Hello, I am new on here. Just need some advice - much appreciated. (Sorry It's long)

[Shystar]

Hello, I really need some advice here. Thanks If anyone can help me out here.

Some background about me. I was born with Klippel-Feil Syndrome (fused upper-vertebrate in the neck region - shorten of the neck - also indicated the inability to move the head normally. This combines with neck, back and shoulder pain and inability to lift heavy objects/sports etc) I was born with a Cleft Palate with left me mild speech impediment from the affects with of hearing loss from birth. Was unable to develop normal speech which has left me with a noticeable speech impediment. I am profoundly deaf in my left ear and severe deafness in my right ear. I use an hearing aid in my right ear.

Right I am a single mum of one, my son will turn 7 in March. Automatic I will have to go on Jobseekers, which I am not ready as I am struggling with mild depression. As I do go to counselling session every forthnightly. The main reason is people stare at me everyday due to my disability and lack in confidant. I cannot deal with the staring and I have always find it hard to interact with people. People sometimes find it hard to understand me because of my speech impediment. My son, who is a healthy without no health problem, keep me going basically. I always tend to go out, when there is not many people about. I really dislike going food shopping, people tend to stare at me there more and I get very self conscious of it.

Just wondering If I could Claim ESA? I am on DLA for both lower rates.

Sorry about my Grammers/Spelling, as I do have some difficulties with my literally.

Thanks

Natty.

[Carneucopia]

Hi Natty - I can't help wondering what benefits you were on before your son was born? Health wise I doubt your situation will have changed much since then, although of course you are suffering some depression.
As far as actually going on 'sick' is concerned the first stage hasn't changed much in the last 7 or 8 years - except that now you would have to claim ESA - Employment Support Allowance - rather than the old Incapacity Benefit - and the first phase of your claim would last only 13 weeks before you would be called for an assessment.
There's plenty of other discussion and information on here about how ESA works, but you would first need to ask your GP if he thinks you should be 'on sick'. If so he will give you a sick note and you make your ESA claim.
It really is down to your GP's opinion initially as to whether you are unfit for work or not. If not then yes, you will need to start signing on. But if you do, you can ask to be referred to a specialist advisor at the Jobcentre - a Disability Employment Advisor. They are usually quite human and helpful so please try not to worry about it too much. Maybe explain that you would like a late afternoon appointment and a private interview area, and try to get a lift or taxi there.
Best of luck - let us know how you get on and if you need any more help/advice with ESA.

[Shystar]

Thank you for replying back to me.

I lost my DLA in 1997 (When I turned 16) Then I applied DLA again in 2004, then I got turn down and went to an appeal with a Deaf Support Worker. Of course I won and got the DLA for life (I think). From the age of 18 I was on Jobseekers till I was 24. (I fell pregnant with my son) I applied for jobs after jobs, I went to jobs interviews. I used to get turned down and got used to it toward the end. I personally think It's due to my disability (As It's very noticeable with the neck region) and some couldn't understand me because of my speech Impediment. So I hate to admit this, I never had a job basically. From there I didn't really get much helped from the Jobscentre, they were pretty useless and not really sympathetic.

I know I will be coming off from Income Support in March (My son will turn 7). Should I go and see my GP, asked to If I could go on ESA or claim before that. As I am confused how to go about it basically?

Thanks.

[Duncan]

You certainly can apply for ESA as you are deaf and have a speech impediment. Your GP should have no problem issuing a medical certificate confirming your disability.

But, you would get more benefit by signing on for Jobseekers Allowance as you would continue to get the disability premium which is not paid on ESA.

[davewhit]

You certainly can apply for ESA as you are deaf and have a speech impediment. Your GP should have no problem issuing a medical certificate confirming your disability.

But, you would get more benefit by signing on for Jobseekers Allowance as you would continue to get the disability premium which is not paid on ESA.

there is IMO no way being deaf and having speech problems will get 15 points

Making self understood through speaking, writing, typing, or other means normally used; unaided by another person.
she would be asked to write a note might get



Has some difficulty conveying a simple message to strangers. 6 points

Has some difficulty understanding a simple message from a stranger due to sensory impairment. 6 points covers deaf

[Duncan]

there is IMO no way being deaf and having speech problems will get 15 points

Making self understood through speaking, writing, typing, or other means normally used; unaided by another person.
she would be asked to write a note might get



Has some difficulty conveying a simple message to strangers. 6 points

Has some difficulty understanding a simple message from a stranger due to sensory impairment. 6 points covers deaf

Plus; unable to navigate unfamilier surroundings without being accompanied due to sensory imparement 9 points.

Or;

Has significant difficulty convaying a message to strangers 15 points.

Or;

Has significant difficulty understanding a simple message from a stranger. 15 points.

[davewhit]

Plus; unable to navigate unfamilier surroundings without being accompanied due to sensory imparement 9 points.

Or;

Has significant difficulty convaying a message to strangers 15 points.

Or;

Has significant difficulty understanding a simple message from a stranger. 15 points.

I agree with you, but whats the chance of DM giving that many points ? given the fact the person has posted on here and we understood the posts ? as for the sensory one if blind yes but deaf doubt it.. I agree it should be 15 across the board but playing devils advocate she would IMO and having read lots of posts on many boards think said points would not be awarded till tribunal

but why do it the easy way when atos and dm can **** things up

[Shystar]

Thank you for all the replies, really appreciated.

So basically If I do apply for ESA, do you need to get certain points to get on ESA then? How many points does it take to be placed into the support group or worked-related group? I just read some info on ESA on Directgov.

I have decided to go to my local CAB about Benefits wise etc. I am going to e-mail them and book an appointment If I can.

I don't use BSL, as my parents did not wanted me to learn BSL. I went to mainstream school thoughout my school years. I just use Oral Speaking, as I went to Speech Therapy for number of years. I lipread and at times It's draining, If people do not understand me. I repeat so many times till they understood me or write it down.

Just wondering when can I apply for ESA? Now or once I am off Income Support?

Thanks

Natty.

[davewhit]

Thank you for all the replies, really appreciated.

So basically If I do apply for ESA, do you need to get certain points to get on ESA then? How many points does it take to be placed into the support group or worked-related group? I just read some info on ESA on Directgov.

I have decided to go to my local CAB about Benefits wise etc. I am going to e-mail them and book an appointment If I can.

I don't use BSL, as my parents did not wanted me to learn BSL. I went to mainstream school thoughout my school years. I just use Oral Speaking, as I went to Speech Therapy for number of years. I lipread and at times It's draining, If people do not understand me. I repeat so many times till they understood me or write it down.

Just wondering when can I apply for ESA? Now or once I am off Income Support?

Thanks

Natty.

get expert advise as when to apply for ESA you need 15 points to get ESA........... the support group is for very sick people hard to get in even people who should be in as having treatemnt for cancer have trouble getting in

I think IMO you have very little chance of getting in that said if you apply for esa nad get it and dont get in then you can appeal but that has the chance of losing the work group esa money.. what you and everyone needs is expert advise from someone who has all your information at hand to make proper decsion to advise you with

[Shystar]

get expert advise as when to apply for ESA you need 15 points to get ESA........... the support group is for very sick people hard to get in even people who should be in as having treatemnt for cancer have trouble getting in

I think IMO you have very little chance of getting in that said if you apply for esa nad get it and dont get in then you can appeal but that has the chance of losing the work group esa money.. what you and everyone needs is expert advise from someone who has all your information at hand to make proper decsion to advise you with

Thank for the info.

I agree with you, firstly I think I need to go to speak to someone at CAB, to advise me which benefits I'd be better off later on. If I have a little chance of getting on to ESA, then I will sign on the Jobseekers and just explain my situation with my depression etc. Just hope they will not put extra pressure on me as such, I have had been diagnosed with Depression/Social Anxiety couple of months ago. Which I am getting some professional help to deal with it.

Should I inform the DLA about my Depression/Social Anxiety? Or just leave it for it now?

Thanks.