Are we able to relax for the moment!/

[spencer69]

Hi To All,

I wanted to post some (hopeful) good news for a change! As some readers may know from my previous posts (or not as I cannot recall telling people) of the stress, anxiety and fear that ESA and all that it involves, and how much this has affected, not just me and my partner, but as I know, many 10’s of 1,000’s of people. Mine began way before ’brown envelope’ landed on our mat or telephone call received. This was because of information I had sought regarding ESA, not just on internet, but also personal stories from friends, stories in the news and of course, newspapers, and must cover at least 18 months, maybe even over 2 years, before it was my turn!

It is impossible to even attempt to describe our stress levels, sleepless nights, anxiety and fear suffered(on top of how I am already affected), but I know others have experienced the same levels, are experiencing and will do in the future (even now thinking of new DLA to PIP) over the ESA/WCA quagmire.

However, after fully completing ESA50, with additional answers totalling an extra 17 pages, plus 20 pages explaining how illnesses and disabilities affect me, in excess of 20 pages explaining further medical matters, medical reports, scan results and further information, this morning we received a phone call!

A lady from DWP spoke in a gentle voice explaining who she was and the reason for the call. I won’t name her, but because the news was such a shock and extreme relief, I wish we could call her back and just thank her for the news she gave and the way she explained contents.

It has been a little over 2 weeks since ESA50 and all other evidence had been submitted. I was told this morning that I had passed ESA medical. No medical required. I have been placed in the Support Group and for 3 (three) years.

I am still having trouble believing the news I have received and the complete result still has not sunk in. I will be honest, I have felt like and have been nearly in tears, with relief.

I needed to share this with all on here and hopefully, this can be passed onto to neighbouring sites, such as benefits and work (not a member so can’t post) and also to the full facts website.

There are a couple of queries I still have but am unable to post these at the moment. I probably won’t believe it until I have the letter in black and white, but hoping that todays news has not been mistaken, as I have read a couple of posts where people have received this news but then found out differing information when result letter lands.

At least my partner was by my side (she actually had to take call and put phone on loudspeaker) when call received and heard everything that I did.

Still cannot believe that after completion and all other documentation having been handled by ourselves, obviously with answers to queries from people on here and elsewhere that I have passed ESA, no medical, support group and for a 3 year period.

Many thanks and hope that this post gives others some hope in their fight.

spencer69

[Carneucopia]

That is clearly such a relief for you Spencer and really good that you can give others some hope. Just shows that things aren't always as bad as people fear, and that there are some DWP staff who are human!
I think what you have shown us is the value of putting extra info with the ESA50. I'm a great believer in people putting things into their own words on these forms - and DLA - and writing 'outside the box' when needed. Unfortunately forms scare many people and they think they have to just stick strictly to the questions and to the spaces provided. That isn't the case, as you have proved. Well done and good luck.

[mikeydt1]

i did the same stuff as spencer, sending in plenty of material, written material, support letters and what i thought i would get and what i got was a total shock and still hasn't sunk in properly.

in these rather tough times people are going to have to go one step further by sending in as much as they can and also as mentioned writing outside the question boxes.

at the same time what works for one doesn't all ways work for someone else and there are all ways going to be people needing help and support.

good to see our M.P's for once supporting mental health talking about their problems the other week and also trying to change the discrimination laws.

mike

[samia]

spencer69 this is a stressful but great experience from you.for a positive mental health support it should be applied of your experience.

--spam removed--

[davewhit]

why can you relax ? could you not get called for a right benefit review any time after you have been on the award for 12 months ? or they can just change there mind

I dont trust them ? should you ?

[Stepheninleeds]

Oh Dave, give him a minute to enjoy it before you tell him the truth!

Great news Spencer, I am pleased for you. I know the relief & it is great. You know you can do it now, it is not easy, but you know it can be done.

[Shystar]

Hi To All,

I wanted to post some (hopeful) good news for a change! As some readers may know from my previous posts (or not as I cannot recall telling people) of the stress, anxiety and fear that ESA and all that it involves, and how much this has affected, not just me and my partner, but as I know, many 10’s of 1,000’s of people. Mine began way before ’brown envelope’ landed on our mat or telephone call received. This was because of information I had sought regarding ESA, not just on internet, but also personal stories from friends, stories in the news and of course, newspapers, and must cover at least 18 months, maybe even over 2 years, before it was my turn!

It is impossible to even attempt to describe our stress levels, sleepless nights, anxiety and fear suffered(on top of how I am already affected), but I know others have experienced the same levels, are experiencing and will do in the future (even now thinking of new DLA to PIP) over the ESA/WCA quagmire.

However, after fully completing ESA50, with additional answers totalling an extra 17 pages, plus 20 pages explaining how illnesses and disabilities affect me, in excess of 20 pages explaining further medical matters, medical reports, scan results and further information, this morning we received a phone call!

A lady from DWP spoke in a gentle voice explaining who she was and the reason for the call. I won’t name her, but because the news was such a shock and extreme relief, I wish we could call her back and just thank her for the news she gave and the way she explained contents.

It has been a little over 2 weeks since ESA50 and all other evidence had been submitted. I was told this morning that I had passed ESA medical. No medical required. I have been placed in the Support Group and for 3 (three) years.

I am still having trouble believing the news I have received and the complete result still has not sunk in. I will be honest, I have felt like and have been nearly in tears, with relief.

I needed to share this with all on here and hopefully, this can be passed onto to neighbouring sites, such as benefits and work (not a member so can’t post) and also to the full facts website.

There are a couple of queries I still have but am unable to post these at the moment. I probably won’t believe it until I have the letter in black and white, but hoping that todays news has not been mistaken, as I have read a couple of posts where people have received this news but then found out differing information when result letter lands.

At least my partner was by my side (she actually had to take call and put phone on loudspeaker) when call received and heard everything that I did.

Still cannot believe that after completion and all other documentation having been handled by ourselves, obviously with answers to queries from people on here and elsewhere that I have passed ESA, no medical, support group and for a 3 year period.

Many thanks and hope that this post gives others some hope in their fight.

spencer69

Brilliant news, Spencer. I am pleased for you too and getting into support group without a medical. Once again It's nice to read a positive result.