I may likely have to make the decision to go on benefits or find a job in the not quite so immediate future.
I don't feel well enough to work, but I don't feel I would be seen as ill enough to be on benefits [job seekers allowance would be too stressful for me so it would need to be employment support allowance, but am I ill enough?].
I hate this trap but it looks like I'll have to bridge it somehow.
Any perspectives/support/experience/kind words please?
It's a tricky feeling, grappling with benefits, and can leave you feeling so vulnerable. But this really is what they're there for - to help support people with health conditions that prevent them from being able to work. It's all quite subjective, but the fact that you're being treated by a specialist mental health team is supportive in an application for benefits. The forms can feel quite arduous, would you consider getting some support from somewhere like the Citizen's Advice? ESA is definitely worth applying for, plus CAB will offer advice on any other benefits you might be able to claim.
It can all be very complicated, you're right, so I'm very glad to hear you will be able to get some professional advice and support. It is worth applying for though, and should hopefully give you the opportunity to do permitted work as and when you feel more well, but that's not something you need to worry about at this stage.
Why not go on UC as someome with health condition if you are not well enough for work and then when things perk up, you could the change to UC as jobseeker... but personally I wouldn’t go on jobseekers unless you want miserable sods from the jobcentre calling you every week. Have you got a job yet? Whereas you are long term unwell your are long term unwell.
Have you ever confused a dream with life? Or stolen something when you have the cash? Have you ever been blue? Or thought your train moving while sitting still? Maybe I was just crazy. Maybe it was the 60's. Or maybe I was just a girl... interrupted.
I know what it's like to want to die. How it hurts to smile. How you try to fit in but you can't. How you hurt yourself on the outside to try to kill the thing on the inside. I tried groups, didn't work out just made my depression a lot worse.
The thing is I don't know what I am.
But I have been out of work for 2 years.
Ironically before I was dismissed I was well enough to be working, with adjustments. Dismissal due to my illness [it's complicated] made me more ill!
Thanks Lindsay.
My therapist says she isn't qualified to help, but we agreed I'm not yet ready to work. There are people that I can speak to where I go for my groups, so I will explore that. I just don't know what to start with.
Just an note that they are no longer accepting new claims for ESA so you need to claim universal credit. If you are going to claim universal credit you need to do it asap due to the fact that there's a six week delay before you get payment.
Wannabe CPN : -)
"He who is tired of Weird Al is tired of life." - Homer Simpson "I hear those voices that will not be drowned" Sanity is a nasty disease. The world would be a happier place without it. - Rilic
RIP Kat 4th July 1987- 11th June 2013
UC is replacing most benefits, other than things like DLA/PIP. I think there is a new kind of ESA some people can get along with UC but I'm not sure of the ins and outs. Is there a money/benefits advice place in your area?
I put it down on paper and then the ghost does not ache so much.
Don't try to calm the storm, calm yourself, the storm will pass.
My understanding is (I could be wrong) that it's quite similar to being on ESA. They might want to check in with you every now and then at the Jobcentre but no, it shouldn't be a case of having to apply for jobs if you're deemed not well enough. It's tricky and I must admit I don't know much about UC, but try not to worry too much (if only it were that easy!) because I don't think it's massively different to ESA in that respect.
I am currently in receipt of esa and pip. My mental health team helped me fill out the forms an were present at the assessments. It is important wen you do apply to get supporting evidence eg. Letters frm psychiatrist/cpn/dr. They are less likey to challenge your claim. My cpn comes ti my assesments as again. They are less likey to challenge you. Im not going to lie it can be stressful But it is worth it. You can then focus on your recovery rather than being pushed into a stituation you dont want. I was pushed into volenterring, it ended badly. And i ended up back to being a complete nervous reck.
Do what you feel is best for you and your health. Good luck >^..^<
UC replaces all the old benefits. You would take your medical evidence in and they would decide how many hours (if any) per week you have to work or look for work. They may make you get sick notes to cover any time off job hunting, unless they decide you are long term sick. I know quite a bit about it as I help people say to day with their claims. Feel free to PM me if you want a bit more help.
Mand, South Wales, Full-time working, single mother to 2 scarily independent girls.
I AM A PROUD PLUMERIA SISTER
