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ESA ftf worries

jamie1965

This discussion was created from comments split from: What question would you ask your MP to make your Disabilty stress free.

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jamie1965

Hi I feel like I’m am being judge at every turn and totally stressed out about the esa f2f I have been working the same job for a long time and when I became ill have reduced my hours in a bid to stay in work I have been off sick since dec and my sick pay has run out been advised to get esa have spoken to them on the phone and was asked what esa do you want to claim told her don’t know never had to apply for this before she then became very abrupt with me and made me feel like I was doing something wrong she said I would have to go for a f2f this seems to be all I do now had to do occ health f2f at work and at the pip and now have to have one for esa I’m still employed at this moment and have asked to work from home I work for one of the big 6 energy companies and they are being awful about my illness and not helping at all they want me to go into a meeting for capabilities and I also have to have a occhealth f2f about appropriate housing and then it will all start again my condition is fibromyalgia long term depression and bulging disc and have just found out that I also have narrowing of the spine all these f2f do is cause me more and more stress I feel sick to the stomach with it all why can not these things be don’t without so many f2f a doctors and Medical should be enough they are the real experts the info can be passed on after all every agency seems to be linked who thought that putting people with illness through these ordeals would help them please let us have less of the inquisitions and more understanding I have been given pip for 4 years but my illnesses have no cure it is progressively getting worse that I struggle with the stairs in my home I want to work and have tried all I can to stay in the office but this is no longer an option for me but making me go to all these f2f like they trying to catch me out is demeaning and to be blunt makes me feel like given up all together

debkenzo

Dear Jamie
My name is Debbie. My heart goes out to you. I am in similar situation and have also felt like 'giving up' many times. The One thing that keeps me going is the fact that I must not allow these monsters who create these evil systems to win!! We must all Unite and Share our experiences. Take strength from each other. Keep strong as best that you can. If We give up then THEY have won. The idiots who have created this system want us to give up. They Do Not Care!! You have genuine people in your life who do care about you. So Why Give up for the people who Do Not Care? Don't give them the satisfaction that yet another claimant has Given Up!! Keep Going for the people in your life who Do Care.
I send you my blessing

Pippa_Alumni

Hi again @jamie1965,

I just wanted to offer my sympathies- I'm sure many of our community members will agree that the benefits process can be so difficult and draining, and it's common for this to take a toll on the person applying. You've mentioned a few different issues in your above message, and I hope we can help address a few of them...

You mentioned making adjustments to your job and working conditions (which sounds like a sensible idea), and feeling worried about your occupational health assessment. Here is some background information about this process- if you have any questions about this, ask our employment advisors a question, as they may be able to help.

I'm sorry to hear that the person you spoke to about ESA made you feel that way, when you were only asking a question. Here is some information about the types of ESA people claim, and our employment advisors (linked above) may also be able to help with queries about this.

Finally, you mentioned struggling with stairs in your home. I wonder if @Jean_Scope could offer any input about potential housing adaptations/support here?

I really hope this helps and do remember that here on the community we're all cheering for you and wishing you all the best!

Jean_OT

Hi @jamie1965

Sorry to hear that you are having such a challenging time.

You mentioned that you are struggling with climbing stairs, so @PippaScope suggested that I might be able to give you some advice. I’m an Occupational Therapist working as an Information Specialist as part of the Scope Helpline Team. If you would like me to advise about obtaining housing adaptations please post on my community pages:

https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/ask-an-occupational-therapist

or if you would rather have a private discussion you can contact me via the Scope Helpline 0808 800 3333 helpline@scope.org.uk

Best Wishes

Jean

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