A question about : ESA Help
Hello
I am currently claiming ESA and have just reached the 13 week stage and have today received an appointment for a face to face assessment.
I am self employed and drive for a living but last year had to surrender my driving licence for six months on Drs orders due to a medical condition. I was advised to claim ESA as I was unable to work in my current job as it involves having to drive.
When I applied for ESA I explained this and gave DWP the date that my claim would end as this is the date that I can drive from again and return to work.
This date is now just under 3 months away, would you recommend that I attend the medical or cancel my claim and live off my small savings for the next few months, I could just about manage if I cut right back.
I say this as I don't think I will pass the assessment from what I have researched online.
Best answers:
- As you aren't yet able to drive I would go to the assessment. It can take several weeks from the time you have the assessment for ATOS to actually forward the papers to DWP and then for DWP to act on the report. You've paid into the system so why not get something back out while you can? Some may say it's immoral, I say it's using the system (legally) to your advantage.
- Being unable to do your current job is _NOT_ grounds to claim ESA.
Yes, you can claim for up till the medical for practically any reason - but unless you meet one or more of the descriptors - you may not be eligible for ESA.
Why are you not supposed to drive.
There are various reasons that may mean in principle an award of ESA.
For example 'significantly disrupted concentration'
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