Hi, my name is Amberpearl! Waiting for a dwp health assessment

Amberpearl

I have messaged my work coach re how I'm. Feeling 
Also just had my restart program phone call done for people who have been out of work for more than 12 months. Its mandatory 

I only get it via phone as I have a fit note. I keep getting different advisor s. I em the last one my fit note.now she's left

New advisor now says the rules have ch re fit notes. The job centre have to email restart to say I have a fit note in place 
It's crazy. It's like they don't believe me
I emailed it to them but won't accept it because I sent it and not the job centre 
If the job centre don't send it I. Will be forced to attend restart in person. Its 2 buses away and I just can't do it 
I'm. Too tired and anxious and my bladder won't hold out the journey 

vulcan56

just returned from the restart scheme. first, visit they said i would be contacted fortnightly and have face to face meetings fortnightly, now its changed to weekly. im 65 and retire in a year.also have health issues.they dont care they try to get you any job going. avoid if possible

Amberpearl

Yes I know. Its rubbish that's my opinion 
Not helping me whatsoever 
I have many health issues and I'm. Not up to it 
Keep saying it's mandatory 

Tori_Scope

I forgot to say at the time, but I sent you an email yesterday from community@scope.org.uk @Amberpearl, so please do keep an eye out for that  

Amberpearl

Finally got date for my health assessment 

It's 24th June 2pm

Im nervous it's a face to face appointment 6 miles away 

What do u do. Say 
How can I convince a completele stranger how I am 

poppy123456

They will assess your ability to do any type of work. It's not possible for anyone to tell you what you need to say because we don't know how your conditions affect you.

During my daughters assessment last year they wanted to know what a typical day was like for her but i have no idea if it will be the same for you.

Try not to answer anything with just a yes or no if possible and try to give as much detail as possible. Assessments can last anywhere from 20-120 minutes.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @Amberpearl It's understandable that you're nervous, as our members have said, try to give as much detail as possible, write down how things are for you day to day if that helps.

Do you have anyone who could come with you for support, or help you get to the assessment? 

Lisatho11987777

My work coach told me not all disabilitys stop you from working or doing courses as you can do courses from home I  work 16 hrs but I do like working I get benefits so I am better off working  my work coach has ms so I don't argue with her but  I think for some people it is hard and you have to tell them they can't help otherwise  

Amberpearl

Can I write down everything and give the assessor my paper 

Guess they prefer me to. Speak too 
Letter says bring meds and any evindence 
What evidence 
Would they want to to see my medical file that I have on my NHS app or phone number on the nurse who did my cbt therapy 

Amberpearl

I will have to her my daughter to drive me as I'm. Too anxious to get the bus. But I dont want her in the room with me

A typical day for me starts when I go to bed abd start waking up numerous times during the night for the bathroom and the nightmare s and sweats leaving me exhausted and unable to function 

poppy123456

You can write things down before the assessment so you have something to refer to, some people find it helpful to do this. You will need to answer questions during the assessment.

Any supporting evidence should have been sent when you returned the work capability assessment form. If you have extra there's no harm in taking it with you.  You don't need to take your medical records.

They very rarely contact anyone for any evidence. Though they do ask for contact details/phone numbers of GP's and any other people involved in your care in the form you filled in.

Do you have someone that can attend the assessment with you for some support?

Amberpearl

No il. Go on alone 
They asking for my meds 

poppy123456

You don't need to take any medication with you. If you didn't tell them what medication you take on the form, you can just tell them during the assessment.

Amberpearl

oh i was told to bring my meds and 3 forms of ids
im on additional meds since i filled in the form

poppy123456

Yes take ID. I just took my driving license with me.  You don't need to "take" your medication with you, you can either just tell them what you're taking or if you want you can take a print out of your exisiting medication.

Amberpearl

I wrote on forms what meds I take 
Plus another 2 now 

How can I be judged by a stranger in a quick assessment 

Amberpearl

so as well as my liver problems gallstones. blocked bike duct high bp  anxiety and ptsd and lupus and overactive bladder,  xrays confirmed i have oesteoarthritis in both hands now

my dwp health assessment is 24th june     ive had 2 previous ones few years ago but scored 0 points

poppy123456

For LCWRA it's not about scoring points, it's about satisfying at least one of the descriptors, which you can see here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

Alex_Alumni

Hello @Amberpearl thanks for sharing your x ray results, do you feel like you are able to manage your conditions day to day?

Did your GP speak to you about any support for your osteoarthritis? It's positive to see you are using our Chronic pain and pain management category, hopefully any members with similar experiences or conditions can share their thoughts and support you

I hope Poppy's link is helpful, try to bear in mind each of the descriptors below, and how your conditions might limit your ability to do them:

1. Mobilising unaided by another person with or without a walking stick, manual wheelchair or other aid if such aid is normally, or could reasonably, be worn or used.

2. Transferring from one seated position to another.

3. Reaching.

4. Picking up and moving or transferring by the use of the upper body and arms (excluding standing, sitting, bending or kneeling and all other activities specified in this Schedule).

5. Manual dexterity.

6. Making self understood through speaking, writing, typing, or other means which are normally, or could reasonably be, used unaided by another person.

7. Understanding communication by—
(a) verbal means (such as hearing or lip reading) alone;
(b) non-verbal means (such as reading 16-point print or Braille) alone; or
(c) a combination of (a) and (b), using any aid that is normally, or could reasonably be, used unaided by another person.

8. Absence or loss of control whilst conscious leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder, other than enuresis (bed-wetting), despite the wearing or use of any aids or adaptations which are normally or could reasonably be worn or used.

9. Learning tasks.

10. Awareness of hazard

11. Initiating and completing personal action (which means planning, organisation, problem solving, prioritising or switching tasks).

12. Coping with change.

13. Coping with social engagement, due to cognitive impairment or mental disorder.

14. Appropriateness of behaviour with other people, due to cognitive impairment or mental disorder.

15. Conveying food or drink to the mouth.

16. Chewing or swallowing food or drink.

Let me know if you're still unsure of anything, or feel like we could help further.

Amberpearl

i can do all the above
its my ptsd anxiety and constant trips to the loo that keep me up all night   nightmares  fear of noise and leaving the house fills me with dread