been and not been able to get a reply. I said there's a note on the door saying door's open/just walk in ... I had the chair set up for the assessor and couldn't get past it on crutches. I said the dpd man had walked in fine an hour before me doing this phone call. The electricity meter reader had come in with no issues earlier on too, but I forgot to say that, with them saying they'd refer things on, including saying they couldn't get a response from me.
I'd pulled out all the stops to prepare, which took me the full 5 weeks (ddnos as well as chronic pain/disabilities) including helpful notes (for me and the assessor) as speaking about things is very hard otherwise.
He also said, when I asked 'what now?', that they send letters out with 7 days notice or do a phone call. Didn't sound very definite.
I'm ESA support group and highest level of PIP long term, and had been surprised to get the letter, as last home assessment was roughly 5+ years ago.
With reading about benefit changes and then having this experience today, am concerned they may try to say I was uncooperative and just stop ESA.
