Benefits Review. Advice?

[Scumbelina]

I recently filled in a form to renew my disability benefit (ESA) but this time they've asked to see me for a 'face-to-face assessment' next week. This is making me all kinds of anxious. I feel like they'll try to catch me out & there's no way to prove how I feel. I don't have any support from the MH team anymore, due to 'budget cuts' & I haven't really spoken to my GP about anything. I received stitches for SH in A&E in September, but that's the only thing that's on record/provable.

Does anyone have experience of such meetings? Do they ask you to prove things? (Will they ask to see scars? )

I'm also being changed over from DLA to PIP at the same time & I'm so scared they're going to say I'm fit for work. I've heard so many horror stories. There's no way I could hold down a job, let alone one that will pay my rent & bills. I just hate this instability.

[Doikers]

Just describe yourself at you are at your very worse , that's the advice I was given.
If you are on Meds take a list.
I was told they start the assessment as soon as they see you , not once you get into the room so when they they call you from the waiting area so don't jump up just to get it done with.
I personally had my reflexes done .
I was asked how I got to the appointment so see if you cannot get a ride? As this shows you find walking, Public transport, Driving really hard .
A week seems Hella short notice, could you ask for a postponement to prepare due to anxiety? Maybe contact an Advocacy Service.

Bearing in mind this all was with Atos and they no use a different group now.

I Wish you all the best as I know how terrifying this is.

[Gaiaphage]

I can totally understand why this must be scary for you. Maybe between now and the appointment you could write down everything that you find difficult/stressful/hard and any appointments etc. that you can so that if your mind goes blank in the appointment (as I know mine always does when it's important for it not to!) you've still got everything there to tell them? xxx

[Pi.R^2]

I don't have any advice but wanted to say I hope it goes well and that you get the support you deserve :)

[Dying_Angel]

Hope it all goes OK. I have one of these medicals due soon. I think they are being stricter now with everything as I know a couple of people who have had there's stopped

[Scumbelina]

Thanks for the replies, everyone

I'm getting my Dad to take me, but I don't want to talk in front of him so I've asked him to wait outside. I don't know what they'll make of that.

I keep going over what I'm going to be asked & what I'm going to say. I'm worried I'll say the wrong thing. I can't wait until it's over. Hope they let me know the decision soon. Then I have to go through the whole thing again with PIP. :(