ESA reassessed after 6 months

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Cat1981
Cat1981 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited March 2021 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
I was so releived to have been placed into the support group but have now found out I will be reassessed in August.
I'm already anxious about it.
I struggle to talk about my mental health and found talking about it in the last assessment really distressing. 
I didn't sleep for weeks before/ after the assessment.
I think my mental health and is the main reason for me being placed in the supoort group but perhaps they will reassess to see if anti-depressants or counselling helped.
Counselling didn't help and I stopped taking antidepressents due to weight gain. NOT because I'm vain but because I put on almost 2 stone already with steroids (which I have not yet lost) and my biologics seem to be stopping me from losing weight too, so I  was alarmed by  the weight gain when I started to gain even more on anti-depressants.
I will discuss different anti-depressants with my doctor at my next appoitment.

I was just about to start a claim for PIP (mainly due to my autoimmune condition) so will potentially have an assessment for that coming up too. Mentally I don't think ill be able to fight for both. I've only just finished ESA and it will all be back-to-back.
 All when I'm stuggling both mentally and phyically.

When I'm reassessed in August will I have to re-do the ESA forms again too? 

Has anyone got any advice? Please be kind as I'm feeling fragile.

Comments

  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    Even if your case has been marked for review in six months that doesn't mean you will be reviewed at that time. With the current assessment backlog you may well be pushed back. When review does take place you will usually be sent the ESA form to complete again to explain how you are at that time. 
  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Hello @cat1989

    It can be a stressful time when renewal day comes around, but you've done the right thing in asking about it so far in advance, hopefully the replies from our members will help to ease your concerns. 

    If counselling and anti-depressants didn't work for you then when the time comes you should just explain that if you think it's necessary.  But remember to keep focused on how your condition impacts your ability to work, and give examples. 

    I'm glad you will be discussing different anti-depressants with your GP, hopefully they are able to find something that works for you going forward, and I hope your GP helps you manage your mental health effectively.

    There's no harm in applying for PIP as well, but I would understand if you didn't feel up to handling both situations at once. Please remember that you don't need to do it alone, you can always seek advice and help from places like Advice Local, Citizens Advice and Welfare Rights.
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    Hi @Cat1981

    I just wanted to bob you a message to see how you're keeping?  I hope all is well but please let me know if you could do with additional support.  Take care.  
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi there 

    How do you know you will be assessed in August? 

    Is it that they recommended an assessment then or have you been given an assessment date 

    Your award will stay in place till you have a reassessment but the award length is just a guide and there is no end date 

    You will get forms to fill in b4 and that will indicate a reassessment is taking place 

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