Scared about losing my ESA/PIP. Do I have enough evidence?

greatsay

I have a Mild Learning disability and Schizoaffective Disorder. I live in 24/7 staffed supported housing and receive 21 hours one-to-one support per week but we always have staff here. My biggest anxiety is losing my benefits. Its been 2 years since I last got sectioned (that was from severe self-harm from psychosis) I got put straight into the support group last year on that alone but I feel that if I get called to another ESA assessment the evidence will be out of date and they won't accept it. I'm on a CPA pathway, also on a depot plus have a social services appointee. Also attend a NHS (LD) day centre.

Do you think living in supported housing will have any barring on my ESA/PIP assessment. I do have a good team manager. Do you think that evidence of being sectioned 11 times since 2010 will also have any barring. I have lots of emotional support from my care team, they look for signs of becoming unwell such as a pre-occupation with microchips and secret folders and conspiracies.  I have so much anxiety about many things. My psychiatrist says I have catastrophic thinking. I'm so worried about not having benefits and being homeless. 

Do you think with the support I get I will be okay? thank you 

wilko

greatsay, reading your story I think you will keep your care part of PIP but as for the mobility element if you are getting one you never stated. As for the ESA claim as you are not fit or able to work I exspect this will remain hope this has helped

whistles

I'm not sure why you are worrying? Having an appointee means that person takes takes of everything on your behalf- because you lack the capacity to do so yourself.
How long has that been in place? 

You are showing some insight into your problems, pip might be interested in that aspect. 
It's a sensitive subject.

Is your worrying posts a sign that things are not too good just now?

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi greatsay,

We can never be sure of any decision where the DWP are concerned. As long as you have completed your ESA50 as comprehensively as possible and have support to attend your medical, and explain your difficulties at the medical, you cannot do any more.
You still have a lot of support so hopefully the decision will go your way. I don't know whether it will help you or not, but you could consider going through all the ESA descriptors to see which ones you satisfy and what you make out should be your total points, to put your mind a little bit more at rest. I hope it all goes well for you.

Lee