Help got a DWP letter

[bamber]

My benefit of last 9 years is changing from Incapacity Benefit to ESA. But they said they will phone me in next two weeks to ask questions?? About my health what do I say and if I answer the phone I'll be at disadvantage - if happy? Then a questionnaire then a medical.I think my best hope 12 months in the work group - but what if they kick me off all together? Thanx just before Xmas!

[slf]

Hi
Please dont panic and jump the gun,unless the letter was threatening(I dont think it was) they are going to phone you. Remember when they call that you know you were'nt claiming anything that you were not entitled to,the ESA is a very similar benefit and you will equally be entitled to that.
There probably will be forms that you need to fill in truthfully,and eventually yes a medical,the experience of many tells us that you will be told you are fit to work,like so many.
And like so many others,you will appeal successfully. We have a system at the moment that asks us to run through this minefield of bureaucracy,it's most unfair and has been held up to public ridicule.
If you need any help,please ask,your local CAB or UKPIPS you are not alone.there is lots of support.
So keep calm and dont let these people spoil your Xmas
Take care
Steve

[bamber]

Thank you Steve a friend has suggested a website. Its a bit radical - but might give me an insight into what will be said. I need to find out if I can find a place here as a link if it helps me. Or maybe I'll contact Liz and it will be better on UKPIPS website as an external link. But I'll check it out first.

It was lovely to read your post.

[john]

Hiya,
What Steve says essentially.
It seems to me that they need to know how you are on your bad days, so focus truthfully on that.
Apart from this I have no better advice, but to say Good Luck and don't let it get you depressed.

[bamber]

Thanks John.

Seeing my community Psychiatric nurse Tuesday (think I mentioned with them before!) and I usually see my immunologist once a year only - but I can phone them up and speak to the nurse there I hope or even E-mail (I think?). Just need all my ammunition ready.

I wont let it get me down. I can see I will have support. A lot of nice people around.

You lot included.

[glowing]

Hi Bamber.
It's horrible having to wait to hear what they're going to say but you have enough problems without them stressing you out. I'm so glad that you're not going to let them get you down. There are people willing to fight your corner with you so hopefully everything will be settled quickly. Fingers crossed for you.

Glowing

[liz2mac]

Hi Bamber,
Its the letter we're all aware is likely to land on our doormat and dread. As everyone else has said, try not to worry (easier said than done I know) and remember that they're not picking you out specifically, its just the process that they're going through for everyone. We have a volunteer who is able to support you through all of this, if you contact me on 'A PID Organisations Email' I'll put you in touch with her. Please do let us know how it goes though, I've been told by the Minister for Work and Pensions that the assessors ARE aware of all PID's, so if it turns out that they are not aware and do NOT understand how PID's affect anyone, I need to know in order to get it sorted out. As John has said, the most important thing is to remember to focus on how you are on your worst days. That's not easy for us, as one of the ways I'v noticed that most of us deal with having a PID is to focus on the good days and to try to forget the bad ones. Its a verty good coping skill, but it goes against us in the benefits process. I have found that the process of describing my health as it truly is, can lead me into a few days of really severe depression. If this happens to anyone going through the benefits process, remember that the people on the forum do understand and will support you through it all.
Liz

[bamber]

Thanx Liz - not got the phone call yet. But downloaded an example of the form. I will be in touch with you.

Thanks again.