What happens at ESA F2f assessments? I'm thinking of cancelling my claim as I have severe anxiety.

1307tired

Hi All I've been on this community for awhile but this is first post, looking at the pip forum I took all advise on board and was successful in claiming after having to do an MR.
Now my ssp has run out I had to put a claim in for New style ESA, I've just had a missed call that I couldn't answer due to Anziety the lady left a voicemail which sounds like she has sent me a letter out for a face to face appointment, I've spent the past 2 years practially shielding due to now been clinically vulnerable due to an accident at work and the thought of having to go out to an appointment has sent my anxiety through the roof.
Does anyone know what happens at these assessments?  I'm seriously starting to think I'll cancel my claim as I know what I'll have to go through running up to the date, my pip assessment was over the phone and that was traumatic in its self never mind having to go out.

Any advise would be greatly received.
Thank you. 

janer1967

Hi and welcome 

You may be able to request a telephone assessment or possibly a home assessment 

Wait till you get the letter to make sure it is f2f then call and explain 

You may need a letter from your gp giving reasons why you are unable to attend f2f 

1307tired

Hi
Thank you very much for your reply, I'll wait for the letter on the voicemail she did say something about a map so I assumed this is of where I need to go.
I did sent the evidence from my psychological report and one from my therapist which states the problems I have going out...but they seem to have ignored that.
If I am made to go I will need medication just to get me there, but do you know what happens at the assessments I've never been in this position before.
Thank you 

Cher_Alumni

Hello @1307tired and thank you for making your first post on the community!  It's great to meet you.  How are you today?  Do you think you're receiving enough support with your anxiety?

Please try not to worry too much at this point (granted - easier said than done).  If when you receive the letter it confirms that the assessment will be face to face, you can ask for adjustments or a home assessment by contacting the Health Advisory Assessment Service.  Here's a link to the Citizen's Advice webpage that contains more details about this.

Well done on your MR success by the way

Just to let you know, I tweaked the title of your thread to help others better spot it too.  Please let us know how you get on.

1307tired

Thank you both for replies.
At the moment I'm having trauma therapy the main focus seems to be that, with Anziety getting put to aside and getting worse, the smallest thing like this sets it off worse.
Thank you I'll wait for letter and confirm what's happening, I didn't know about the health advisory service, ill look into it.
Glad I plucked up the courage to ask on here.

Ross_Alumni

I'm glad you asked too @1307tired, and hopefully the advice provided has been helpful for you. Best of luck.