Help to stop claiming ESA

NatalieJ

Hello I am a single parent of a teenager and I have been off work with ptsd following a sexual assault. I still have ptsd but I have developed my own products and have promises of orders from big stores and have built a website to sell my product. I want to stop claiming esa as I will be working full time but I will still have all the same issues with mobility anxiety etc that means I need a lot of extra help so I'd like to keep my dla. 
The thought of even speaking to the job centre or going there makes me feel really uncomfortable as they have been really cold and nasty to me in the past and inappropriate, one advisor said i didn't look disabled etc. He also proceeded to make sexual comments and touch my leg which i reported and it wasn't dealt with in 2007.He was the lone parent advisor , supposed to offer help and he messed up my forms and lost me tax credits.
Is there anyone who can help me with the process? Thanks.

NatalieJ

Forgot to add have been through hell with atos assessments and having to be appeal being fit for work an dbe sanctioned for long periods. my benefits were stopped completely because i was too unwell to speak on the phone. They gave me a further breakdown. I actually can't cope with speaking to the jc.

Richard_Scope

Hi @NatalieJ

Great to meet you and welcome to the community. Are you in receipt of DLA or PIP?

thespiceman

Hello @NatalieJ   Pleased to meet you welcome.

Thank you for joining and sharing. So sorry what went through. Shocked to hear  this.

You have come to the right place.

I am one of the team of community champions. Who guide, inform and advise new members who join.

Please may I advise you need to apply for PIP. DLA the previous benefit is being phased out.

You will need to apply.

Have a look at our on benefit checker.  Find out more information about Benefits on our website.

Have you contacted any  Business Advisors. In your area. Usually run by Councils.

Many local councils have people who can help you with in relation to your business.  Especially those who are disabled or have health conditions and wish to set up a business.

In your area where you live County Councils issue a booklet of services. Mine does has a Business section. 

You could also contact CAB for Business and anything else you need. 

We are friendly.  Please ask if we can help and advise on anything. Some one will know from our community or a member of our team.

Good luck and wish you every success. 

Please take care.

@thespiceman

steve51

Hi @NatalieJ

Good Afternoon it's great to meet you today ? ? ? ? 

I am very very sorry to hear about your current situation/problems.

Do you have a local "CAB" as they should be helpful ????? 

We have got our own helpline: "0808 800 3333"

Please please let me know if I can help you????? 

poppy123456

Hi,

As you're planning on returning to work full time then you'll need to report those changes to the DWP. Is the work just starting or have you been working previously? You really do need to report those changes otherwise you'll have an overpayment, which you'll need to repay back. I know ringing them is scary but it's only to stop your ESA benefit. Unfortunately because it's your claim then you'll need to ring them yourself. If you have a family member or friend near you then it's possible that you ring them to go through security and then tell them you're passing the phone onto someone else to speak on your behalf.

Do you claim housing benefit and council tax reduction? If so then you'll also need to report those changes to your local council and also to HMRC if you claim any tax credits. There will be 4 week run on of housing benefit too.

If you're already claiming tax credits then it maybe possible to claim the disabled element of working tax credits, which is extra money.

I wish you good luck with your work and hope it works out for you.