No support for future claims!

[Archersmate]

My neurologist discharged me into the care of my MS nurse who has subsequently retired and hasn't been replaced, now I'm really worried about future reassessments, who is going to support me when those dreaded brown envelopes come? I got 18 months on ESA and two years on PIP both as a paper based review, and time is flying by far to quickly.

I've not seen a OT for 4 years and only have a GP, but it seems that the DWP don't always write to them and when they do the forms don't always work to claimants advantage because of the way they're designed.

I'm more anxious now about the future than I've ever been, I've got no energy for a fight and wonder what my chances are now?

[reddivine]

Don't panic. Tackle the brown envelope when it comes and don't stress till then. Here in Telford we have been w.o. an MS nurse for TWO YEARS since the last 2 left. Address any enquiries to your neurologist - n the absence of an MS nurse, he remains the default "expert".

[birdwatcher]

Your history still stands.

If your condition hasn't changed, put in a supporting letter your specialist had already given you, I have one from years ago as my situation hasn't changed at all.

I don't have anyone I can put on the forms as I'm seen by people then discharged, but I have awards. I have heard of many people who don't have any long term specialists still get their awards. Your history is still there, and you'll have the previous support and evidence.

If you are struggling though, go to your GP and ask for a new MS nurse and some extra support.

[beau]

I was written off 14 years ago and had no medical evidence that was current. I just make the best of life as I am able.
It was only DLA to PIP but I had no supporting evidence. Filled the forms in the best I could and obviously had a FTF assessment. Even the assessor said that I would only get worse as years passed and he noted that on his report.
I got a positive result with a maximum length award.
Might make claiming more difficult with no current evidence but much of the time it is possible to get a good outcome.
I will add that it depends on how good and honest the assessor is. I count myself as very lucky that I got one of the decent ones.

[barbiejane]

I only see my neurologist once a year and that’s only for about 19 minutes and my MS nurse only when I need her .
I was awarded PIP 3 months ago and i had some recompended by the CAB .They are a charity that helps people with all sorts .I know it’s difficult but please try not to stress and when the dreaded brown envelope arrives go to CAB for help

[Archersmate]

My neurologist discharged me two years ago, I no longer have a MS nurse, CAB in my area have a very long wait before you can get an appointment, there are no other welfare rights advisers in my area/borough, and CAB can only support you during the process of MR/tribunal.

My last ESA reassessment was done as a paper based review but only after they gave me the runaround, I also got a paper based review for PIP.

But after nearly nine years the assessment process is still making the same terrible judgements so I've got no confidence in the system.